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450 BIRD SPECIES 100 MAMMAL SPECIES The bison is the state mammal and the meadowlark is the state bird. 97,800 SQ. MILES 48 percent of Wyoming’s lands are public, meaning there are endless possibilities for recreating in Wyoming’s great outdoors — including state and national parks, and national forests. 7 TH LARGEST RESERVATION The Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, is the seventh largest Native American reservation in the U.S. and the only reservation to house two tribes. 6 PEOPLE PER 1 SQ. MILE While the state is the 10th largest in the U.S. in square mileage, it is the least populated, with six people for every square mile — ensuring there’s plenty of room to roam without the crowds. WYOMING TIPS MAKE RESERVATIONS Most Wyoming campsites require reservations, especially during peak season, May–September. Luckily, there are online reservation systems to help: TravelWY.com/state-park-reservations, recreation.gov and yellowstonenationalparklodges.com. CELL COVERAGE Cell service and bandwidth are limited in Wyoming’s more remote areas, so don’t be surprised if you can’t receive calls or texts or access the internet. Download maps and other key travel information before you hit the road. When exploring the great outdoors, always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. Disconnecting can be a good thing, of course, but only if you’ve planned for it. PACK SMART Wyoming’s wide elevation range means temperatures can swing drastically depending on region and even time of day. No matter the season, plan to dress in easily removable layers and bring a water-resistant jacket. Wear your parka, hat and gloves in winter. PET RULES Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash, pack out the poops and check ahead so you know where your pup may or may not be welcome. Turn to p. 54 to learn about pet rules at national parks and monuments. BE ALTITUDE READY Many of Wyoming’s popular destinations are pretty high up. It may take you a couple days to acclimate, especially if you’re coming from sea level. Remember: Drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol and rest for a day or two before doing anything too strenuous. DRIVE SAFELY Always remember to observe posted speed limits. Please use pullouts to watch wildlife, take pictures and let other cars pass. Keep in mind that gas and service stops might be few and far between, so fill up when you can. Highways will shut down for hazardous winter-driving conditions, so please check routes before heading out and be flexible with travel plans. Find more driving tips at TravelWY.com/cartravel. ACCESSIBLE OUTDOORS Wyoming’s great outdoors are for everyone to enjoy, which is why we’ve taken care to call out nature sites with accessible features for people with disabilities using this symbol . Call ahead for the most up-to-date accessibility information at your chosen destination. Learn more about accessibility in Wyoming at TravelWY.com/accessibility. RESPECT WILDLIFE Do not approach animals to take pictures and always remember to be aware of your surroundings. Please don’t feed the wildlife. 3 PRINCIPLES OF WY RESPONSIBLY Together, we can keep Wyoming wild and free. As the least populated state with the most room for adventure, we recognize the responsibility of being mindful stewards of our land, animals, culture and communities. We invite you to travel the state to witness the beauty for yourself while doing so responsibly. 1. ADVENTURE Wyoming’s wide-open spaces make for epic adventures. These public spaces are a finite resource, making us all caretakers for future generations. As you plan your trip, utilize the know-before-you-go motto to create a fun and sustainable adventure. 2. WILDLIFE Wyoming’s wild animals are plentiful and powerful. While it is widely known that Wyoming has some of the best wildlife viewing, we want our visitors to stay mindful of their impacts. Not only should you keep your distance for safety; you’ll also ensure you are keeping their habitats safe and untouched. 3. COMMUNITY The spirit of the West is wild and welcoming. But it’s not reckless. We love welcoming visitors into our communities and hope they experience our Western hospitality. Please visit locally owned stores and restaurants as you travel the state to lift up our communities. Find WY Responsibly travel tips scattered throughout this guide. Learn more at TravelWY.com/wyresponsibly. IMPORTANT FIRSTS 1869 The Wyoming Territory approved the first unconditional law in the U.S. permanently guaranteeing women their inherent right to vote and hold office more than 50 years before women could vote and hold office in the U.S. 1872 Yellowstone was designated America’s first national park by President Ulysses S. Grant. 1904 The term “dude ranch” was coined at Eatons’ Ranch in Wolf, which is the country’s first and oldest dude ranch and still welcomes guests today. 1906 Devils Tower was designated America’s first national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt. 1 Bear River State Park & Travel Information Center, Evanston, I-80 | Exit 6 2 Cody Country Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, Take U.S. 14/16/20 to Cody 3 Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, I-80 | Exit 104 to US-191 4 Northeast Wyoming Welcome Center, Beulah, I-90 | Exit 199 5 Pine Bluffs Information Center, I-80 | Exit 401 6 Sheridan Welcome Center, I-90 | Exit 23 7 Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center, Cheyenne, I-25 | Exit 4 8 Summit Information Center (Seasonal), Laramie, I-80 Exit 323 PLAN YOUR TRIP AIRPORTS Nearly all Wyoming airports — including those in Casper, Cody, Gillette, Jackson, Laramie, Riverton, Rock Springs and Sheridan — offer direct flights to and/or from Denver and Salt Lake City. Nonstop service to and from Jackson Hole Airport increases during the summer months and ski seasons with direct flights from Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, New York City (JFK), Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Denver and Seattle. (All flights are subject to change). Learn more at TravelWY.com/airtravel. DRIVING RESOURCES For driving tips, up-to-date road conditions and other transportation resources, check the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s website at wyoroad. info, call 888-996-7623 or download the Wyoming 511 app. Turn to p. 11 for helpful hints that’ll help you stay safe on the road, especially in winter. WYOMING WELCOME CENTERS Discover friendly information specialists, interactive displays, photo ops, free maps and more at eight Welcome Centers — all available at state entry points — to help make your Wyoming visit the vacation of a lifetime. Hours of operation vary by location and season. Check out a list and map of locations on this page (above) and find out more at TravelWY.com/welcomecenters. See p. 111 for all Welcome Center information. CASPER CHEYENNE CODY GILLETTE JACKSON HOLE LARAMIE RIVERTON ROCK SPRINGS SHERIDAN BE FLEXIBLE & INFORMED Do your research and be flexible with plans. If a trailhead parking lot is full, have lesser-known backup options ready. If you plan to camp, understand the differences between designated and dispersed campgrounds and pack accordingly. SCAN TO LEARN MORE. Visit TravelWyoming.com to discover more trip ideas, places to stay and things to do — and sign up to receive our monthly email. The guide is also available online. See it at TravelWY.com/travelguide.
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