Wyoming National Parks & Monuments You Should Visit

With large open spaces, towering mountains, gorgeous greenery, and icy brilliance in its turn, there is just so much to see and do in these national parks. The biodiversity and wildlife also play their own part in making these spaces what they are.

Each of the national parks in WY boasts different natural phenomena, so you may be tempted to see it all. If you have the time, we encourage you to do just that! And if you’re pressed to see only one, any park featured on this list is well worth the visit. 

The bulk of Yellowstone is situated in Wyoming, but it also stretches into Montana and Idaho. There are, therefore, a number of ways to access the park. 

There are five entrances to the park. It is important to note, however, that it takes a few hours to drive from one entrance to another, so be sure to choose the one closest to you.

Also, several entrances may be closed to regular vehicles because of weather. Check carefully before you venture out. 

Near Yellowstone is Wyoming’s second offering, Grand Teton National Park. The jagged mountainscape of the Teton range is iconic and makes for an impressive site to explore. It is also an incredible backdrop for a day on the lake.

You can bring your paddleboard or kayak here and spend the whole day around the gorgeous water. There are also plenty of paved bike paths to cycle along, as well as trails to hike. It is well suited to families with children.

While every step of the park is beautiful, there are a few standout things to see here. Try to include them all in your visit.

• Grand Teton: the peak of the Teton range boasts an incredible panoramic view of the area.
• Jackson Hole: this awesome little town is very popular amongst the park’s visitors.

While these national monuments in Wyoming are not surrounded by hundreds of miles of pristine protected parks, they are still something to behold. If you don’t have days to spend in a Wyoming park, a monument or two might fit the bill.

This popular site was made famous by the 90’s movie, ‘Close Encounters’. The foreboding rock suits the idea of an alien encounter, as it rises rather randomly from the earth.

There is a 1.3-mile hiking trail around the base of the tower, which allows you to admire it from all angles. The trail is paved, making it more accessible to those who have mobility challenges.

Getting to Devils Tower National Monument is simple. It can only be accessed by a single road, Wyoming Highway 24. Located just 9 miles south of the town of Hulett, this is a great place to stock up on anything you need for the trip

This Wyoming monument is well geared to family excursions and learning experiences. As the name suggests, there have been many fossils uncovered here and it is referred to as “America’s aquarium in stone”.

The visitor center will teach you all that you need to know, with numerous displays and literature for all ages.

You can join an informational talk at the center or simply set out on your own. There are a number of lovely hiking trails in the park, and if you go at the right time of the year, you’ll see flowers in abundance. There is also a great picnic area for when you get peckish.

This is an excellent spot to visit if you or a family member or friend have an interest in science, geology, or both. It is packed with great fossil specimens and information, as well as knowledgeable and kind park employees.

In Wyoming, each season ushers in a new beauty to admire. This makes it tricky to choose the best time to visit, and it really depends on what you’re wanting to experience. 

If you want to see the mountains covered in snow and the frozen lake, winter is your clear winner. Winter in Wyoming is from January till mid-April. During this season you can ski and snowshoe your way through the park.

Spring, from mid-April till the end of May, is a time of thaw and new life. The days and nights will still be cold, but you can start taking advantage of more of the park’s available activities, including cycling and hiking.

Summer is perhaps the most popular time to visit. From April through September the leaves are green, the snow has melted, and the full glory of the park is on display. 

During October and November, fall spreads throughout the park. The days get shorter and colder, and all but the evergreens turn brilliant hues of yellow and red. This golden season is short but sweet, and a great time to visit the national parks and monuments in Wyoming.

Wyoming is undoubtedly one of the most stunning natural areas in the United States. With so much beauty and adventure in one state, there is certainly lots to see and do.

If you can only choose one place to visit, I would recommend Yellowstone National Park, as it has a beauty seldom seen elsewhere. However, wherever you may go, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.