getting to know The rugged Rocky Mountains meet the majestic High Plains in Wyoming, which abounds with wild landscapes, wide-open expanses and enduring Western traditions. wyoming BY THE NUMBERS 97,800 SQ. MILES WY 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 yellowstonenational parklodges.com. 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. Find more driving tips at TravelWyoming.com/ driving. 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 . 48 percent of Wyoming’s lands are public. WINTER TIPS When the road’s snowy and icy, drive slowly, avoid cruise control, keep your gas tank full, check your tires and lights before you go, and pack emergency items (like ice scrapers, jumper cables, windshield-wiper fluid, snacks, water and blankets). If you’re renting a vehicle, an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle is helpful. Highways will shut down for hazardous winter-driving conditions, so please check routes before heading out and be flexible with travel plans. For up-to-date road conditions, dial 511 . BIRD SPECIES 450 MAMMAL SPECIES 100 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. The bison is the state mammal and the meadowlark is the state bird. The Wind River Indian Reservation, home to 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. LARGEST 7 RESERVATION TH RESPECT WILDLIFE Do not approach animals to take pictures and always remember to be aware of your surroundings. Please don’t feed the wildlife. 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. 53 and p. 56 to learn about pet rules at national parks and monuments. BE ALTITUDE READY 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. 6 PEOPLE PER 1 SQ. MILE Many of Wyoming’s popular destinations are pretty high up. It may take you a couple days to acclimate, 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. Learn more at TravelWyoming.com/wy-responsibly. 10 TravelWyoming.com CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT PAGE: JEFF VANUGA; WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM/JESSIE ALLEN; WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM/MICHAEL GORDON; WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM/JASON LINDSEY; WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM/ JASON LINDSEY; INSTAGRAM/LOLOROOSH; WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM/PEERASITH PATRICK TRIRATPADOONGPHOL; INSTAGRAM/ISAIAH.ORTIZ_; WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM/ANDY AUSTIN; GETTY IMAGES/KENNETH CANNING.