This Scenic Road Trip Takes You To All 7 Wonders Of Wyoming
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Wyoming is a state full of wonders, and narrowing the natural wonders of Wyoming down to seven is quite a task. If you’ve only got a week or so to explore the state and want to see as much as possible, pack up your camping gear and head out on a journey to see the Seven Wonders of Wyoming.
Jenny Lake, Wyoming 83414, USA
This gorgeous glacial lake is one of the gems of Grand Teton National Park. It's nearly 2 square miles big and has a maximum depth of 423 feet - which is crazy to think about! Jenny Lake is a popular spot for hikers and photographers alike. There are several easy-to-moderate trails accessible from the lake, and it's hard to beat a sunrise or sunset on this crystal-clear water. If you're looking for a campsite, get here before 8 a.m., when it opens. It often fills quickly, especially in the summer. If you miss a spot, try Gros Ventre Campground nearby.
One of the best ways to enjoy Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park is by taking a scenic drive. Learn more in this video from We're in the Rockies:
One of the best ways to enjoy Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park is by taking a scenic drive. Learn more in this video from We're in the Rockies:
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Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Wyoming 82190, USA
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone was carved over millions of years by the Yellowstone River. There are two major waterfalls that feed the river, and one little-known horsetail falls in between. The canyon is half a mile wide and up to 900 feet deep, and it's truly awe-inspiring.
Okay, we can't just leave the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as the only wonder here. Stop by at least one geyser basin while you're in Yellowstone because the landscapes and hot springs are like nothing you've ever seen before. Canyon Campground is one of Yellowstone's largest, and you'll likely have no trouble reserving a spot a few weeks in advance. If you're planning the trip in the busy summer months, make a reservation as early as possible.
Okay, we can't just leave the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone as the only wonder here. Stop by at least one geyser basin while you're in Yellowstone because the landscapes and hot springs are like nothing you've ever seen before. Canyon Campground is one of Yellowstone's largest, and you'll likely have no trouble reserving a spot a few weeks in advance. If you're planning the trip in the busy summer months, make a reservation as early as possible.
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Beartooth Highway, Wyoming 82414, USA
Your journey east from Yellowstone should include the Beartooth Highway, which winds its way through the Absaroka Range, into Montana, and back down into Wyoming. This breathtaking drive is a high-elevation road that's among the most beautiful drives in the entire world. Your trip along the Beartooth Highway may be a good time to stay in a hotel and enjoy some rustic accommodations. The Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge is a great choice, but you'll find several small Inns and even a few chain hotels along your trip. Make your reservations at least a month in advance to ensure you've got a cozy place to stay.
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Devils Tower, WY 82714, USA
Devils Tower was America's first National Monument. This mysterious monolith is significant to native populations, and the legends surrounding its creation are fascinating. Hiking and camping in the area is an experience you'll never forget. You'll find both hotel accommodations and camping spots all throughout the Devils Tower area. Camping here will show off some of the darkest skies in the country, and it's worth tracking down a site.
Learn more about Devils Tower in this video from We're in the Rockies:
Learn more about Devils Tower in this video from We're in the Rockies:
Hell's Half Acre, Wyoming, USA
Hells Half Acre is Wyoming's answer to Bryce Canyon. It's not quite as majestic, but it's also not quite as crowded, no matter when you visit! This unique landscape is something that every Wyomingite should see at least once in their lives. You'll find plenty of campgrounds near Casper, which is the closest big town to Hells Half Acre. Of course, there are plenty of hotels in Casper as well!
Castle Gardens Petroglyphs, WY-136, Riverton, WY 82501, USA
Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site is a unique spot that Wyoming's very first residents left behind. You'll find fascinating rock art that has been braving the elements for thousands of years, against all odds. You'll likely need a high-clearance vehicle to make it out here - and be sure to get gas in Rawlins because this is truly in the middle of nowhere. You won't find many camping options nearby, but Rawlins is the closest nearby town and has plenty of hotels where you can catch a good night's sleep.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Wyoming, USA
Flaming Gorge is the last of this trip's impressive features. The reservoir is in Wyoming, and much of the Gorge extends down into Utah. This is one place in the state where you can find dangerous rattlesnakes, so watch where you step as you hike around! Enjoy breathtaking sunsets and sunrises among the gorgeous red rock. We truly recommend camping here - it's one of the finest places in Wyoming to pitch a tent. Stateline Cove Campground is always a great spot to stay.
One of the most scenic places in Wyoming is this unique peninsula in Jug Hollow. Check out the beautiful Flaming Gorge Reservoir in this video from Grand Adventure:
One of the most scenic places in Wyoming is this unique peninsula in Jug Hollow. Check out the beautiful Flaming Gorge Reservoir in this video from Grand Adventure:
After you’ve spent some time exploring the Cowboy State, be sure to share your best travel experiences with us by leaving a comment! How many natural wonders of Wyoming have you seen firsthand?
One of the best ways to enjoy the state is by renting an RV from RVShare and then taking a scenic road trip to Wyoming. Try one or more of these epic Wyoming road trips.
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More to Explore
Even more Wyoming natural wonders
What are some of the most scenic areas of Wyoming?
Wyoming has so many scenic areas it is hard to keep track of them all. Here are a few Wyoming natural wonders you may or may not have heard about but should check out as soon as you can:
- Cloud Peak Skyway, Ten Sleep, WY: One of the best ways to enjoy Wyoming is by taking a scenic road trip. US Route 16 is a 64-mile scenic byway through the beautiful Big Horn National Forest. This route can be awfully slippery in the winter so a summer or fall cruise will treat you to epic views and safe driving conditions.
- Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, WY: When it comes to fascinating and scenic places in Wyoming, this one stands out as a winner. It is the largest hot spring in the world with vibrant rings of colors caused by microbial mats and living organisms in the superheated water. You can hike right up to the spring on boardwalk trails or for an even more incredible view, take a helicopter tour and experience it from above.
- Shell Falls: Traveling along the Bighorn Scenic Byway (a beautiful scenic area in its own right), you'll find a turn-off for the Shell Falls Interpretive Site. After a short walk, you'll reach the falls themselves deep in a rocky canyon. It is a 120-foot waterfall that cuts through the canyon walls like a hot knife through butter - of course, it took millions of years to do so.
For even more natural wonders and scenic places in Wyoming, check out this list of ten places you have to stop in Wyoming during your next road trip.