8 Best Small Towns In Wyoming For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Wyoming is a landlocked state, sharing its borders with six other American states: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. Despite that, the region is home to multiple water bodies, natural and man-made, as well as the Rocky Mountains and stretches of high plains, making it a gem of natural wonders. Although Wyoming is the least populated state in the country, it is the 10th largest in area, which allows it to offer a host of experiences on natural landscapes. Those who venture away from the bigger cities and escape to smaller towns in the state will discover that there is a bounty of outdoor adventure waiting for them to experience.
Sheridan
Sheridan is an Old West town located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore, allowing it to offer infinite outdoor adventure to visitors. Start by enjoying solitude at the grassy expanse in Kendrick Park, where wanderers can explore chainsaw-carved tree sculptures and visit the resident buffalo and elk. The town is also home to multiple pathways that connect numerous parks and sites around the cities, which can be discovered on foot or bike. The nearby Bighorn National Forest and Mountains are a nature lover's paradise. With 106 million acres of forest and 180,000 acres of wilderness, it allows tourists to hike, bike, camp, boat, hunt, and more in an abundant outdoor landscape. It also has a remote area absent of most infrastructure, allowing explorers to truly disconnect from urban life and immerse in the environment.
Lander
Lander is a small city located in central Wyoming, along the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River and south of the Wind River Indian Reservation. The town is known as the place "where the rails end and the trails begin," owing to its acres of outdoor recreation. Adventurous souls should start at the Sinks Canyon State Park and Wild Iris to enjoy the numerous rock climbing opportunities that Landers is famous for. There are also multiple hiking and biking trails in the park and elsewhere in the town, and visitors can book a trip with Wyoming Country Outfitters to experience the natural landscape with local expertise. Stay at the Louis Lake Lodge, where tourists can rent boats, horses, and log cabins to enjoy the outdoor experience wholeheartedly.
Jackson
Jackson is located in the Jackson Hole Valley, in close proximity to Jackson Hole Mountain, Snow King Mountain, as well as Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. This location makes it a popular tourist destination for those looking to explore the outdoors in all seasons. Start with a trip to the National Elk Refuge, where visitors can witness one of the largest elk herds in America in a protected habitat. Then, head to the nearby Snow King mountain resort, which has summer activities such as gondola rides, ziplining, mountain biking, and guided hikes, but really come alive in the winter with world-class skiing, snowboarding, and tubing facilities. End with a stroll around Jackson Town Square, also known as George Washington Memorial Park, to see the famous elk-antler arches at the corners of the park and enjoy a relaxing picnic.
Buffalo
Buffalo is a scenic city situated amidst the wild plains of the Old West and the sky-reaching peaks of the Bighorn Mountains. Begin the trip with a thrilling experience by heading to Ultimate Outdoors, a sports giant that also provides rental ATVs, snowmobiles, campers, and guides to allow visitors to experience the adventurous terrain of Buffalo. Then, take a trip to the nearby Bighorn National Forest to wander amongst lush green forestry, hike to the top of mountainous peaks, and camp in the wilderness. To relax and unwind, tourists should head to Lake DeSmet, where they can swim, boat, or just unplug in tranquil surroundings by the shore.
Cody
Cody, located at the foot of the Absaroka Mountains, is right next to the famous Yellowstone National Park, making this city a gateway to elite outdoor adventures. Head to the nearby Shoshone National Forest to enjoy activities such as biking, hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and river rafting. Biking trails are scattered throughout the city to enable visitors to cycle through spectacular country and historic streets. Spend a day at the Bill Cody Ranch to ride a horse, play horseshoes, or learn to rope. Drive around the Beartooth Loop for scenic mountain views or enjoy it on the thrilling Sleeping Giant Zip Line. For an extended trip, one can always explore the geysers, lakes, wildlife, and forestry at the Yellowstone National Park.
Ten Sleep
Ten Sleep is a small town of less than 300 residents, but its location in the Bighorn Basin, at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, makes it a popular destination for tourists exploring the outdoors. The most famous destination is the Ten Sleep Canyon, located just outside town, which invites rock climbing enthusiasts from all over the country to try out its multiple climbing trails. The canyon also has other activities that can be enjoyed in the summer, such as Hiking, biking, trail running, swimming, and fishing. In the winter, take a trip to the Meadowlark Ski Lodge to indulge in snowmobiling, cross-country and downhill skiing, and snow tubing.
Pinedale
Pinedale is an all-season destination for outdoor enthusiasts, located in close proximity to the Wind River Mountains. The town is also surrounded by 1,300 alpine lakes and the Green and New Fork Rivers, making it a sweet haven for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Take to any of the nearby lakes to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and rafting in the summer and ice-fishing in the winter. Passionate hikers should take a stab at the famous treks like Cirque of the Towers and Titcomb Basin, and rock climbers can enjoy some steep climbing at the Wind River Mountain Range. For a little more adventure, take a local guide and explore the Bridger-Teton National Forest by horseback, ATV, or a hunting trip.
Thermopolis
Thermopolis is the most populous town in Hot Springs County, Wyoming, and, deriving its name from the Greek word that translates to "hot city", the town is famous for the numerous natural hot springs that it is home to. Explore these mineral springs at the popular Hot Springs State Park, which is home to the "World's Largest Mineral Hot Spring," where visitors can enjoy swimming in numerous indoor and outdoor hot water pools as well as steam caves and water slides. The park also has wild buffalo roaming in some fenced sections, allowing tourists to get a glimpse of the old West wildlife. Golfers can enjoy a day at the local nine-hole golf course with views of Roundtop Mountain, and water lovers can go rafting at the Big Horn River.
As can be seen, Wyoming is a state abundant in natural wonders and beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to venture forth into its small towns for an unforgettable experience. From the Old West charm of Sheridan and the ranch experiences at Cody to the rock climbing haven at Ten Sleep and the famous hot springs of Thermopolis, each town on this list offers a thrilling yet tranquil experience for explorers. Whether you want to relax at the alpine lakes and rivers or enjoy unbounded outdoor adventure, these small towns in Wyoming are the place to be.
