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- Yellowstone National Park — The original supervolcano playground: geysers (Grand Prismatic), bubbling mud pots, and huge concentrations of wildlife in a dramatic, otherworldly landscape you can’t really replicate anywhere else.
- Grand Teton National Park — Jagged, accessible peaks dropping straight into valleys and lakes. The skyline along the Snake River and the chance to paddle under towering granite walls give this a classic-but-unique Rocky Mountain feel.
- Devils Tower — A singular basalt monolith rising out of the prairie with spectacular columnar joints and sunrise/sunset light shows. It’s also a living cultural landscape—don’t climb on ceremonial days and treat it with respect.
- Wind River Range — Cirque of the Towers — High alpine granite spires, turquoise lakes, serious backpacking
- Yellowstone National Park — The original supervolcano playground: geysers (Grand Prismatic), bubbling mud pots, and huge concentrations of wildlife in a dramatic, otherworldly landscape you can’t really replicate anywhere else.
- Grand Teton National Park — Jagged, accessible peaks dropping straight into valleys and lakes. The skyline along the Snake River and the chance to paddle under towering granite walls give this a classic-but-unique Rocky Mountain feel.
- Devils Tower — A singular basalt monolith rising out of the prairie with spectacular columnar joints and sunrise/sunset light shows. It’s also a living cultural landscape—don’t climb on ceremonial days and treat it with respect.
- Wind River Range — Cirque of the Towers — High alpine granite spires, turquoise lakes, serious backpacking and some of the best technical climbing in the Lower 48. Remote and wild; the kind of place where you’ll likely see more stars than people. (Personal favorite.)
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area — Narrow, red-walled canyons you can explore by boat or on quiet drives. Less crowded than other big parks, great for spotting cliff-dwelling wildlife and feeling like you’ve stepped into a different West.
- Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis — Soak in naturally warm mineral pools and walk the terrace formations sculpted by the spring. It’s a small-town hot-spring culture that’s pleasantly down-to-earth and uniquely Wyoming.
- Sinks Canyon State Park (hidden gem) — The Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cavern (“the Sinks”) and reappears about a half mile downstream (“the Rise”). Short hikes, bouldering, and dramatic canyon walls without the crowds.
- Guernsey / Oregon Trail Ruts (hidden gem) — Deep wagon-wheel ruts carved into sandstone by 19th-century emigrants. Standing in them is a weirdly tangible, physical connection to westward migration you don’t get from plaques and displays.
- Cody Nite Rodeo — A true, nightly summer rodeo where locals and visitors mix—bulls, bareback broncs, and a rowdy, authentic western vibe. It’s a cultural experience: loud, messy, and unapologetically cowboy.
- Medicine Wheel on Bighorn Plateau (hidden gem) — A high-elevation stone circle with deep indigenous cultural and astronomical significance. The road up is a bit rough and the site is remote, so it tends to stay quiet—visit respectfully and bring good boots.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Private Yellowstone Wolf Watching & Wildlife Safari + lunch
Private 8-Hour Grand Teton Adventure
Private Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Tour
Half-Day Traditional Driftboat Fly Fishing at Jackson Hole
Small-Group Sunset Kayaking Tour on Lake Yellowstone
Yellowstone: Private Guided Tour
8 Hour Combination Snowshoe & Wildlife Viewing in Grand Teton National Park
Early Morning Guided Kayak Tour
E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park
Best Backpacking
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.