Posted in Wyoming
December 24, 2017
8 Sensational Things To Do In Wyoming This Winter That Don’t Require Skis
Wyoming has a reputation for being a skier’s paradise. Even though our awesome resorts are routinely named among the top places to ski in the country, that’s not all there is to do in the Cowboy State in wintertime.
The vast, unspoiled wilderness in Wyoming teams up with the snow to provide the opportunity for many things to do during the nearly 8 months that make up our extended winter season. In fact, here are 8 fun and downright thrilling things to do in Wyoming once the snow flies, and none of them require skis.
Wyoming is loaded with wide open spaces, and when they're covered in snow, it's the perfect place to go snowmobiling. One particularly popular spot is the Brooks Lake/Togwotee area. Bring your own snowmobiles in, or rent them nearby. There are two cozy, rustic lodges where you can stay so you can spend more than one day speeding through the snow.
Winter gets cold enough in Wyoming to freeze many of the waterfalls, so we went ahead and made a sport of it. The South Fork Valley near Cody is one of the most popular places for ice climbing, and you don't need to hike out into the wilderness to find a challenging wall of ice to tackle. Many popular ice pillars are just a few minutes walk from the road. Take caution: this is one extreme sport novices shouldn't take on by themselves. Have a local climbing guide from Cody help outfit you and take you up on the ice.
All of the parks and forests that draw visitors to Wyoming in the summer are ideal places to go snowshoeing in the winter. May we suggest the Vedauwoo area in the Medicine Bow National Forest, or Grand Teton National Park? You can even get a ranger for a guide if you opt for GTNP. Pack a lunch and make a day of it. You'll enjoy a peaceful day of solitude in the pristine winter wilderness, and you're likely to spot some wildlife, too.
Not all the wintertime activities in Wyoming require bundling up. There are a number of natural hot springs across the state where you can relax and take the chill off. Many people enjoy the pools at Saratoga or Hot Springs State Park, but few offer the downright divine view you get from the pool at Granite Hot Springs.
This is one wintertime activity that may not be for everyone, but those who do give it a go find it exhilarating. Plus, it's the perfect solution for campers who don't want to put away their tents once the snow flies. The Snowy Range or the Wind River Range are popular places to snowshoe in and pitch a tent.
Not every winter adventure in Wyoming centers around snow, so if you're looking for a break from it all, Sinks Canyon near Lander has the southern exposure that could have you stripping down to one layer of clothing. It's a challenging and fun place for rock climbing plus, if number 5 above didn't appeal to you, you can rent a yurt here for some less extreme winter camping.
The National Elk Refuge on the edge of Jackson Hole is a gorgeous spot where large herds of majestic elk spend the winter. The best way to get a gander of the magnificent beasts up close is to take a horse-drawn sleigh ride across the icy tundra right into the midst of the herd.
...or just watch the thrilling events from the sidelines. There are a few dog sled races throughout Wyoming each winter including ones in Jackson and Casper as well as an epic race that crosses a big chunk of the western side of the state. Alternatively, there are also outfitters in Jackson and Cheyenne who will take you on a dog sled tour of different parts of the Cowboy State.
Have you tried any of these sensational wintertime activities?
What non-skiing activities do you like to participate in during the winter in Wyoming?
