2023-10-24 00:14:40
Those pining for epic outdoor pursuits will find plenty to do on a road trip through the Rocky Mountains to the Teton Range in the Rockies to Tetons region, where the beauty of the Snowy, Medicine Bow, Seminoe and Wind River mountain ranges heighten the scenery. Immerse yourself in nature through activities like rock climbing, hiking and biking, and delve into Native American, women’s suffrage and frontier history. STARTING POINT: SUMMIT INFORMATION CENTER, LARAMIE A Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site | Laramie This historical site is rich with tales of “violent and desperate outlaws,” the most famous of which was Butch Cassidy. Browse exhibits on the penitentiary’s prisoners and how it became a center for agricultural experimentation for the University of Wyoming. B Albany Lodge | Laramie Flanked by the Snowy Range, Laramie Plains and Medicine Bow National Forest, this lovingly restored 1907 hotel and cafe is a terrific home base for adventures in the surrounding wild lands. C Grand Encampment Museum Encampment Wander through more than a dozen preserved historical buildings furnished with artifacts showcasing the history of the timber, mining and agricultural industries of the Upper Platte Valley at the turn of the 20th century. Don’t miss the two-story outhouse. D Hobo Hot Pool | Saratoga Soothe your travel weariness away with a soak in a natural hot-springs pool boasting a mighty toasty temperature (up to 119 degrees!). Revered by Native Americans for its peaceful, healing properties, this historical spot is tucked on the banks of the rushing Platte River. Pack a picnic to enjoy behind the pool when your fingers are sufficiently pruned. E Six Mile Gap Fishing | near Saratoga The North Platte River near Saratoga has multiple coveted fishing sections, including the Six Mile Gap — known for supplying a bounty of trophy trout. Join other eager anglers on the banks of the river on your own or connect with a local guide and outfitter. Find one starting on p. 102. F Wyoming Frontier Prison | Rawlins More than 13,500 people were incarcerated at the “Old Pen” during its 80 years of operation, including 11 women. Tour the prison, built in 1901 just three blocks off Main Street, to gain insight into its fascinatingly dark past. G South Pass City State Historic Site near South Pass City Drive the Wyoming Women’s Suffrage Pathway, a 19-mile segment of Hwy. 28, on your way to a living ghost town complete with 17 authentically restored structures. The 1860s-era mining town is where Esther Hobart Morris served as justice of the peace and became the first woman to hold political office in the U.S. H Lander Bar | Lander Originally opened as a saloon in 1908, the bar served as a hotel, brothel and boarding house — among other things — before it was turned back into a saloon. Order a whiskey or craft beer, the best thirst quenchers after a day of rock climbing at nearby Sinks Canyon State Park. I Museum of the American West | Lander Wander among original late-1800s log cabins and a white-painted schoolhouse for period artifacts like old-fashioned writing slates and quills. Indoor/outdoor exhibits teach about the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho peoples, the area’s later inhabitants and what life was like on the Western frontier. J Wind River Indian Reservation Driving Tour This self-guided tour of the Wind River Indian Reservation takes visitors to sites significant to the history and culture of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes who call it home, including the grave of Chief Washakie, the last chief of the Shoshone tribe. Learn more at windriver.org. K National Bighorn Sheep Center | Dubois The world’s largest wintering herd of bighorn sheep roams this remote area. Stop by the National Bighorn Sheep Center to view exhibits about the majestic mammals and set up a guided or solo tour to see them in their natural habitat. END POINT: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK SOUTH ENTRANCE Find more along the Rockies to Tetons route at TravelWY.com/rockiestotetons. Tripadvisor-Approved Stops in the ROCKIES TO TETONS REGION VEDAUWOO CAMPGROUND & RECREATION AREA | Buford “Great for a quick stop off the highway, a day trip or overnight camping. Wow, I was so impressed with the variety of trails and camping options. There are trails for all ages and abilities. There are many places to stop for pictures and a few bathrooms through the national-forest area. They have some official campsites set up with picnic tables, fire pits and grills but you can also find some very secluded private areas. Be aware: There are strong winds, so you need to anchor your tent and secure all belongings from both the wind and bears.” — Arty_mom MEDICINE BOW-ROUTE NATIONAL FOREST | near Laramie “Less than an hour from Laramie, the national forest is a must-see for hikers and other outdoors lovers. We took the loop trail to Medicine Bow Peak (clockwise) and it was fantastic; the views were amazing and the hike was a challenge. We were happy we brought our poles for crossing a large snowfield and coming down the steep trail near the peak. Get there early for parking in summer as the lot filled up quickly, as did parts of the trail.” — DillonM1905 SARATOGA HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA | SARATOGA “Our enjoyment of this place began with the delightful ladies at the front checking us in — what a treat to be greeted in this manner after being on the road all day. The beds and rooms were clean and comfortable, and the hot springs are literally steps away from the front door of each room. The resort boasts a brewery and restaurant on-site as well as a nine-hole golf course that was excellent. My buddies and I do a golf trip every June and this will certainly be our destination next year.” — Mistere92105 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MILITARY VEHICLES | Dubois “This is an incredible private collection of historic military vehicles and memorabilia. We took two free guided tours. The morning was through [the WWII section], complete with the history of the battles. Then, after a huge lunch at the on-site cantina, the afternoon tour [featured] the Korean conflict and Vietnam. Well worth the trip to Dubois.” — Brian G MORE TRIPADVISOR IDEAS = ACCESSIBLE NATURAL AREAS Bella’s Bistro Saratoga Carbon County Museum Rawlins Dubois Badlands Dubois Laramie Plains Museum Laramie American Heritage Center Laramie Lander Bake Shop Lander Lollypops Saratoga Nici Self Historical Museum Centennial Wind River Heritage Center Riverton Wind River Hotel & Casino Riverton Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument near Laramie Historic Wolf Hotel Saratoga Rustic Pine Tavern Dubois Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel Lander Snowy Mountain Brewery & Pub Saratoga Svilar’s Bar & Dining Room Hudson Find more Wyoming things to do at tripadvisor.com.
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