Wyoming
5
Day Itinerary •
USA
Five days in Wyoming lets you explore the full extraordinary breadth of America's wildest state, from the dramatic Teton peaks of Grand Teton National Park and the geysers and bison herds of Yellowstone to the extraordinary Wind River Range, the finest fly-fishing rivers in America and the most extraordinary cowboy culture in the West. This route covers the complete Wyoming experience. The extraordinary Snake River Overlook and Cascade Canyon of Grand Teton, Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring of Yellowstone, the extraordinary Lamar Valley wolf and bison watching, the Wind River Canyon and the finest rodeo tradition in America at Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Best Time To Visit
June to September for all roads open and peak wildlife
Getting There
Fly into Jackson Hole (JAC) or Cody (COD)
Getting Around
Rental car essential throughout Wyoming
Budget Per Day
Approx $140 to $220 per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate, some high-altitude hiking
DAY 1
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
MORNING
SNAKE RIVER OVERLOOK, GRAND TETON AND THE TETON FRONT
The Snake River Overlook is the most extraordinary mountain viewpoint in America, the exact location where Ansel Adams made his most celebrated photograph in 1942. The Teton Range rises 7,000 feet above the valley floor without foothills in the most dramatic mountain front on the continent. The Schwabacher Landing beaver ponds at dawn and the Oxbow Bend with its moose and swans are equally extraordinary. Free with park entry. Drive: 20 min drive
MIDDAY
JENNY LAKE AND CASCADE CANYON
Jenny Lake is the most extraordinary alpine lake in Grand Teton National Park, its turquoise water reflecting the Cathedral Group in extraordinary clarity. The boat shuttle to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point gives the finest close-range view of the Teton Range. The Cascade Canyon trail beyond Inspiration Point is the finest wilderness hike in Wyoming, its extraordinary U-shaped valley floor alive with moose and black bear. Shuttle approx $10. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
MORMON ROW BARNS AND THE ANTELOPE FLATS BISON HERD
The T.A. Moulton Barn at Mormon Row is the most photographed barn in America, its extraordinary weathered timber facade standing against the full panorama of the Teton Range. The Antelope Flats road gives extraordinary close-range viewing of pronghorn, bison and ground squirrels. The bison herd beneath the Tetons at sunset is the most extraordinary wildlife scene in Wyoming. Free with park entry.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Schwabacher Landing 5 miles north of Moose is the finest hidden sunrise spot in Grand Teton, its beaver ponds reflecting the Teton Range in perfect stillness with moose feeding in the willows at first light. Almost entirely unknown to visitors at the Snake River Overlook. Free. Turn left off Teton Park Road onto the unpaved landing road.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Persephone Bakery, Jackson The finest bakery in Wyoming. Extraordinary pastries, local eggs and the best coffee in the Teton Valley. | Lunch: Dornan's Pizza, Moose Outstanding casual lunch inside Grand Teton with extraordinary Teton views from the open-air deck. | Dinner: Snake River Grill, Jackson The finest restaurant in Jackson. Extraordinary local elk, bison and the best wine list in Wyoming.
DAY 2
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
MORNING
OLD FAITHFUL AND THE UPPER GEYSER BASIN
Old Faithful is the most extraordinary geyser in the world, its eruption of boiling water to 130 feet occurring with extraordinary regularity approximately every 90 minutes. The Upper Geyser Basin surrounding Old Faithful contains the largest concentration of geysers on earth. The Grand Geyser, Morning Glory Pool, Beehive Geyser and the extraordinary Riverside Geyser are all within a 1.5-mile walk. Arrive before 9am to beat the crowds. Entry $35 per vehicle. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING AND FAIRY FALLS
Grand Prismatic Spring is the most extraordinary hot spring in the world, its concentric rings of vivid color from deep blue at the center through turquoise, green, yellow and orange created by heat-loving bacteria at different temperatures. The Fairy Falls trail gives the only full aerial view of Grand Prismatic from an extraordinary overlook. The 197-foot Fairy Falls itself is extraordinary. Combined trail 5.4 miles round trip. Free with entry. Drive: 45 min drive
AFTERNOON
LAMAR VALLEY, THE AMERICAN SERENGETI AT DUSK
Lamar Valley in the northeast corner of Yellowstone is the most extraordinary wildlife destination in America, its open grasslands home to the world's largest free-roaming bison herd, reintroduced wolf packs, grizzly bears and pronghorn. The valley at dawn and dusk is most extraordinary. The Lamar Buffalo Ranch and the Specimen Ridge fossil forest viewpoint are extraordinary additions. Free with Yellowstone entry.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is the most overlooked wonder in Yellowstone, its extraordinary 308-foot Lower Falls twice the height of Niagara plunging into a canyon of yellow and orange rhyolite rock that gave the park its name. The Artist Point viewpoint is the most extraordinary in the park. Free with Yellowstone entry.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Old Faithful Inn dining room The most extraordinary breakfast setting in Yellowstone. Classic lodge dining beneath the log ceiling. | Lunch: Canyon Lodge, Yellowstone Outstanding park lunch near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Local bison burger and Wyoming craft beer. | Dinner: Roosevelt Lodge, Yellowstone The finest cowboy cookout dinner in Yellowstone. Extraordinary steak, beans and cowboy entertainment.
DAY 3
CODY AND THE BUFFALO BILL COUNTRY
MORNING
BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST, THE FINEST WESTERN MUSEUM IN AMERICA
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody is the most extraordinary museum complex in the American West, its five extraordinary museums covering Buffalo Bill's Wild West, Plains Indian cultures, Western art, natural history and firearms in over 300,000 square feet. The Whitney Western Art Museum within contains the finest collection of Western American art anywhere, including Frederic Remington and Charles Russell originals. Entry approx $20. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
SHOSHONE CANYON AND THE BUFFALO BILL DAM
The Shoshone Canyon between Cody and Yellowstone is the most extraordinary river canyon in northwestern Wyoming, its extraordinary volcanic rhyolite walls carved by the Shoshone River giving views from the spectacular canyon drive on US-14/20. The Buffalo Bill Dam, completed in 1910 as the highest dam in the world at the time, impounds the extraordinary Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The canyon drive through the Shoshone National Forest is extraordinary. Free. Drive: 1 hour drive
AFTERNOON
WAPITI VALLEY AND THE ABSAROKA RANGE
The Wapiti Valley between Cody and Yellowstone's East Entrance is the most extraordinary approach to Yellowstone, its extraordinary 50-mile drive through the Shoshone National Forest alongside the North Fork Shoshone River past extraordinary volcanic formations including the Cathedral Rocks, Holy City and Laughing Pig. The valley is the finest scenic drive approaching Yellowstone and is almost entirely uncrowded. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Cody Nite Rodeo runs every night from June through August in Cody, Wyoming, making it the longest-running nightly rodeo in America. The 8-second bull rides, barrel racing and calf roping give the finest and most authentic cowboy culture experience in the American West. Entry approx $25. The most extraordinary hidden nightly tradition in Wyoming.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Irma Hotel Restaurant, Cody Breakfast in the historic hotel built by Buffalo Bill in 1902 for his daughter Irma. Extraordinary setting. | Lunch: Cody Cattle Company, Cody The finest Western lunch in Wyoming. Extraordinary local beef, cowboy beans and corn bread. | Dinner: Wyoming's Rib and Chop House, Cody Outstanding steakhouse in Cody. Extraordinary local Wyoming beef and craft beer.
DAY 4
WIND RIVER CANYON AND THERMOPOLIS
MORNING
WIND RIVER CANYON, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY RIVER CANYON IN WYOMING
The Wind River Canyon between Thermopolis and Shoshoni is the most extraordinary river canyon in Wyoming, its extraordinary 2,500-foot walls of ancient Precambrian granite and limestone carved by the Wind River through 2.7-billion-year-old rock. The highway through the canyon passes through tunnels and past extraordinary geological formations that expose billions of years of earth history. Drive north to south for the finest views. Free. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
THERMOPOLIS HOT SPRINGS STATE PARK, THE LARGEST HOT SPRING IN THE WORLD
Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis contains the largest hot spring in the world, its extraordinary 2.7-million-gallon-per-day flow of mineral water at 127 degrees creating the most extraordinary free hot spring bathhouse in America. The Star Plunge and Hellie's Tepee Pools are extraordinary. The bison herd grazing the extraordinary terraced mineral formations in the park is the finest sight in Thermopolis. State bathhouse entry free. Drive: 2 hour drive
AFTERNOON
RIVERTON AND THE WIND RIVER RESERVATION
The Wind River Indian Reservation is the most extraordinary Native American cultural landscape in Wyoming, home to both the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes in the largest reservation in Wyoming. The extraordinary St Stephens Mission, the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center in Fort Washakie and the grave of Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark, are all extraordinary. The Wind River Range visible to the west is extraordinary. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Castle Gardens petroglyphs east of Riverton are the finest ancient rock art site in Wyoming, their extraordinary shield-bearing warrior figures and geometric designs pecked into sandstone by the Fremont people between 1000 and 1400 AD entirely unknown to most visitors. Entry free. A 20-minute drive on gravel road keeps the crowds away entirely.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Legion Supper Club, Thermopolis The finest breakfast in Thermopolis. Local eggs, Wyoming beef hash and strong coffee. | Lunch: Pumpernick's, Thermopolis Outstanding homestyle lunch in the finest restaurant in Hot Springs County. Local beef and fresh pie. | Dinner: Rendezvous Bistro, Riverton Outstanding contemporary cuisine in the Wind River Basin. Local lamb, beef and Wyoming craft beer.
DAY 5
LARAMIE AND THE MEDICINE BOW
MORNING
LARAMIE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
Laramie is the most extraordinary college town in Wyoming, its extraordinary historic downtown of Victorian brick buildings set against the backdrop of the Snowy Range, the finest stretch of the Medicine Bow Mountains. The University of Wyoming Geological Museum contains one of the finest dinosaur collections in the American West, including extraordinary Apatosaurus and Stegosaurus skeletons excavated nearby. Entry free. The downtown breweries are extraordinary. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
SNOWY RANGE AND THE MEDICINE BOW MOUNTAINS
The Snowy Range road above Laramie is the most extraordinary alpine drive in southeastern Wyoming, its extraordinary route over the 10,847-foot Snowy Range Pass past extraordinary turquoise lakes, granite outcrops and vast alpine meadows of wildflowers giving the finest mountain scenery in the southeastern part of the state. The extraordinary Medicine Bow Peak reflected in Lake Marie is the finest viewpoint. Entry free. Open June to October. Drive: 45 min drive
AFTERNOON
FORT LARAMIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, THE MOST IMPORTANT FRONTIER FORT IN THE WEST
Fort Laramie National Historic Site is the most extraordinary frontier fort in the American West, its extraordinary collection of 22 original and reconstructed buildings preserving the finest example of a 19th-century military post on the Oregon Trail. The fort was the most important stopping point for the 500,000 emigrants who traveled the Oregon, California and Mormon trails between 1840 and 1870. Entry approx $7. Extraordinary.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Vedauwoo rock formations 20 miles east of Laramie are the finest hidden climbing and hiking destination in southeastern Wyoming, their extraordinary rounded granite tors rising from the high plains in shapes that the Arapaho called the dwelling place of earth spirits. The hike through the rock formations is extraordinary. Entry free. Almost entirely unknown outside Wyoming.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Coal Creek Coffee, Laramie The finest coffee shop in Laramie. Extraordinary espresso and pastries before the mountain drive. | Lunch: Altitude Chophouse, Laramie Outstanding steakhouse in the finest restaurant in Laramie. Local Wyoming beef and craft beer. | Dinner: Sweet Melissa Vegetarian Cafe, Laramie The most extraordinary vegetarian restaurant in Wyoming. Outstanding local produce in a college town.
Where To Stay
Jackson, Night 1 Hotel Jackson or Amangani above the valley. Approx $180 to $500 per night. Yellowstone or Cody, Nights 2 to 3 Old Faithful Inn or Irma Hotel Cody. Approx $130 to $280 per night. Thermopolis or Laramie, Nights 4 to 5 Quality Inn Thermopolis or The Laramie. Approx $100 to $160 per night.
Top Tips
1. Snake River Overlook at sunrise is the finest viewpoint in Wyoming. Arrive 30 minutes before dawn.
2. Grand Prismatic Spring overlook trail gives the only full aerial view. Far superior to the boardwalk below.
3. Lamar Valley at dawn for wolf and bison is the finest wildlife experience in America. Bring a spotting scope.
4. Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody is the finest Western museum in America. Allow a full half day.
5. Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park has the largest hot spring in the world. Free bath house entry. Extraordinary.
6. The Schwabacher Landing beaver ponds in Grand Teton at dawn are the finest hidden wildlife spot in the park.
Total Budget
$140 to $220/day