Wyoming National Parks! We’ve got ten incredible national park sites for you to see on your next visit to the Cowboy state.
More Than Just Parks has spent an incredible amount of time in Wyoming’s National Parks.
The film we created on Grand Teton National Park is an award-winner viewed over a million times around the world!
Wyoming is home to the oldest national park in America as well as some of the most beautiful on the planet.
Last year one of Wyoming’s national parks was ranked the second best in the country.
Wyoming National Parks has fascinating historic sites, amazing national monuments, incredible historic trails, 2 great national parks and more.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cowboy State then one book that I highly recommend is: GREATER THAN A TOURIST- WYOMING USA: 50 Travel Tips from a Local by Sara Rigsby.
We’re going to give you ten reasons why you’ll want to make Wyoming your next vacation destination.
Wyoming National Parks Table Of Contents
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Devils Tower National Monument
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
- California National Historic Trail
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site
- Fossil Butte National Monument
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
- Oregon National Historic Trail
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Map Of Wyoming National Park Sites
- List Of Wyoming National Parks
- About The People Behind More Than Just Parks
- Meet The Parks Brothers
The Best Wyoming National Parks
1. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is one of our all time favorites. We first visited Grand Teton National Park back in 2016 and have been back many, many times since.
Grand Teton is truly one of those places that anywhere you look seems to be postcard worthy. Be sure to bring your camera.
Grand Teton Is A Family Affair
In recent years, the park has seen a massive influx in folks (like the Pattiz Family) who want to get a glimpse of this breathtaking destination. Who can blame us! In 2016, all four of us managed to make the trek. It’s one amazing trip that I will certainly never forget.
However, one question we’ve been getting asked more and more lately is “is it still worth it to visit Grand Teton despite the crowds?”
The answer is, yes. It just requires a bit more due diligence and planning these days to have the best possible time at the park.
About Grand Teton National Park
Located in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.
This is a land dominated by towering peaks, apex predators, and majestic mountain beauty.
The park derives it’s name from the mighty Teton Range popularly known as simply the Tetons, or the Grand Tetons.
The park’s creation and eventual scale (in terms of acreage) was largely made possible by John D. Rockefeller Jr., son of the famous oil tycoon.
Grand Teton National Park Video
GRAND TETON 8K is the culmination of nearly a month spent filming in the spectacular Jackson Hole Valley and the foothills of the Teton Mountain Range.
Encompassing nearly 500 square miles, Grand Teton National Park boasts an awe-inspiring array of pristine wilderness, glacial lakes, winding rivers, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Teton Range.
RELATED: 14 BREATHTAKING National Park Videos to Inspire Your Next Trip
Things To Do At Grand Teton National Park
Some of the most beautiful hiking trails in America happen to be in Grand Teton. A few of our family favorite hikes include:
- Taggart Lake Loop
- String Lake Loop
- Death Canyon
- Cascade Canyon Trail
- Jenny Lake Loop
- Amphitheater Lake Loop
Raft The Wild & Scenic Snake River
The Snake River is a congressionally designated Wild & Scenic River meaning it is stunningly beautiful. There’s no better way to soak it in then rafting down it.
Catch A Glimpse Of The World Famous Moulton Barn
The Moulton Barn is part of the area known as Mormon Row in the park which features a few beautiful and historic barns. Located off of the aptly named Antelope Flat Road, this barn is surrounded by some great wildlife viewing areas.
Watch An Epic Sunrise Sunrise From Oxbow Bend
Grand Teton is most beautiful during the sunrise hour of the morning. The best place in Grand Teton to catch a sunrise is from Oxbow Bend where the reflection of Mount Moran dazzles on a clear day.
Wyoming National Parks
2. Yellowstone National Park
In 2020, Yellowstone National Park attracted 3.8 million visitors. This park features more than two million acres of a high mountain-ringed plateau which have been set aside for permanent protection as a natural preserve.
Interesting Facts About Yellowstone
I have to warn you [early and often my wife tells me] that I am retired history teacher. I’m also fascinated by the history of places I encounter. I hope that you are too, but I’ll try to make this a short history lesson just to be on the safe side. And, no homework, I promise!
Before it became America’s first national park, people explored this fantastic place. They told tales of its magnificent beauty and amazing natural wonders. Few believed them however.
Then, in 1869, C.W. Cook saw some of Yellowstone’s incredible geysers with two traveling companions. Cook was so moved by his experience that he submitted an article to Lippincott’s magazine.
He received a curt reply from them which read as follows: “Thank-you, but we do not print fiction.” Aren’t publishers wonderful.
CHECK OUT: 10 (FASCINATING) Yellowstone National Park Facts You Probably Didn’t Realize
Old Faithful | Yellowstone National Park
It was left to the Washburn Party, led by Henry Washburn and Nathaniel Pitt Langford, to convince a skeptical public that this place was as magnificent as people were describing it.
Members of the party made detailed maps and observations of the region, explored numerous lakes, climbed mountains, and observed an incredible array of wildlife.
The Washburn Party traveled to the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins. They were so fascinated by the regular eruptions of one geyser in particular that they decided to name it Old Faithful. And, needless to stay, the name stuck.
The Official Report Of The Washburn Party
The official report of the Washburn Party was written by Lieutenant Gustavus C. Doane. He described, day by day, what the party saw in Yellowstone.
As Freeman Tilden writes, “He [Doane] climbed the peak now known as Mount Washburn on a day when the pure air of the country revealed everything with crystal clarity.
He saw the snowy summits above the Gallatin Valley, and from them traced almost an unbroken circle of mountains, of which he thought the Tetons were a part.” (Source: The National Parks, Freeman Tilden)
Doane’s report authenticated earlier descriptions of Yellowstone. A skeptical public finally began to believe these fantastic tales of this wilderness wonderland.
Wouldn’t it have been incredible to have been there? Of course, you can travel there now and the amenities are much better.
RELATED: 15 BEST Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park
10 Epic Things To Do At Yellowstone National Park
There are so many wonderful things to see and do at Yellowstone National Park.
10. Go Camping-There are many campsites inside the park though you should check availability before you arrive.
9. Go Fishing-Try the trout waters north, south and west of Cody. They’re filled with native brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout.
8. Check Out The Local Culture-See the Plains Indian Museum or visit one of five museums at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
7. Explore The Rocks & Fossils-Inside Yellowstone you will find basalt columns formed by lava and a petrified forest.
6. Go Rafting-Raft down one of the nearby rivers or check out the information on rafting trips which is available at the park entrances.
For a complete list, check out our article on all of the Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park.
Top 5 Things to Do at Yellowstone
5. Take A Hike-There’s a 1,300 mile trail system. Some of the most popular hikes are Bunsen Peak, Fairy Falls and Uncle Tom’s Trail.
4. Visit The Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone-This incredible place includes three glorious waterfalls. The overlook of the lower falls offers a breathtaking view.
3. See The Incredible Wildlife-Yellowstone is home to more wild animals than anyone else in America. There are are Bears, Wolves, Moose, Elk, Bison, Badgers, Otters, Fox and so much more to see inside the park.
2. See The Geysers Erupt– What would a visit to Yellowstone be without a trip to the Old Faithful Geyser. You don’t have to stop there, however, as Yellowstone is home to the most active geyser field in the world.
1. Sit Back, Relax & Soak It All In-After all, you’re on vacation. You can do as little or as much as you want. I tend to lean towards the as little side, but we’re all different.
Want to learn about some of the classic films and television series that were made at Yellowstone and America’s other national parks? Check out our articles:
Look Familiar? 25+ CLASSIC Movies Filmed In The National Parks & Look Familiar? 10+ CLASSIC Television Shows Filmed In The National Parks
Wyoming National Parks
3. Devils Tower National Monument
Devils Tower National Monument is actually America’s first national monument thanks to Theodore Roosevelt invoking his newly acquired powers under the 1906 Antiquities Act.
This is one of the most visited national park sites in Wyoming behind Grand Teton & Yellowstone.
Devils Tower is a classic national monument that checks all the boxes roadtrippers and public lands enthusiasts are looking for in an outdoor destination.
Of course I’d be remiss not to mention the 1977 sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which of course was set here.
Having grown up on Steven Spielberg films it was a real treat for my brothers and I to visit Devils Tower and walk the loop trail around the tower searching for old filming locations and taking in incredible views.
Check Out: List Of 128 BEST US National Monuments Ranked
Don’t Forget To Visit Prairie Dog Town While At Devils Tower
If you enjoy watching wildlife then you’ll be entertained by the antics of the prairie dogs in Prairie Dog Town. These small rodents live in towns in burrows underneath the surface.
It’s so much fun to watch them frolic amongst themselves. Watching these fun little critters, you can definitely tell who’s been naughty and who’s been nice
There’s also deer and foxes as well as peregrine or prairie falcons. You may want to bring your binoculars and camera with you. You never know who (or what) might surprise you.
Wyoming National Parks
4. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
The Bighorn Canyon boasts over 120,000 acres of wilderness that straddle the northern Wyoming and southern Montana borders
What this means for you is that there are endless opportunities for adventure flowing all the way down to the end of the Bighorn Mountains.
Things To Do At Bighorn Canyon
Like you, I’m someone who is looking for fun things to do when I head off to a national park.
When it comes to Bighorn Canyon, it might take me less time to list the things that you can’t do rather then the things that you can.
Bighorn offers a wide range of recreation activities including:
- Bicycling-If you’re looking for a good workout take the South District park road where you parallel the ancient Bad Pass Trail or in the North District pedal the Ok-A-Beh road.
- Boating-You will enjoy the waters of the Bighorn Lake.
- Camping-There are five camping areas with over 100 spots.
- Fishing-At Bighorn, there is a diverse range of fish including trout and walleye.
- Hiking-There are over 27 miles of trails (see below). Have no fear, you’ll get those steps in.
- Historic Ranches– Visitors can see an amazing collection of ranches that have been kept in their original condition.
- Horseback Riding-The park allows horseback riding in the South District. Don’t be afraid to saddle up.
- Wildlife-From herds of wild horses to bears in their natural habitat to Bighorn Sheep roaming the high desert there’s a bevy of wildlife for everyone to watch.
Wyoming National Parks
5. California National Historic Trail
During the 1840s and 1850s, over 200,000 emigrants traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California. It was the greatest mass migration in American history.
The California National Historic Trail retraces this historic migration. It’s over 5,000 miles long and covers portions of 10 states.
The California Historic Trail In Wyoming
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming, is a great place to learn about the routes of the Oregon Trail, the Mormon Trail, the California Trail, and the Pony Express and discover the journey settlers took along the way.
The Center brings history to life with multimedia presentation, living history demonstrations, guided hike, and special events. Exhibits are in chronological order, which helps visitors to understand what happened and when.
RELATED: 6 EPIC Maine National Parks For Your Next Visit To The Pine Tree State
Wyoming National Parks
6. Fort Laramie National Historic Site
Fort Laramie was established as a private fur trading fort in 1834. As Americans migrated west, it evolved into the largest and best known military post on the Northern Plains.
The fort played a significant part in America’s western expansion. It was a base of operations for efforts to make sure that the Native Americans did not jeopardize this westward migration.
RELATED: 7+ (AMAZING) Oklahoma National Parks-Everything To Know
Things To See And Do At Fort Laramie
At the visitors center, you can see an 18-minute film highlighting the history of the fort and the important role it played. You can also see uniforms, weapons, and artifacts relating to the history of the19th century western frontier.
While you’re there you might also want to check out the Fort Laramie Historical Association Bookstore. So many books, so little time!
The Confluence Trail allows you to explore history and nature. It’s a 1.6 mile loop that takes you from the Old Army Bridge to the confluence of the North Platte and Laramie Rivers.
RELATED: 30+ National Parks Books (Great Gifts For Park Lovers)
More Wyoming National Parks
7. Fossil Butte National Monument
If you enjoy exploring the past then it doesn’t get any better than fossils.
At Fossil Butte National Monument you’ll find a variety of fossil fishes, insects, plants, reptiles, birds and mammals from ancient Fossil Lake are displayed in the visitor center. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the history of creatures which lived eons ago.
But wait, there’s more! Fossil Butte offers 4 miles of hiking trails. Have no fear! You’ll get those 10,000 steps. Of course, that’s only if you want to. No pressure here.
Fossil Butte Hiking Trails
The Historic Quarry Trail is a 2.5 mile loop, 600 feet elevation gain. Visitors pass through parts of the Wasatch and Green River Formations.
A short, side loop leads to a historic fossil quarry. Wayside exhibits provide information about geology, area history, wildlife, and plants of the high desert.
The Nature Trail is a 1.5 mile loop, 300 feet elevation gain. This trail winds through sagebrush and a spring-fed aspen forest. Be sure to watch for wildlife as you hike. This is one nature trail where you don’t want any unexpected surprises.
Wayside exhibits interpret the wildlife, plants, and geology of this high desert oasis. At the top, enjoy the scenic views at the benches overlooking Fossil Butte. (Source: NPS)
RELATED: 3 (EPIC) Vermont National Parks For Your Next Visit To The Green Mountain State
Wyoming National Parks
8. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail is another interesting Wyoming National Park.
The Mormon Migration is a fascinating story which begins in 1827. 21-year-old Joseph Smith announced that he had unearthed a set of golden plates, inscribed with the tenants of God’s true church.
Smith said he had been directed to the plates by an angel named Moroni, who also had given him divine tools for translating the ancient inscriptions into English. Smith used the plates to produce the Book of Mormon in 1830.
In New York, Smith organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His followers, who regarded Smith as a prophet, became known as Mormons.
Mormons On The Move
Joseph Smith continued to move the Mormon Church. He finally settled along a bend of the Mississippi River in Illinois. There he established a community they called Nauvoo, a Hebrew word meaning “beautiful place.”
It was there that Smith began introducing the Old Testament practice of “plural marriage,” or polygamy, among select church leaders.
Conflicts arose between Smith and those opposed to his practices. Smith was arrested and jailed at Carthage, Illinois.
On June 27, 1844, a mob broke into the jail and murdered Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. Other vigilantes attacked Mormon farms around Nauvoo in an attempt to expel them.
A New Leader Emerges
Brigham Young emerged as Smith’s successor. Realizing that it was much too dangerous to remain where they were, Young organized a Mormon Exodus to Utah.
On March 1, 1846, some 500 Mormon wagons lurched northwesterly across the winter-bare Iowa prairie toward the Missouri River. Their route is the Mormon Trail.
Explore The Route Taking By The Mormon Faithful
There are 8 historic sites or interpretive facilities on the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail in Wyoming for you to visit. They include the following:
- South Pass
- Redick N. Allred’s Camp
- Rocky Ridge & Rock Creek Hollow
- Sixth Crossing
- Split Rock & Three Crossings
- Independence Rock
- Greasewood Creek
- Red Buttes (Bessemer Bend)
RELATED: ZION NATIONAL PARK: A (Very) Helpful Guide-Videos, Photos, Locations
Wyoming National Parks
9. Oregon National Historic Trail
Westward Ho! The Oregon Trail was a 2,170-mile emigrant trail which connected the Missouri to valleys in Oregon.
I bet you didn’t realize the Oregon Trail was a Wyoming National Park!
The original trail was established by fur traders and trappers. Shortly thereafter, wagon trains began the westward trek all the way to the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
From the early to mid-1830s (and particularly through the years 1846–1869) the Oregon Trail and its many offshoots were used by about 400,000 settlers, farmers, miners, ranchers, and business owners and their families. A lot of folks were on the move!
Experiencing the Trail Today
Trail sites to visit in Wyoming include the following:
Lt. Colonel’s Quarters (Burt House, 1884)-Lt. Col. Andrew Burt, a 7th US Infantry officer, and his wife Elizabeth lived in the home 1887-88. They liked relatively plain furnishings rather than the ornate decor in most officers’ houses during the Victorian period.
Visiting the Burt House is a great opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in a different day and age.
Post Surgeon’s Quarters (1875)-Post Surgeon Louis Brechemin and his family normally lived in half of this duplex from 1885 to 1889.
His study held his scientific collections, and most patients were treated there before being sent to the hospital to recuperate. When you see the medical instruments, I think you’ll be most grateful for the advancements in medical science since Dr. Brechemin’s time.
Old Bedlam-Built to house bachelor officers, “Old Bedlam” is Wyoming’s oldest documented building. The right side is restored to bachelor officers’ quarters in the 1850s; the left side to post headquarters in 1863-64, when fort commander Lt. Col. William O. Collins and his wife lived on the second floor.
I’m not sure how “Old Bedlam” got its name, but with so many bachelor officers quartered there, I can certainly imagine.
South Pass Overlook-A short, paved pathway contains several interpretive waysides that tell the story of South Pass’s importance to American Indians, mountain men, the fur trade, and to the Oregon, Mormon, California, and Pony Express trails
North Platte River Crossing was one of numerous crossings used by trappers, traders, American Indians, and emigrants to reach Fort Laramie.
In order to enter the fort, two rivers had to be crossed- the Laramie River and the North Platte River. During floods, this could be a very dangerous proposition.
Fort Laramie Historic Site-Fort Laramie once stood sentinel over the Oregon, California, and Mormon emigration trails; was a stop on the Pony Express route; and served as a staging ground for both peaceful and hostile dealings with Plains Indians.
If only those fort walls could talk!
Bedlam Ruts-The Bedlam Ruts are a fine stretch of Oregon Trail ruts and swales that visitors can walk. Be careful when you’re out there.
Register Cliff Historic Site-Following a day’s journey from Fort Laramie, emigrants spent the night at Register Cliff , which rises one hundred feet above the North Platte River valley.
The soft, chalky limestone rock made it easy for emigrants to inscribe their names into the cliff before continuing on their journey. It was Mother nature’s own version of the etch a sketch.
The earliest signatures date to the late 1820s when trappers and fur traders passed through the area. (Source: NPS)
Wyoming National Parks
10. Pony Express National Historic Trail
The United States Postal Service has announced that we will be paying more money for slower mail. Ugh! Perhaps it’s time to dust off an old idea.
From April 3, 1860 until October 26, 1861, the Pony Express delivered messages, newspapers, and mail using relays of horse-mounted riders. While it was only in operation for 18 months, it reduced the time for messages to travel between the east and west coasts to about 10 days.
Ten days may sound like a lot, but I suppose that depends on how good the postal service is where you live. No comment.
The Pony Express Founders
The three founders of the Pony Express were William Russell, Alexander Majors and William B. Waddell.
These three entrepreneurs used a shorted route with riders at relay stations. These stations were about ten miles apart.
The rider coming in could expect a fresh mount [horse] waiting for him and his mail pouch. It was like a relay race only with four legged runners.
Pony Express Peak Operations
At the peak of their operations, Russell, Majors and Waddell employed 6,000 men, owned 75,000 oxen, thousands of wagons, and warehouses, plus a sawmill, a meatpacking plant, a bank, and an insurance company.
Of course, technology waits for no one. The Pony Express could not compete with the faster telegraph. It went bankrupt after 18 months. From T-mails to emails. Isn’t progress wonderful!
Jim DeFelice has written a wonderfully entertaining account of the history of the Pony Express. It’s titled West Like Lightning: The Brief, Legendary Ride of the Pony Express. I love stories about the Old American West. This is one book I simply could not put down.
RELATED: 30+ Best National Parks Books (Great Gifts For Park Lovers)
Retracing The Pony Express
One hundred and fifty years later, you can visit trail traces, visitor centers, museums, hiking trails, historic structures and forts related to the Pony Express National Historic Trail.
The trail crosses eight states following the journey taken by dozens of young riders and hundreds of horses between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California.
The best news of all, however, is that you won’t have to change horses every ten miles. There are auto tour routes, GIS interactive maps and a Back-Country Byway.
Or, you can simply use your cellphone (there’s an app for every thing these days!) to chart a course across the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Isn’t progress wonderful! [Did I say that already?]
Map Of Wyoming National Park Sites
wyoming national parks, wy national parks, national parks of wyoming, list of wyoming national parks, national parks in wyoming, national park in wyoming, wyoming parks, national parks wyoming, wyoming national parks, wy national parks, national parks of wyoming, list of wyoming national parks, national parks in wyoming, national park in wyoming, wyoming parks, national parks wyoming, wyoming national parks, wy national parks, national parks of wyoming, list of wyoming national parks, national parks in wyoming, national park in wyoming, wyoming parks, national parks wyoming, wyoming national parks, wy national parks, national parks of wyoming, list of wyoming national parks, national parks in wyoming, national park in wyoming, wyoming parks, national parks wyoming,
List Of Wyoming National Parks
- Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Devils Tower National Monument
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
- California National Historic Trail
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site
- Fossil Butte National Monument
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
- Oregon National Historic Trail
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
About The People Behind More Than Just Parks
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. My sons have spent their entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.
Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
Helpful Articles
Grand Teton Hikes: 18 EPIC Grand Teton National Park Hikes (Photos + Guide)
Grand Teton Guide: Grand Teton National Park Ultimate Guide
Things to Do Grand Teton: 17 EPIC Things to Do Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton Maps: The Best Maps for Grand Teton National Park
Things to Do Yellowstone: 15 BEST Things to Do Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone Facts: 10 AMAZING Yellowstone National Park Facts
Best Airports Near Yellowstone: The BEST Airports Near Yellowstone National Park
The Wyoming National Parks: 10 EPIC Wyoming National Parks: The Complete Guide (+ Photos)
Feel free to share our web stories!
wyoming national parks, wy national parks, national parks of wyoming, list of wyoming national parks, national parks in wyoming, national park in wyoming, wyoming parks, national parks wyoming, wyoming national parks, wy national parks, national parks of wyoming, list of wyoming national parks, national parks in wyoming, national park in wyoming, wyoming parks, national parks wyoming, wyoming national parks, wy national parks, national parks of wyoming, list of wyoming national parks, national parks in wyoming, national park in wyoming, wyoming parks, national parks wyoming, wyoming national parks, wy national parks, national parks of wyoming, list of wyoming national parks, national parks in wyoming, national park in wyoming, wyoming parks, national parks wyoming,
Leave a Reply