Wyoming Travel / Tourism
The vast wildlands of Wyoming have become a growing attraction in a world of travel and tourism. Wyoming is a state unique in its topography and climate, vast mountain ranges, abundant wildlife, rich history, and endless recreational opportunities. The state's moto is "Like No Place on Earth". Less than 500,000 people live within its 97,914 square mile boundaries shaped like a picture postcard. But close to 5 million tourists a year visit Wyoming, making tourism one of the state's main industries.
Mountain Biking Through a Meadow
� © Vertical Media
John Colter, who stayed behind when Lewis and Clark continued home, later regaled Easterners with the first reports of a land of steaming geysers and towering waterfalls so unusual his fellow mountain men named it "Colter's Hell". Today, Yellowstone's geological wonders are cherished worldwide. But there is more to Wyoming than the first national park set aside in 1872.
In addition to Yellowstone, federally protected preserves include Grand Teton National Park, Devil's Tower National Monument, Fossil Butte National Monument, six national forests, 15 wilderness areas, one Wild and Scenic River, a national elk refuge, three national wildlife refuges, a national grassland, and a sprawling expanse of public rangelands. State parks and historic sites at 24 locations preserve reminders of Wyoming's rich history or offer insights into it complex geology. A majority of these sites permit camping and fishing in some of the state's more scenic locales.
Vast regions remain unchanged since the 49ers rushed to California's gold fields and stalwart pioneers made the long, arduous treks to Oregon and Utah. Indian wars and cattle wars endure as a large part of the Cowboy State's history and identity. It still retains aspects of the Old West historical fiction buffs relive through novels like "The Virginian", and western movie fans absorb in classic films like "Shane". Its residents remain ardently independent.
Horse Pack Trip
� © Vertical Media
Wyoming's abundant wildlife roam free in its forests and sagebrush deserts under majestic mountain vistas. The vast open spaces of Wyoming are largely occupied by its wildlife. The world's largest single elk herd is found in Wyoming, along with boasting the largest antelope population of any state or province. Mule deer, moose, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, buffalo, black and grizzly bears find a home in Wyoming, with the greatest concentration in Yellowstone National Park. Fur bearing animals are also plentiful in the state, including cottontails, jackrabbits, weasels, marmots, beavers, foxes, coyotes, wolves, wolverines, and bobcats. There are numerous species of waterfowl, game birds and birds of prey found in the State of Wyoming. Not only is there a great diversity of wildlife on land, but the pristine waters of the State are known as a fisherman's paradise with 22 species of game fish, including six varieties of trout.
Recreation in the State is unlimited. There is fun to be had in every locale of Wyoming with year round outdoor recreational opportunities. Wyoming's great diversity of wildlife attracts hunters, anglers, photographers and wildlife viewers from all parts of the globe. People are fascinated with the vast lands and its inhabitants, and observing their behaviors in their wild environment is becoming more cherished every day as our natural resources continue to diminish.
The State's public and preserved lands are open to year round exploration by hiking, climbing, biking, horseback riding, motorbiking, snowshoeing, cross country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and mountaineering. Water activities are just as numerous. Lakes provide water skiing, scenic boating and wildlife viewing, swimming, wind surfing, and fishing. The Snake River is a great river for whitewater rafting, but also a spectacular scenic river as it flows from the headwaters in Yellowstone underneath the majestic and awe-inspiring Tetons. Other rivers and streams in the state offer year round fishing opportunities. There are those who not only explore by land or water, but also by sky. Paragliding, hangliding and hot air ballooning are a growing interest in several areas of the State.
Wyoming is a land that is too vast to capture in one lifetime. Its richness and diversity in all aspects provides for a fantastic opportunity for all of use to enjoy. It is no surprise that the travel and tourism industry is growing at such a steady pace. The lure of the mountains and its rivers acts as a magnet of sorts, it charges many of us who are unable to be in an environment of such grand open spaces and clean air. As time goes on, we must act to keep our wildlands free so that future generations can come to know the true brillance of mother nature.
Cheyenne, WY Weather
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Other pages you might find helpful:
Jackson Hole Reservations
Make reservations for your visit to Jackson Hole Wyoming & Grand Teton National Park.
Wyoming Lodging
Search for lodging throughout Wyoming!
