When you think of Wyoming, you likely think of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, but beyond those famous landmarks are a whole lot of Wyoming hidden gems just waiting to be explored. For those seeking an adventure a bit off the tourist trail, these lesser-known Wyoming destinations will surely have you seeing beautiful landscapes, rich history, and a more authentic view of the Cowboy State.
This guide will help you discover some of the most underrated Wyoming travel spots, including hidden natural wonders and quaint small towns that will make your Wyoming itinerary unforgettable.
Wyoming has one of the most striking hidden natural wonders, the Red Desert. Stretching some 10,000 square miles, the high-altitude desert is dotted with moving sand dunes, colorful badlands, and the enigmatic Killpecker Sand Dunes, one of North America's largest active dune fields.
Besides the desert, the Red Desert also contains ephemeral lakes and unique wildlife, like wild horses and pronghorn antelope. Not many travelers explore this rough territory, so it is one of the best secret places in Wyoming for isolation and discovery.
Sinks Canyon State Park, outside Lander, is another of Wyoming’s best-kept secrets. The park name derives from a natural occurrence where the Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cave, only to resurface a quarter-mile downstream. That geographical anomaly has left scientists scratching their heads for hundreds of years, and that's why it's one of the most fascinating Wyoming hidden gems.
Aside from its unique waterway, the park is home to magnificent hiking trails, wildlife, and opportunities for rock climbing and fishing, perfect for anyone looking for more unexplored adventures in Wyoming.
Nestled between Laramie and Cheyenne is Vedauwoo (pronounced “Vee-da-voo”), a surreal landscape of soaring granite formations. These natural rock formations, carved by wind and water over eons, offer crags for climbers and trails for hikers.
Even though Vedauwoo is an easy stop-off from Interstate 80, it's one of those underrated Wyoming travel destination gems that offer a quiet retreat from tourist-centric spots. Whether scrambling up giant rock formations or just having a picnic among the pines, this unusual destination should be on your travel list.
Perched up high in the Bighorn Mountains is the Medicine Wheel, a Native American ceremonial ground. Dating back some 700 years and still an important sacred site for Australian indigenous tribes, this huge stone circle is breathtaking.
Perhaps the history at the Medicine Wheel doesn’t carry the same recognition as Wyoming’s national parks, but it surely provides one of the lesser-known Wyoming destinations that provides such a powerful sense of time and mystery. The 360-degree views at this lofty site only add to its appeal. Also, trekkers and hikers will find the trek is well worth the effort.
History buffs seeking an unexplored adventure in Wyoming should head to Devil’s Gate, a narrow rock-cut passage underneath the foothills along the Sweetwater River. This natural feature became a prominent marker for the pioneers taking the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails.
Visitors can now hike or drive through this area and learn about the Pakistan travelers who traversed this difficult geography. Away from the busy masses, Devil’s Gate is a quiet but dramatic peek into the past, making it one of the most underrated Wyoming travel destinations for history buffs.
Boar’s Tusk, a volcanic plug, juts dramatically from the Red Desert terrain. This geological marvel is what remains of an ancient volcano, and it’s one of the few exposed volcanic features in Wyoming. As beautiful and surreal as it is, Boar’s Tusk is one of the secret places in Wyoming that most travelers overlook. Off-roading enthusiasts and hikers looking for seclusion will have a rewarding stop at this monument.
For the adventurous, the Wind River Range is home to some of Wyoming's most incredible-seeming hidden natural wonders. This secluded mountain range is characterized by rugged peaks, unspoiled alpine lakes, and miles of unspoiled wilderness.
Most Wyoming hikers flock to the Tetons, but the Wind River Range is a backpacker’s paradise that’s still a powerful lure for those looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures. With fewer crowds and jaw-dropping views, it’s easy to see why this area is one of the hidden gems in the state.
Ayres Natural Bridge is a beautiful rock formation over a peaceful creek located just outside of Douglas. It is one of North America's few remaining natural bridges, with a scenic waterway passing underneath it. It is a perfect backdrop for a serene picnic or a brisk nature stroll. However, while lovely, Ayres Natural Bridge is one of the under-recovered Wyoming destinations and is often overshadowed by Wyoming’s bigger attractions.
Far into the Bighorn Mountains is Hole-in-the-Wall, a rough red-rock pass that was once a lair for notorious outlaws like Butch Cassidy. One of the most infamous secret spots in Wyoming, this remote place allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the Wild West’s most dangerous characters. It does take some work to get to the site, but it’s an unmissable experience for those that do.
The Grand Canyon gets all the acclaim in the Southwest, but Wyoming has its very own epic canyon that flies well under the radar. Big Horn Canyon, which sprawls the Wyoming-Montana border, is one of Wyoming's most breathtaking hidden natural gems.
Steep red rock cliffs soar more than a thousand feet above the winding Bighorn River for a view that rivals the more famous canyons of the West. One of the most underrated Wyoming travel spots, Big Horn Canyon, is often skipped over by travelers on the way to Yellowstone, despite its dramatic beauty.
This is a great place for outdoor adventurers looking for unexplored Wyoming adventures. Following the river in a kayak or boat gives a great view of the canyon’s sheer cliffs and hidden caves, while scenic hiking trails climb to stunning overlooks like Devil Canyon, a rail-thin ridge with birds-eye views of the dramatic terrain below. It’s also home to one of the largest wild horse herds in the United States, making it a great place for wildlife watching.
In addition to its natural beauty, Big Horn Canyon is rich with historical relevance. It was also once the stomping ground of Native American tribes, evidence of whom can be found in ancient petroglyphs carved into the faces of the canyon walls.
While Yellowstone’s geysers draw millions, its Wyoming hidden gems, places such as Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, are much less crowded but also just as hypnotic. This geothermal marvel contains the world’s largest mineral hot spring, with steaming waters flowing over vibrant terraces in a surreal landscape.
Visitors can soak in the state-run Bath House, which houses mineral water from the ground at a temperature of 104°F, and hike trails that guide them to rumbling hot pools. They can also check out the dramatic Swinging Bridge, a landscape-altering suspension bridge with views of mineral-streaked cliffs. Wildlife buffs may even catch a glimpse of a bison herd that roams the park.
Hot Springs State Park is one of the most underrated Wyoming travel destinations. It is an ideal oasis to unwind and relax away from the throngs of Yellowstone.
These off-the-radar destinations could mean anything from natural wonders like the Red Desert and the Wind River Range to historic and geological wonders like the Medicine Wheel and Sinks Canyon. If you’re a history buff, a wilderness adventurer, or simply a traveler trying to escape the crowds, these underappreciated travel spots in Wyoming will mesmerize you. So pack your gear and hit the road to find these Wyoming activities away from the beaten path.
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