Have you ever dreamed of a life filled with adventure? One where you wake up to the smell of the forest or hear the whisper of the mountain breeze as it caresses your face? Where you get to conquer formidable peaks and splash in crystal clear waters? If yes, then look no further than Wyoming.

The Beauty of Wyoming

Oddly enough, Wyoming has the lowest population despite being the 10th largest state. It’s a land of expansive mountain ranges and wilderness. For those who live here, its low population density is part of what makes Wyoming attractive – less urban bustle with more room to enjoy nature.

No words can fully describe Wyoming’s natural beauty. Featuring a unique blend of arid landscapes, lush woodlands, and untamed rivers, the scenery is truly out of this world. If you love the outdoors, you can’t go wrong with moving to the Cowboy State.

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy your transition to Wyoming to the fullest.

Hiking and Camping

A guide on Wyoming adventures wouldn’t be complete without mentioning hiking or camping. Great news if you love to trek! Here in Wyoming, you’ll work your feet sore wandering miles of dirt-covered paths or venturing along undiscovered trails. Do you like pitching a tent? Even better! Explore six national parks, nine million acres of wilderness, over a hundred mountains, forty-three developed campgrounds, and more than 700 individual campsites!

Living here means a lifetime of fun. But before you start packing, below are basic must-knows when going out in the wild.

  • Beware of bears. Never forget that the wilderness is home to thousands of animals. Although black bears are shy by nature and rarely attack humans (unless provoked), they can sometimes get attracted to the smell of food in campsites. Brown bears (also known as grizzly bears) are more aggressive by nature. Wyoming is home to both types of bears. Make sure to store your rations in a bear-safe canister and properly dispose of leftovers during the night.
  • The nights are cold. This is expected in high-altitude areas, so it’s a good idea to invest in insulated sleeping bags or pack extra blankets when camping.
  • Brace yourself for unpredictable weather. Don’t bet your plans on a bright sunny day, as it could start storming at any moment. In the summer months, it’s not uncommon to start out on a morning hike in full sun only to have clouds and thunderstorms roll in after lunch. Be prepared for all sorts of weather conditions.
  • Bring sunscreen. Think you’re safe from the sun under the shade of thick trees? Not exactly. In fact, the high-altitude mountains bring you closer to the sun, intensifying UV rays.

Alright! Equipped with some survival knowledge, now’s the time to go on an adventure!

A guide on Wyoming adventures wouldn’t be complete without mentioning hiking or camping.

Best Places in WY for Camping and Hiking

Whether you like to camp in a big group or go out with just a couple of friends, there’s no shortage of amazing campgrounds in big ol’ Wyoming. A visit to one of these places will be more than worth it:

  • Norris Campground: Situated in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, setting up camp at Norris Campground gives you access to everything the area has to offer. Hike the one-mile trail to witness Norris Geyser in action, unwind at the hot springs, meet the elk in Grand Loop, or simply admire the infinite stretch of pine trees from your tent.
  • Tough Creek Campground: If you like kayaking, swimming, or fishing, Touch Creek lies near the eastern edge of the Boysen Reservoir. Facing a vast body of water, enjoy the striking scenery with snowcapped mountains in the background. Plus, the camp zones are wide enough to accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers.
  • Two Moon Campground: Looking for a more intimate place where you can appreciate nature more exclusively? Head over to Glendo State Park right away. The campground features scenic lake views, mazes of pine trees, historic trails, and friendly guides. There are even eco-friendly toilets for those planning to stay overnight.
  • North Fork Campground: Don’t forget to bring your bike when setting out for North Fork. Located west of Sand Lake Road, the site is highlighted by a large reservoir, miles of paths across grassy plains, and a stunning view of the Absaroka Mountain Ranges. Plus, the campground sits near the main road, so you don’t have to worry about running out of supplies.
  • Jenny Lake Campground: This place takes pride in the lovely picture painted by the Teton Range overlooking the massive lake. Hundreds of visitors and locals flock to the campground to enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and watersport activities. A word of advice: forget prepping your RV since the site is exclusively for tents.

Two Moon Campground. The camp features scenic lake views, mazes of pine trees, historic trails, and friendly guides. Photo courtesy of WyoStateParks on Pinterest.

Fishing in Wyoming

Dotted with countless bodies of water, Wyoming is a paradise for fishing aficionados and casual fishermen alike. It’s a great place to catch record-breaking trophies or start your angling journey. Either way, here are important regulations to keep in mind.

  • Secure a fishing license. Residents and non-residents 14 years and older are required to have one. It only costs $27.00 for an annual license. Exceptions include fishing preserve permits, special permits, and landowner fishing regulations.
  • Abide by the statewide creel possession limits. You can find the exact numbers here. The restriction only applies to game fish, like trout, catfish, pike, and shovelnose sturgeon.
  • You can only fish on a boat that flows through private land. Wading and shore fishing is allowed only when the landowner permits you.
  • It is unlawful to: 
    • Capture game fish for another person.
    • Sell, barter, or trade edible portions of game fish.
    • Use dynamite and explosives to capture fish en masse.
    • Stock live game fish in Wyoming without authorization from the government.

Wyoming is a paradise for fishing aficionados and casual fishermen alike.

Top Fishing Destinations in Wyoming

It’s not easy coming up with the best fishing spots in the Cowboy State. Each body of water brims with aquatic life. Here are the finest places to go on a fishing expedition.

  • Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone isn’t only known for its scenery. It also has more than 1,000 rivers and streams that benefit from the high geothermal activity, keeping fish populations healthy. This provides anglers with an infinite source of native trout, whitefish, and cutthroat.
  • North Platte River: Prepare your bucket as you cast your line in this pristine tributary of the Platte River. Nymph fishing on its shallow waters often yields trophy trout and massive rainbowfish. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen since there are fewer trees around, especially in the Miracle Mile section.
  • Flaming Gorge Reservoir: Want to relish breathtaking scenery while waiting for a fish to grab the bait? Flaming Gorge Reservoir is the place for you. This 65-square mile freshwater reservoir never fails to enchant anglers with its azure color water that’s filled with dozens of fish species. It’s best to catch trout and salmon during spring, while summer is optimal for reeling in bass.
  • Bighorn River: A tributary of Yellowstone, Bighorn River runs across Montana and Wyoming, specifically in Thermopolis. While most people visit this small town for its hot springs, it’s also an excellent place for anglers to enjoy a prime fishing experience. Bighorn gives you plenty of opportunities to reel in rainbows, trout, and cutthroat.
  • Pinedale: Wedged near the western region of Wyoming, Pinedale is every fisherman’s delight. Mackinaws and brown trout are common in all the lakes around the town. Plus, nothing beats waiting for a bite while gaping at the magnificent view of the Rocky Mountains. Just keep in mind that areas beyond Bridger-Teton National Forest are primarily private land, so make sure to check your permits before casting your line.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Summer is optimal for reeling in bass. Photo courtesy of Flaming Gorge.

Skiing and Winter Activities in Wyoming

Despite the cold, nothing stops the Wyomingites from enjoying the snow. Winter magically transforms the rolling vast plains and dirt trails of the West into a giant outdoor playground. If you’re moving during Christmas Season, it’s the perfect time to enjoy these winter adventures:

  • National Parks Winter Tours: There’s something pleasant about snow that amplifies nature’s beauty and atmosphere. Make sure to visit Yellowstone, Grand Teton, National Elk Refuge, and any other wilderness reserve. It’s a great chance to see frozen formations and seasonal animals like the snow rabbit!
  • Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Thanks to its snowcapped peak, this place is actually open all year round! Grab your skis and cruise down the epic downhill terrain, perform wicked snowboarding tricks, rev up your snowmobile, or blast your friends with snowballs! Rendezvous Mountain has everything you need to unleash that bottled-up adrenaline on a cold day.
  • Teton Dog Sled Tours: Skiing is fun and all but have you tried riding a sled driven by a team of Alaskan dogs? Don’t miss this chance! Of course, the dogs have been trained to ensure everyone’s safety. Make sure you wear plenty of layers of warm clothing!

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Thanks to its snowcapped peak, this place is actually open all year round! Photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Reservations.

Summer Adventures in Wyoming

Brrrrr. Freezing already? Don’t worry. Time to say goodbye to the snow and greet the warm Wyoming summer sun! Hello Summer! Here are popular activities you can enjoy in the absence of snow:

  • Horseback Riding. If you find dog sleds too fancy, why not try a more traditional mode of transport? Centuries have passed, but horseback riding never gets old. Ride your own steed or hop on with an expert to venture into some of the best trails in the region, such as the Continental Divide, Targat Lake Loop, and Lamar Valley.
  • ATV and Off-road Riding. You’ll never understand the true meaning of horsepower until you conquer a rugged hill with an ATV. Riding these big bikes might seem daunting at first, but once you have a taste of the fun, it’ll be difficult to stop! For some popular ATV rentals, check out Tread ‘n’ Trails, Killpecker Sand Dunes, and Morrison Jeep Trail.
  • Rodeos.  With the nickname the “Cowboy State” it’s no surprise that rodeo is one of the main attractions. Anyway, the state’s best shows include the “Rose Bowl” of college rodeos at the College National Final Rodeo and “Daddy of ’em all” at Cheyenne Frontier Days. It’s tons of fun to watch while also genuinely reflecting the undying spirit of the West.

Here, rodeo is one of the main attractions.

Moving to Wyoming

With all these adventures that await you, it won’t be surprising if you’re itching to step on Wyoming land. Just remember this. No matter how far the destination is, moving will always be stressful. But fear not. There’s no need for you to tear your hair out. All it takes to make life easier is to book outstanding movers. They can help take the burden off your shoulders while you focus on more important aspects and, ultimately, enjoy the moving process.