5 Best Wyoming Weekend Getaways You Must Check Out (2024)

Wyoming is one of the most beautiful states in the United States. Even though it is one of the least populated states in the country, it has one of the largest and most diverse terrains that range from majestic mountains, mesmerizing lakes, and miles and miles of ranch land. From picture-perfect mountain towns to iconic national parks, there is no end to stunning travel destinations in Wyoming. So if you are looking for a quick weekend getaway, there is a wealth of options to choose from.

The beautiful state of Wyoming is a true testament to the great American West with its giant canyon walls, a rich collection of hydrothermal and geological features, and towering peaks.

5 Best Wyoming Weekend Getaways You Must Check Out

Here are some of the best Wyoming weekend getaways you must check out.

1. Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole

To begin exploring Wyoming over the weekend, it is best to start with the majestic Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole is famous for being surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the entire country. It is also home to an abundance of nature and wildlife, offering numerous adventure opportunities to visitors all through the year.

While the area is famous for its incredible ski resorts, once all the snow melts, there is a variety of hikes that open up in the nearby Grand Teton National Park and also throughout the Snake River Valley. You can even take the aerial tram that runs from the Teton Village to the top of the magnificent Rendezvous Mountain to view some fantastic vistas.

Once you reach here, you can even decide to take a paragliding flight from the tram’s peak, which is famous for being the largest vertical drop in the entire US. Some other adventure activities you can enjoy here include horseback riding, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting in Snake River Canyon. You will also find many world-class restaurants and a thriving nightlife in the town of Jackson.

2. Yellowstone National Park

The Yellowstone National Park is one of the best weekend getaways in Wyoming. The famous Yellowstone National Park is the first and oldest national park in the world. Even today, it is one of the most awe-inspiring and stunning wilderness areas on the planet. Your vacation to Wyoming would not be complete without visiting Yellowstone National Park. This wonderland of geothermal activity has so much more to offer than its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Visitors are left amazed to see steam hissing out of the ground while walking along the many hiking and walking trails that crisscross the park.

As you explore the park, you will get to see huge herds of bison roaming free in the valleys. The abundant wildlife includes gray wolves, elk, grizzly and black bears, majestic bald eagles, and trumpeter swans.

Established in 1872, the Yellowstone National Park is one of the biggest geothermal wonders in the world. You get to see hissing geysers, steaming hot springs, and bubbling mud pots that come forth from the staggering landscape formed millions of years ago. You get to see some of the most stunning waterfalls that come gushing down steep ravines and mesmerizing lakes and rivers that seem to stretch on for miles on end.

You can take a drive through the park, but the best way to explore the park is on foot through the huge network of hiking trails. This is the best way to see the park’s diverse ecosystem and experience the beautiful wilderness as you camp in one of the scenic camping grounds of the park. Some of the top-rated tourist attractions at the park include Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful geyser, and the breathtaking cascades of Lower Falls.

In fact, the first thing to check out when you are at the Yellowstone National Park is the multicolor Grand Prismatic Spring. This is the star attraction of the Midway Geyser Basin. The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the entire United States and also the third-largest in the world. It is also one of the most unique natural wonders on earth. You will easily recognize the grand Prismatic Spring as it is one of the most photographed landmarks of the Yellowstone National Park.

Without a doubt, the Yellowstone National Park is one of the best weekend getaways to explore in Wyoming, and you can visit the park all year round as each season paints the beautiful landscape in hues of different colors. However, summertime is the most popular tourist season.

3. Green River and The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

The mesmerizing Green River can be best described as Wyoming’s gateway to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is located in northeastern Utah and Wyoming and is even shared with Montana. You can use the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area as your base as you embark on your weekend getaway to enjoy colorful canyons and the 100-mile long reservoir. There are many magnificent beaches here and lots of opportunities to indulge in water sports, including boating, swimming, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. You can also enjoy fishing here. Some other activities to enjoy here on your weekend getaway include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and you can even go four-wheeling.

4. Buffalo

Another perfect little town for a weekend getaway in Wyoming is Buffalo. Buffalo is one of the most famous historic small towns in Wyoming. It is nestled in the beautiful foothills of the majestic Bighorn Mountains. For those who are interested in learning more about Wyoming’s past, Buffalo is the perfect place to begin your trip from. Buffalo is home to many historic buildings in its downtown area. Check out the 131-year old Occidental Hotel, whose famous guests have included Teddy Roosevelt and Butch Cassidy. Move on to seeing the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, which opened its doors all the way back in 1900 and is a popular tourist attraction even today.

The downtown area of Buffalo has perfectly preserved the architectural styles of the turn of the century Midwest. Just by taking a short drive out of town, you will also be able to experience a wide variety of outdoor activities in the mountains, including boating and skiing. Or you can just take in the stunning scenery.

5. Hot Springs at Thermopolis

One place you do not want to miss out on when you visit Wyoming is the Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis. Built around the largest single mineral hot spring in the world, the Hot Springs State Park is the perfect place for a relaxing soak in the steamy mineral water that gushes from the Big Spring. The water is channeled into quaint little bathhouses and maintained at a constant 104 degrees Fahrenheit. You can either soak in the warm waters indoors at the State Bath House, or you can choose to pick one of the two outdoor pools here.

Apart from the thermal pools of Thermopolis, the other big attraction in this town is dinosaurs. This has made Thermopolis a major attraction for families with young children. Visitors to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center get the opportunity to see one-of-a-kind dinosaur exhibits and even take part in some active dig sites that are located in the town. It is also possible to take part in digging with the Dig for a Day Program.

There are also several hiking trails that take you through petroglyphs, summer flower gardens, and the stunning rainbow Terrace, where water from another stream cascades into the Bighorn River. You can even see the beautiful sight of a herd of bison grazing in the hills.