If you’re looking to mark off multiple national parks in one trip, then Wyoming is the place for you. Home to both the Grand Tetons and the majority of Yellowstone, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a state with more natural beauty. Home to geothermal eruptions, dynamic wildlife and sprawling mountain views, you’ll find Wyoming natural landmarks that will take your breath away. Though you’ll want to include the Cowboy State on your itinerary for its stunning landscapes, so will many other travelers. The spots on this list are frequented by both stateside and international visitors, so for the best views and smallest crowds, try arriving outside of peak hours either early in the morning or near closing time. Don’t let the popularity of these spots scare you away though: there’s a reason why plenty of people have them on their must-see lists!
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
We’ll start with the most obvious stop first. Though this incredible natural wonder is almost cliche when it comes to tourist destinations, it would be a shame to visit Wyoming without seeing it. Unsurprisingly, the geyser gets its name from its frequent eruptions, so you’re likely to see it in action as it erupts about 20 times per day. Eruptions can last for 1 to 5 minutes and expel up to 8,400 gallons of water.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park
It’s hard to believe this brilliantly colored pool exists on planet earth. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, it’s the largest hot spring in the United States. For the best view of the spring, see it from above at the Grand Prismatic Viewing Platform along the Fairy Falls trail. A sunny summer day will offer the most vibrant colors the spring has to offer!
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
Another spot that feels more like Mars than it does the USA, Mammoth Hot Springs is a well-known but worth-seeing destination in Yellowstone. This spot is situated right near the border of Wyoming and Montana and includes approximately 50 hot springs in the area. This spot gets its unique extraterrestrial feel from hot water that rises through fissures in the earth and reacts with limestone and chemicals along the way to form a white, chalky mineral known as travertine. There is an upper and a lower boardwalk to the springs, and each provides a different view of the travertine formations. The Lower Terraces provide views of spots like the Palette Spring Terraces and Devil’s Thumb, while the Upper Terraces feature the Orange Spring Mound and the stark white Angel Terrace.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
It’s not the canyon you’re thinking of in Arizona, but this one is grand in its own right. This 1000 foot canyon formed by the Yellowstone River features multiple waterfalls and colorful rock walls. There are many hikes in the 20 mile long canyon area that range from easy to strenuous. For the most stunning view of the Lower Falls, visit Artist Point. It’s an easy walk to the viewpoint and arriving in the morning light can earn you a view of a beautiful rainbow across the waterfall as well. For more experienced hikers, try the 10.2 mile roundtrip Seven Mile Hole Trail that leads to the canyon bottom.
Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Geyser basins are aplenty in Yellowstone, but Biscuit Basin has some of the best sights to see. Located in the Upper Geyser Basin just north of Old Faithful, it includes the Sapphire Pool and Black Opal Pool. The basin was named for rock formations that resembled biscuits, but the Sapphire Pool is responsible for an eruption in 1959 that destroyed the formations. The stunning pools remain though, and Sapphire tops the list. Its crystal clear waters glow an aqua hue because of how deep the pool is. Black Opal Pool, on the other hand, has murky blue waters but is just as impressive to see.
Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park
The famous photos you’ve seen of the Grand Tetons are taken from this viewpoint. This breathtaking overlook provides a sweeping view of the Snake River with Mount Moran in the distance. No hiking is required to take in this storybook view – there’s a pullout right off the road. We encourage you to sit and stay for a while to take it all in. You never know what kind of wildlife might join you.
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is a 48 mile long valley that sits along the eastern side of the Teton Mountain Range. It is close to the border of Wyoming and Idaho. Though it isn’t a natural landmark, the pioneering and fur-trading town of Jackson is located within the valley and is the closest you’ll get to the Old West. It’s a great place to stay to be close to all the hiking and outdoor adventures in the Grand Tetons. While also experiencing some history and maybe even some ski resorts.
Devils Tower National Monument
Separate from the two more well-known national parks, this 870-foot monolith stands tall in the prairie of northeast Wyoming. It was America’s very first national monument, given the designation by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. The geological formation is popular among rock climbers for its vertical cracks, and is also considered sacred to indigenous cultures.
Are you excited to see these Wyoming natural landmarks?
Now that you have checked out our favorite Wyoming natural landmarks… Don’t forget to check out more of our favorite RV destinations and start planning your next road trip today!
