Travel & Tourism

Ride, climb, fish & more; 15 unforgettable outdoor pursuits

By Travel Wyoming

Wyoming’s wide-open spaces are a playground for rough-andtumble types. Whether you’re taking a hike, exploring on bike, taking a longer route with a backpacking trip, climbing, paddling or fishing, you’re sure to get your heart pumping with some of the west’s greatest scenery as the backdrop at these adventurous locals.

Go Rock Climbing

Geological wonders, prehistoric boulders and limestone crags beckon climbers of every skill level for an unforgettable day on the rocks at these top climbing sites.

1. Devils Tower National Monument

This otherworldly, rocky cathedral near Hulett and Sundance is clad with sheer dihedrals on every side, luring crack-climbers from around the world with 5.6–5.13 difficulty.

2. Near Laramie – Vedauwoo

These granite outcrops between Cheyenne and Laramie look like they were stacked by giants. “Land of the Earthborn Spirit,” as it’s known to the Arapaho Indians, is home to hundreds of fun and challenging routes for bouldering, sport and traditional climbing. Vedauwoo also has awesome hiking trails.

3. Lander – Sinks Canyon

Climbers will feel at home in the town of Lander, which hosts the International Climbers’ Festival each July. The big draw is nearby Sinks Canyon State Park, featuring more than 300 climbs on pockety limestone, sandstone and granite.

Go Fishing 4. Casper – Miracle Mile

This storied section of the North Platte River near Casper is the holy grail for serious anglers. Bring your nymph rigs and streamers to land behemoth rainbow and brown trout or enlist one of the many local outfitters to show you their secrets.

5. Near Pinedale – Green River

Meltwater from the Wind River Range feeds the Green River in southwest Wyoming, which becomes a hotspot for dry fly-fishing each summer.

6. Grand Teton National Park – Jackson Lake

Deep, cold waters at the base of Grand Teton National Park harbor abundant trout, trophy-size pike and even salmon. June through September is high season, but the spring ice-out brings droves of hungry fish to the shallows.

Take a Hike 7. Popo Agie Falls Trail – Skill Level: Easy

Take in absolutely stunning views of Middle Fork Falls, where the Popo Agie River cascades over large outcroppings into Sinks Canyon on a 3-mile, round-trip route in Sinks Canyon State Park near Lander. Find the trailhead at Bruces Parking Area.

8. Bridle Trail – Skill Level: Moderate

This steep yet well-maintained 4.5-mile loop begins at the base of Garden Creek Falls in Rotary Park near Casper and leads to breathtaking vistas of the town and dense evergreen forests.

9. Medicine Bow Peak Loop – Skill Level: Difficult

Glimpses of sprawling meadows, glittering mountain lakes and snow-freckled peaks reward ramblers who take the rocky trek up Medicine Bow Peak, the highest in the Snowy Mountains at 12,014 feet. The trailhead is located at West Lake Marie parking area near Centennial.

Go Backpacking 10. Titcomb Basin – Skill Level: Intermediate/Difficult

Titcomb Basin features unforgettable alpine scenery, including kaleidoscopic wildflowers and the jagged Wind River Range. The nearly 30-mile, out-and-back route encompasses the Seneca Lake, Indian Pass and Pole Creek trails.

11. Cloud Peak – Skill Level: Difficult

At 13,167 feet, Cloud Peak is the tallest point in the Bighorn Mountains and the journey to its summit is 23 miles round-trip. Along the way, enjoy views of turquoise glaciated lakes and the peaceful Cloud Peak Wilderness.

12. Teton Crest – Skill Level: Difficult

The point-to-point, 39-mile Teton Crest Trail traverses Grand Teton National Park’s bucket-list-worthy backcountry, where you can experience glacier-carved valleys, fields full of lupine, paintbrush and other wild flora and the awe-inspiring Teton Range. Backcountry permit required.

Go Paddling 13. Fremont Canyon

Tucked between Alcova and Pathfinder reservoirs near Alcova, Fremont Canyon’s sheer rock walls tower above the clear waters. Launch your boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to examine 2 billion years of geologic history in the canyon’s walls.

14. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Panoramas of the gorge’s multi-hued red-rock canyons are even lovelier from a raft, boat, SUP or kayak.

15. Snake River

Outfitters in Jackson host an assortment of rafting excursions along the Snake River, from white-knuckle expeditions to scenic family floats. Guided kayaking trips are also available. n

Women Who Travel podcast

Wyoming Office of Tourism

Conde Nast Traveler podcast – Women Who Travel, published its latest episode featuring Wyoming Office of Tourism Director Diane Shober.

The 35-minute episode, titled “Planning an Outdoor Adventure This Summer? Start Here,” focuses on mindful travel, especially throughout national parks. Shober was joined by Outdoor Magazine & Conde Nast Traveler contributor, Emily Pennington, to discuss how travelers can expand their trip outside national parks, how to respect Wyoming’s wild places, and how to support local communities. You can listen to the full episode on Apple Podcast and Spotify. n