Wyoming
Wyoming, the home state first national park in the US. — Yellowstone — inspires millions of people per year to get outside to see America’s beauty. Over the past few years, we’re visited Yellowstone and it’s neighbor Grand Teton numerous times. The areas natural beauty creates a sense of calm and serenity. Our knowledge predominantly centers for the western half of the state. Check out our tips below.
Recommendations
Jackson
Jackson and it’s surrounding “Hole” Valley that runs from just below Yellowstone. It includes beautiful landscapes of national preserves, country homes with horse stables, and a iconic cowboy town. Below, we’ll outline our favorite picks in town. Head to our National Park section above for more information on visiting the parks.
Food/Bar:
Hand Fire Pizza - A casual yet delicious meal in Jackson. Housed in a beautifully restored old theater, the space features a charming main dining room with an open, airy feel. The menu is simple (salads and pizza), best enjoyed with an old fashioned Coke or a craft cocktail.
The Bird - This is THE place to watch the sunset over the mountains in Jackson Hole. Enjoy with a burger and a beer.
Snake River Brewing - A go-to local brewery and a perfect place to grab a beer with friends after a long day outdoors.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar - A famous cowboy saloon featuring saddle seats at the bar. Tourist friendly but still worth a visit for the unique atmosphere.
Annie’s Thai Kitchen - A cozy, never-too-crowded spot and a favorite after long hikes. Ideal if you’re craving a big bowl of comfort food.
Art’s and Culture:
Inversion Yoga, Pilates, & Cafe - Enjoy a yoga class followed with a drink from their cafe. The “Food For Thought” smoothie is a standout.
National Museum of Wildlife Art - Set on a hill just outside of town, this museum offers stunning views and thought-provoking wildlife inspired art.
Pink Garter Theater - A local venue celebrating creativity in Jackson. If you’re in town for it, their annual production I Could Ski Forever is a must see.
Rendezvous (R) Park - A peaceful outdoor space perfect for wandering and relaxing. Ideal for a mobile lifestyle, with easy trails and views of local art, including Mama Mimi - a wooden sculpture overlooking the water.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park, located in northwestern Wyoming, is known for the distintive peaks of the Teton Range. Established in 1929, the park offers visitors breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, including elk, moose, and bald eagles. The towering Grand Teton (13,775 feet) is a favorite among climbers, while hikers enjoy miles of scenic trails that weave through alpine meadows and forests. The Snake River winds through the park, offering opportunities for paddling, fishing, and peaceful views.
Hikes
Distance: 7.3 mi
Elevation: 472 ft
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: scenic loop around Grand Teton’s main feature: Jenny Lake, option to add on a climb upward by the boat launch across the lake.
Jenny Lake, May 2021Distance: 9.3 mi
Elevation: 1,118 ft
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: A popular route ascending to Inspiration Point that continues into the canyon . Access the trailhead via the Jenny Lake ferry, or begin the hike by String Lake. Moose sightings are common.
Cascade CanyonDistance: 5.8 mi
Elevation: 767 ft
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: A reliable all-season trail and a good choice for early or late season travel when snow is present. Consider renting trekking poles or snowshoes if conditions require.
Path to Taggart Lake, May 2023Campsites
Located at the base of the Jenny Lake Trail, you can enjoy views of the lake with the convenience of walking to the visitors center.
Check iOverlander for BLM sites within Bridger–Teton National Forest. Free and low-cost options are available. Practice proper bear awareness, especially when tent camping.
Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America’s first national park, spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park is known for its dramatic landscapes, geothermal features like the iconic Old Faithful geyser, and abundant wildlife. Plan ahead when visiting. Destinations within the park are spread out, and travel times from surrounding towns are often longer than they appear on a map.
Hikes
Fairy Falls and Imperial Geyser Loop
Distance: 8.8 mi
Elevation: 410 ft
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: For the full loop, hike counterclockwise. This trail typically opens in late May due to bear management. Bison are very common. Option to shorten this hike.
Imperial GeyserDistance: 7.1 mi
Elevation: 669 ft
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This is the trail for wildlife sightings. Hike through open grasslands to see bison, eagles, antelope and wolves (most common during sunrise/sunset). If bison block your path, wait for them to move and get out of their way. You will need to cross a small stream at the start, so be prepared to remove your hiking boots.
Bison at Cache Creek (Turnaround Point of Lamar Valley TrailClear Lake Artist Point Loop Trail
Distance: 4 mi
Elevation: 429 ft
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Loop
Highlights: Walk along the rim of the “Grand Canyon” of Yellowstone. Features canyon views, colorful meadows, geothermal features, and wildlife sightings
Note: Carry bear spray while hiking (available for purchase at local outfitters).
Arist's PointPoints of Interest:
Mammoth Hot Springs - Geothermal area known for its terraces fo steaming mineral water
Old Faithful - Austin teaching a lesson from Yellowstone’s most famous geyser, eruptions occur every 90 minutes.