Montana sure knows how to show off. Just take one drive through Glacier or catch the sunrise over Yellowstone’s northern entrance, and you’ll see what I mean. But, what if I told you the adventure doesn’t need to end at the state line?
That same wild energy spills right over into Wyoming, where some of the most iconic national parks in the country are waiting just a few hours south.
This guide walks you through the must-see national parks and monuments in Wyoming. Whether you’re starting your journey in Montana or planning a trip focused on Wyoming alone, there’s plenty here that deserves a spot on your travel list.
1. Yellowstone National Park
At a Glance:
- Location: 55 miles south of Jackson Hole, ~90-minute drive
- Website: nps.gov/yell
- Best Time to Visit: June to August
- Cost: Standard National Park fees
- Reservation: Book lodges early for winter trips
- Recommended Stay: 5–7 days
Yellowstone is one of those places that doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s the first national park in the world, and the kind of place that somehow feels bigger than your expectations…no matter how high they are.
Old Faithful is the headliner, sure, but Yellowstone’s real strength is its variety. Boiling-hot springs, geysers, thundering waterfalls, open meadows dotted with bison…it’s the type of park where every corner looks like a new planet.
If you’re into wildlife, this park delivers. You might spot elk grazing near the road, or hear wolves howling just after sunset. Bring binoculars…you’ll thank yourself later. The Lamar Valley is one of the best spots in the country for wildlife viewing.
Summer is the ideal time to go. All the roads are open, the weather is manageable, and daylight stretches long into the evening.
Winter’s quieter, sure, but it can also limit access. If you’re planning a cold-season visit, snow coach tours and warm layers are your best bet.
2. Grand Teton National Park
At a Glance:
- Location: Just 10 miles north of Jackson Hole
- Website: nps.gov/grte
- Best Time to Visit: June through August; winter for snow activities
- Cost: Standard National Park fees
- Reservation: Required for camping/lodging during busy months
- Recommended Stay: 3–5 days
Some parks make you work for the views. Grand Teton isn’t one of them. Here, the jagged peaks of the Teton Range shoot straight up out of the valley floor…no foothills, no buildup, just instant awe.
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it either. Sure, there are tough backcountry trails, but there are also mellow lake loops and scenic pullouts where you can snap a postcard-worthy shot without leaving your car.
Summer’s perfect for kayaking on Jenny Lake or taking a drive through Moose-Wilson Road, where moose sightings are common.
In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing take over, and the snow-covered Tetons are nothing short of magic.
Its close location to Jackson Hole makes it a convenient stop for travelers. Whether you’re camping, staying at a lodge, or just driving through, the Tetons always leave an impression.
3. Devils Tower National Monument
At a Glance:
- Location: Devils Tower, WY 82714, United States
- Website: nps.gov/deto
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Cost: Standard National Monument fees
- Reservation: Not required
- Recommended Stay: Half-day to full day
Devils Tower rises over 800 feet from the rolling grasslands of northeast Wyoming and is impossible to miss. Its massive, almost otherworldly structure makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the U.S., and it’s just as intriguing up close.
Visitors can hike the 1.3-mile Tower Trail loop, which circles the base and provides panoramic views and interpretive signs along the way.
The monument is a sacred site for many Native American tribes, and it’s not unusual to see prayer cloths tied to trees in quiet respect.
While rock climbers are drawn to its vertical cracks, most people come to take in the scenery and enjoy a peaceful walk beneath the towering columns.
The visitor center has exhibits about the tower’s formation and history, and picnic areas are available for those planning to linger. It’s a great half-day stop that offers a mix of natural wonder and cultural heritage.
4. Fossil Butte National Monument
