It’s time to hit the road!
Buckle up for a road trip through northern Wyoming, a region often overlooked but packed with world-class natural wonders. I recently ventured from Calgary into the beauty of Wyoming’s lesser-known spots with my partner and my dog.
If I could describe Wyoming, I would say it’s a combination of a semiarid, desert-like landscape combined with the mountains of the Canadian Rockies. For every nature lover out there, it’s hands down one of the best geological wonders I’ve ever visited.
Let’s dive into my top five must-see destinations in northern Wyoming.
Devil’s Tower: A Testament to Nature’s Beauty
America’s first national monument, Devil’s Tower, stands as a giant amidst the landscape. Renowned for its striking rock columns, it’s a climber’s dream and a sacred place steeped in Native American history. Have you ever seen the 1977 movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind? The tower served as the backdrop for this UFO-themed, classic film.
We spent half a day walking around its massive base, watching climbers of all skill levels traverse the tower. I recommend spending a night at a nearby teepee. An experience everyone should have once in their life. When visiting the tower, make sure you arrive early to beat the crowds.
Bighorn National Forest: More Than Just a Walk in the Woods
Spanning over a million acres, Bighorn National Forest is a haven for hiking, camping and wildlife spotting. We did four hikes in the forest, and they were all breathtaking! The two best hikes we did were to the top of Devils Canyon and Tongue Creek Canyon. Both are a must if you are visiting Wyoming and want to see some incredible scenery. These trails are moderate in difficulty, allowing you to immerse yourself in Wyoming’s beauty.
One of the coolest features about a trip to Bighorn National Forest is that the drive spans along the crest of the mountains. The Bighorn Scenic Byway stretches along Highway 14 for 93 kilometres (58 miles) of switchbacks and steep grades. We still felt safe as we drove up, across and back down the range. Make sure you watch for wildlife on the side of the road. We had close encounters with deer, a moose and mountain sheep!
Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis: Soak Your Worries Away
Thermopolis is a sanctuary of relaxation. Here you will find the world’s largest mineral hot springs, with warm waters and healing minerals. We loved soaking in these free hot springs and relaxing. You can explore the park on foot or by car. Don’t forget to look for the herd of bison that roams this area. They are photogenic!
Bighorn Canyon: Discovering the Undiscovered
A hidden gem is undoubtedly the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. We wandered along various trails, each showing a new view of the expansive canyon and the meandering Bighorn River below. If you are looking to escape the crowds and connect with nature, this is the place to do it. Besides hiking, there are endless other activities the area supports, including biking, boating and fishing. If you are lucky, you may find the largest wild horse herd in the United States. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in finding them. The area stretches 120,000 acres, and the canyon is over 88 kilometres long, so you can probably understand why we didn’t find them.
Yellowstone National Park: A World of Wonders
No journey through northern Wyoming would be complete without visiting Yellowstone National Park. Famous for its spouting geysers, springs, hiking trails and vast wildlife, the park takes you through diverse landscapes.
The park boasts some of the best geothermal wonders you will ever see. Plan your visit to Old Faithful to catch the eruption that can reach up to 184 feet (56 metres). Make sure you explore the trails around the geyser.
Make your way to the Grand Prismatic Spring to catch the beauty of the third largest hot springs in the world. Be smart and remember that the spring is not for soaking in like the hot springs in Thermopolis. Stay on the boardwalks. There are many other bubbling pots, smaller geysers, hiking trails and springs to explore. You can easily spend a few days in the park. Unfortunately, we only had time to spend one day exploring.
For the best experience, wake up early and witness the park coming to life. Be respectful of nature—bison and bears are not your friends. Stay in your car and do not approach the wildlife. If you do bring your pup with you, note that dogs are not allowed in most places within the park, except for campgrounds and parking lots.
We ended our road trip here and ventured up into Montana from the northern end of the park. We made our way to Helena to stay overnight before heading home.
Remember that the true essence of a road trip through Wyoming isn’t just found in the touristy places you visit, but also in the hidden gems and beautiful scenery. Northern Wyoming will amaze and inspire you, like it did us. Wyoming has pegged itself as one of the top destinations I have visited in the USA. I can’t wait to go back and explore more.
The post Explore the Beauty of Northern Wyoming: Top 5 Places to Visit on Your Road Trip Adventure first appeared on Explore Magazine.