NATIONAL PARKS AMERICA’S BACKYARD: MORE THINGS TO DO ON WYOMING’S PUBLIC LANDS. Devils Tower National Monument near Sundance & Hulett walls39 This monolithic butte towers over the surrounding prairielands, and due to its vertical cracks, it’s known as a world-class rock-climbing destination. Experience this scenic site for yourself by hiking one of the many trails, sleeping beneath the stars at Belle Fourche River Campground or stargazing on a guided night tour. Fossil Butte National Monument near Kemmerer DEVILS TOWER This geologic formation rises 1,000 feet above the Twin Creek Valley and is home to some of the world’s best-preserved fossils, including those of plants, insects, reptiles and early mammals — which can be seen in the visitor center. While you’re here, learn about how paleontologists prepare fossils during daily demonstra-tions and bring a picnic to enjoy on the 1.5-mile Nature Trail. Fort Laramie National Historic Site & Oregon Trail Ruts National Historic Landmark near Guernsey FOSSIL BUTTE FORT LARAMIE Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area near Lovell Take in the splendor of Bighorn Lake’s sapphire waters with a day of fishing, kayaking and canoeing, or take to the trails to see the area’s diverse landscapes. For an easy hike with sweeping views of Bighorn Canyon and Crooked Creek, follow the 1.8-mile Mouth of the Canyon Trail to the overlook. Guided boat tours from Horseshoe Bend Marina with Hidden Treasures Charters are also available. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area near Rock Springs & Green River BIGHORN CANYON Lush greenery juxtaposed against towering red-rock formations sets the scene for this desert oasis, where Flaming Gorge Reservoir beckons with water fun. Rent a boat from a local marina — offering everything from houseboats to fishing boats — and cruise around the 91-mile-long reservoir for wakeboarding, fishing or swimming. A number of boat-accessible campgrounds offer a secluded overnight experience. Wyoming State Parks & National Forests FLAMING GORGE CURT GOWDY STATE PARK Wyoming’s 13 state parks, 25 state historic sites and eight national forests invite both visitors and locals to experience Mother Nature’s finest masterpieces. Learn more at wyoparks.state.wy.us and TravelWyoming.com/national-forests. 56 TravelWyoming.com FROM TOP: @WALLS39; WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM; ERIC LINDBERG; WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM; FRED PFLUGHOFT; MATTHEW IDLER. Originally established as a private fur-trading outpost in 1834, Fort Laramie went on to become one of the largest military posts on the Northern Plains. Peek into the past at some of the remaining buildings, including the Commissary Storehouse and the Calvary Barracks. Just 15 miles away, see some of the best-preserved wagon tracks at the Oregon Trail Ruts, left by pioneers traveling westward.
Wyoming Official Travel Guide 2019 Wyoming Official Travel Guide: Page 56
