Wyoming
Wyoming, the home state to the most popular national park in the US. Yellowstone inspires over 4 million people per year to get outside and 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 to biphobic city dwellers. Our knowledge of the state is predominantly for the western half of the state. Check out our tips below
Our Recommendations
Towns
Jackson
National Parks
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Jackson
Jackson and it’s surrounding “Hole” valley that runs from just below Yellowstone to Munger Mountain. It includes beautiful landscapes of national preserves, country homes with horse stables, and a small 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 - if you’re looking for a casual yet tasty meal in Jackson, HFP is your pick. The restaurant, an old theater that’s been beautifully repurposed, features a main dining room with character and open space. The menu is simple - salad and pizza. Enjoy with an old fashioned coke or alcoholic beverage.
The Bird - an all American spot for burgers, beer, and other pub fare. A local favorite due to it’s views of the mountains, best seen at sunset.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar - famous cowboy bar that features saddles as seats, touristy but worth checking out!
Snake River Brewing - you can’t go wrong with a local brewery. It’s a nice spot to grab a brew with friend after a long day outside.
Annie’s Thai Kitchen - a spot we’ve been to multiple times after a long day of hiking. The inside is cozy and never too crowded. A good pick if you’re looking for a big bowl of comfort food.
Art’s and Culture:
Inversion Yoga, Pilates, & Cafe - take a yoga class and grab a drink after, the “Food For Thought” smoothie is my favorite
National Museum of Wildlife Art - a museum set on top of hill just outside of town with a beautiful view outside and thought provoking art inside.
Pink Garter Theater - local artists cultivating creativity in Jackson. If you’re in town for it, their annual production of “I Could Ski Forever” will win over a visitors heart.
Rendezvous (R) Park - a space to be outside and wander. This is a quiet spot to hang out for the day ideal for a mobile lifestyle. Easy trails offer view of local art such as the Mama Mimi, a wooden lady that overlooks the water.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is America's first national park and extends into parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Well known for its stunning landscapes, geothermal features like the iconic Old Faithful geyser, and diverse wildlife, Yellowstone is a terrestrial wonder. Research your destination before visiting, as the park’s points of attraction can be a long drive from one to another, as is the drive to get into the park itself from the surrounding towns.
Hikes:
Fairy Falls and Imperial Geyser Loop - this trail opens in late May due to bear management. If you’d like to do the full loop, we’d recommend to go counterclockwise. This moderate hike brings you through a less travel marsh where bison sightings are common. The trail unfolds to spectacular views of various geysers and fairy falls. You can shorten this hike by walking out and back to imperial geyser and fairy falls.
Lamar Valley Trail - this is the trail for wildlife sightings. Embark on this out and back trail through the grasslands to see bison, eagles wolfs, and antelopes. Be mindful of bison - if they block your path move or waiting for them to get out of your way (stay at least 100ft away). You may need to cross a small stream so be prepared to take off your hiking boots.
Clear Lake Artist Point Loop Trail - along the “Grand Canyon” of Yellowstone, this hike features canyon views, shady forests, blue lakes, colored meadows, and geothermal activity, and even wildlife sightings, what more can you need!
*Please carry bear spray (you can purchase at a local percentiles) while hiking
Campsites:
Bay Bridge Campground - alongside Yellowstone Lake, this campground is a great pick for camping inside the park. Reservations are booked Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
Canyon Campground - located along Canyon Village, this is a great pick if you’d like to have the peace of camping nearby stores, restaurants, and lodging. It’s a quick drive to the “Grand Canyon” of Yellowstone from here
Slough Creek Campground - a remote campground immersed in nature. Wildlife sightings are common here. This would be a great campground pick if you’re planning on hiking the Lamar Valley trail. Be sure to pack enough water as there’s no source of potable water here.
Mammoth Campground - the northernmost campground of the park that’s walkable to the hot spring terraces
Indian Creek Campground - a quieter, more primitive option option close to Mammoth Hot Springs
Grant Campground - located at the southern entrance to Yellowstone, it would be a good pick for the night if you’re coming from Grand Teton and would like to stay in the National Park. Please note, there are lower cost camping options and free BLM spots in the Bridger-Teton forest, just south of Yellowstone and north of Grand Teton.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park, located in northwestern Wyoming, is renowned for the jagged 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, standing at 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 rafting, fishing, and stunning views of this awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Hikes:
Jenny Lake Trail - a moderate loop of the famous Jenny Lake. At the trailhead, you’ll find a busy lot that services the visitors center. The 7 mile loop wraps around the lake, with options to add on to inspiration point, hidden falls, and cascade canyon.
Cascade Canyon - a beautiful hike to inspiration point, hidden falls, then through the canyon with a high likelihood of spotting a moose. You will need to take the ferry across or hike around Jenny Lake (adds 7 miles). Expect a crowd during peak hours as it’s a popular pick in the park.
Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop - a moderate loop that take you to not one but two lakes! This is another one that gets busy so we recommend going early or late.
String Lake Trail - our easiest recommendation at 3.7 miles. This loops takes you around String Lake and features beautiful mountain views.
Campsites:
Jenny Lake Campground - 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 spots located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. There are FREE and low cost camping options. Be bear aware if tent camping.