Southwest Wyoming Travel Guide

Discover the natural attractions, activities, and cultural landmarks of Southwest Wyoming with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Southwest Wyoming

Southwest Wyoming, nestled in the Rocky Mountains in the United States of America, offers a variety of activities and attractions for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With its rich history and unique landscapes, Southwest Wyoming attracts visitors from around the world. From nationally recognized museums and historical sites to breathtaking outdoor adventures and scenic views, there’s something for everyone in Southwest Wyoming. Here is a comprehensive tour guide to help plan your trip to this beautiful region of the United States.

List of Places to Visit in Southwest Wyoming

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wyoming State Museum - This museum located in Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, showcases the state’s natural and cultural history, including exhibits on dinosaurs, the Union Pacific Railroad, and Native American tribes.
  • Fossil Butte National Monument - Home to the world’s best-preserved fossil fish, this monument allows visitors to explore ancient plant and animal life of Wyoming while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains.
  • Fort Bridger State Historic Site - A living history museum showcasing the life of the pioneers traveling along the Oregon and California Trails, with reconstructed buildings and demonstrations of pioneer life.

Natural Attractions of Southwest Wyoming: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yellowstone National Park - A short drive north of Southwest Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park offers stunning natural wonders such as the Old Faithful geyser, bubbling mud pots, and herds of American bison.
  • Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area - This area offers fishing, boating, and other water sports on the crystal-clear waters of the Green River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
  • Fremont Lake - Surrounded by the Wind River Mountains, Fremont Lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southwest Wyoming

  • The Continental Divide Trail - This stunning 3,100-mile trail crosses the region, offering hikers and bikers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and opportunities to explore the wilderness of the area.
  • The Medicine Bow Rail Trail - This 21-mile trail weaves through picturesque Wyoming vistas and the Medicine Bow Mountain range, offering hikers and bikers stunning views of the land.
  • The Bridger-Teton National Forest - With over 3.4 million acres to explore, the Bridger-Teton National Forest offers hikers and bikers a chance to lose themselves in nature on a variety of trails.

Best Things to Do in Southwest Wyoming: Activities and Tours

  • Wildlife Watching - Southwest Wyoming is home to a variety of wildlife, from moose and elk to grizzly bears and wolves, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
  • Sightseeing Tours - Numerous tour companies offer unique sightseeing tours of the region, including horseback riding tours of the Wind River Mountains, wildlife safaris in the Grand Tetons, and hot air balloon rides in the Wyoming skies.
  • Stargazing at Prehistoric Dinosaurs - Fossil Butte National Monument offers guided stargazing tours, where amateur and professional astronomers can observe the stars and the moon while standing atop rock layers that are millions of years old.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southwest Wyoming

| Day | Activity | | — | — | | 1 | Visit the Wyoming State Museum and explore the city of Cheyenne| | 2 | Hike the Bridger-Teton National Forest | | 3 | Take a wildlife watching tour in the Grand Tetons | | 4 | Drive to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and enjoy water sports | | 5 | Visit Fort Bridger State Historic Site and once a trading post| | 6 | Go stargazing at Fossil Butte National Monument | | 7 | Visit Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful geyser and wildlife sightings |

Food and Drink Scene of Southwest Wyoming

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bison Steak - A staple of the region, bison steak is leaner and more flavorful than traditional beef, with a rich texture and deep flavor.
  • Wyoming Trout - Freshly caught trout from the region’s mountain streams is a must-try dish for seafood lovers.
  • Huckleberry Pie - A sweet and tart pie made with native huckleberries, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Local Beverages

  • Wyoming Whiskey - This award-winning whiskey is distilled locally and made from regional grains, with a smoky finish.
  • Wind River Brewing Company - Located in Pinedale, Wyoming, this brewery offers a variety of locally brewed beers, including their popular Wind River Pale Ale.
  • Jackson Hole Winery - This winery produces high-quality wines from locally grown grapes, including their popular Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc wines.

Where to Stay in Southwest Wyoming: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Wort Hotel - This historic hotel, built in 1941, features luxurious accommodations and an award-winning restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Jackson.
  • Togwotee Mountain Lodge - This mountain lodge is located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, offering stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities.
  • The Lodge at Deadwood - This hotel, designed to reflect the Wild West, offers luxurious accommodations and a variety of outdoor and indoor activities.

What to Buy in Southwest Wyoming: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Cowboy Hats - The American West is famous for its cowboy culture, and no outfit is complete without a hat. You can purchase a custom-fit cowboy hat made from high-quality materials to take home with you.
  • Wyoming Jade - Jade mined in southwestern Wyoming is world-famous for its rich green color and high quality, making it a unique souvenir to bring home.
  • Handmade Leather Goods - From belts to wallets, handcrafted leather goods, made from locally sourced materials, are a popular souvenir to pick up during your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Southwest Wyoming

Southwest Wyoming is a region deeply steeped in the traditions of the American West. Visitors should expect to encounter a friendly and welcoming community with a strong work ethic, fierce independence, and love of the outdoors. It’s not uncommon to see people wearing cowboy hats, boots, and Western clothing, and visitors are encouraged to participate in Western-themed events and activities, including rodeos and cowboy cookouts.

Best Time to Visit Southwest Wyoming

The best time to visit Southwest Wyoming is during the summer months, between June and August, when temperatures are mild and comfortable, and outdoor activities are plentiful. Fall, between September and November, offers stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds. Winter, between December and February, is a winter wonderland with opportunities for skiing and other snow-related activities. Spring, between March and May, offers beautiful wildflowers and wildlife sightings.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southwest Wyoming

Do:

  • Embrace the cowboy culture and participate in Western-themed events and activities.
  • Respect the local wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
  • Be prepared for any weather conditions and pack accordingly.

Don’t:

  • Approach or feed wildlife, as it may pose a danger to the animal and visitors.
  • Ignore weather forecasts or underestimate the region’s rugged terrain.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southwest Wyoming

Southwest Wyoming is a relatively safe region to visit, although visitors should be mindful of the rugged terrain and the potential for outdoor accidents. Always carry a map and emergency supplies when hiking or exploring remote areas, and be aware of weather conditions that can change quickly and unexpectedly.

Health in Southwest Wyoming

Visitors to Southwest Wyoming should be aware of the high altitude of the region, which can cause altitude sickness for some travelers. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and take time to acclimate before engaging in physical activities.

Getting to Southwest Wyoming: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southwest Wyoming

The closest airports to Southwest Wyoming are Jackson Hole Airport, Riverton Regional Airport and Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport.

Bus Stations Near Southwest Wyoming

Greyhound and Jefferson Lines are the two primary bus lines that serve Southwest Wyoming.

Other Options

Another way to reach Southwest Wyoming is by car, offering visitors scenic drives and the freedom to explore remote areas.

How to Get Around in Southwest Wyoming

The best way to get around Southwest Wyoming is by car or rental car, offering visitors the freedom to explore the vast region at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Southwest Wyoming: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Salt Lake City, Utah - Only a three-hour drive from Southwest Wyoming, Salt Lake City offers a bustling downtown area, incredible mountain views, and world-famous ski resorts like Park City and Alta.
  • Grand Teton National Park - Located just north of Southwest Wyoming, this national park offers stunning mountain views and plenty of outdoor activities, including wildlife watching and hiking.
  • Denver, Colorado - Only a six-hour drive from Southwest Wyoming, Denver is a cultural hub, with world-class museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Conclusion

Southwest Wyoming offers a unique combination of natural beauty, Western culture, and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Western experience. From historic sites and museums to stunning national parks and scenic drives, this region of the United States has something for everyone, and our tour guide aims to help visitors plan their perfect trip.



    Afton
    Alpine
    Fossil Butte National Monument
    Kemmerer
    Lyman
    Rock Springs