Let’s face it — in order to enjoy life in Wyoming, you’ve got to love the outdoors. After all, if you aren’t a fan of getting out and exploring, why do you live in the most beautiful state? It can be hard to find the motivation to hike when the snow starts blowing and the winds pick up, and in the summer, the high-elevation sun can be brutal. We’ve picked out a few hikes that are particularly well-suited to certain times of the year, so you can enjoy the scenery of the Cowboy State no matter what the forecast says. Check out 12 of the best hikes in Wyoming, one for each month of the year.
January - Taggart Lake, Grand Teton National Park
Flickr / Katie Rompala Grand Teton National Park is mostly closed to road traffic in the winter, but the road does stay open to the Taggart Lake Trailhead. On a snowy winter day, bring your snowshoes and make the trek to the beautiful lake. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even head up to Bradley Lake, too. This is easily one of the best hikes in Wyoming and one of our favorites to tackle during the winter months. Taggart Lake, Wyoming, USA
February - Sinks Canyon State Park
Facebook / Sinks Canyon State Park Sinks Canyon State Park is a beautiful place to hike and camp all year long. Enjoy a snowy view of the Sinks and the Rise, and tuck yourself into a heated yurt for an overnight stay in one of Wyoming’s most unique parks. Sinks Canyon, Wyoming 82520, USA
March - Half Moon Lake
Facebook / Visit Pinedale In March, pick a bluebird day to hike around Half Moon Lake near Pinedale. It’s a great spot to try backcountry ice skating, too! Half Moon Lake, Wyoming 82941, USA
April - Cottonwood Draw Falls
AllTrails / Kevin Golembeski Cottonwood Draw Falls only appears during a wet spring, so late April is one of the best times to see the cascade. Cottonwood Draw, Wyoming 82212, USA
May - Shadow Mountain
AllTrails / Wayne Clingingsmith In late May, Shadow Mountain comes to life with stunning and colorful wildflowers. Enjoy a peaceful hike and unbeatable views of the Tetons at this uncrowded spot, before the summer travelers arrive. This is just one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park. Shadow Mountain, Wyoming 83001, USA
June - Vedauwoo
AllTrails / Gary Tindall In June, head far from Northeast Parks and explore the Vedauwoo, near Cheyenne and Laramie. These unique rock formations make for a neat hiking backdrop or a great place to go climbing. Vedauwoo Glen Road, Vedauwoo Glen Rd, Wyoming, USA
July - Crow Creek Trail to Hidden Falls, Curt Gowdy State Park
AllTrails / Caleb Mckenzie When the summer heat kicks it up, why not hike up to a hidden waterfall in Wyoming? You’ll have to wade through the water to find it, but on a hot day, you surely won’t mind. Curt Gowdy State Park, 1264 Granite Springs Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009, USA
August - Delta Lake, Grand Teton National Park
AllTrails / Valerie Kopiske Delta Lake is worth the hype and is one of the best hikes in Wyoming. In late August, you’re less likely to run into crowds and the weather is beautiful. Keep an eye out for late afternoon storms that are known to roll into the Tetons. Delta Lake, Wyoming 83414, USA
September - Devils Tower Trail
K. Magaraci In September, tourist crowds thin out, and there’s still beautiful weather for hiking. Devils Tower is a favorite early-fall destination for anyone looking to enjoy Wyoming’s natural wonders. Devils Tower, WY 82714, USA
October - Fossil Butte National Monument
AllTrails / Sal Gutierrez When fall is in full swing, head to the aspen groves! At Fossil Butte National Monument, you’ll find a quiet grove of gorgeous golden trees. Fossil Butte National Monument, 864 Chicken Creek Rd, Kemmerer, WY 83101, USA
November - Lookout Lakes Trail, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
AllTrails / Korrina Himes By the time November arrives, you’ll be hiking in typical Wyoming winter weather. The Lookout Lakes Trail is typically hikeable through mid November, and if you arrive after an alpine snowfall, the view is breathtaking. Medicine Bow Trail - Routt National Forest, Wyoming, USA
December - Hot Springs State Park
Facebook / Hot Springs State Park Finally, in December, go warm up! Head to Hot Springs State Park and enjoy the contrast of frozen ground and thermal springs. Then, go for a dip in the bathhouse pool to warm up! Hot Springs State Park, 220 Park St, Thermopolis, WY 82443, USA
While all of these hikes are usually well-suited to the time of year listed, we all know Wyoming weather can be unpredictable. As always, be aware of the weather and take appropriate precautions. Try not to hike alone, and make sure someone at home knows your plan. Don’t hike in the backcountry or in winter weather if you aren’t experienced, and in bear country, carry bear spray during the spring, summer, and fall. Most importantly, have fun! If you ever find yourself exhausted or struggling on a hike, head back – there’s no reason to be out here if you’re not having a good time. There’s always another day!
Flickr / Katie Rompala
Grand Teton National Park is mostly closed to road traffic in the winter, but the road does stay open to the Taggart Lake Trailhead. On a snowy winter day, bring your snowshoes and make the trek to the beautiful lake. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even head up to Bradley Lake, too. This is easily one of the best hikes in Wyoming and one of our favorites to tackle during the winter months.
Taggart Lake, Wyoming, USA
Facebook / Sinks Canyon State Park
Sinks Canyon State Park is a beautiful place to hike and camp all year long. Enjoy a snowy view of the Sinks and the Rise, and tuck yourself into a heated yurt for an overnight stay in one of Wyoming’s most unique parks.
Sinks Canyon, Wyoming 82520, USA
Facebook / Visit Pinedale
In March, pick a bluebird day to hike around Half Moon Lake near Pinedale. It’s a great spot to try backcountry ice skating, too!
Half Moon Lake, Wyoming 82941, USA
AllTrails / Kevin Golembeski
Cottonwood Draw Falls only appears during a wet spring, so late April is one of the best times to see the cascade.
Cottonwood Draw, Wyoming 82212, USA
AllTrails / Wayne Clingingsmith
In late May, Shadow Mountain comes to life with stunning and colorful wildflowers. Enjoy a peaceful hike and unbeatable views of the Tetons at this uncrowded spot, before the summer travelers arrive. This is just one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park.
Shadow Mountain, Wyoming 83001, USA
AllTrails / Gary Tindall
In June, head far from Northeast Parks and explore the Vedauwoo, near Cheyenne and Laramie. These unique rock formations make for a neat hiking backdrop or a great place to go climbing.
Vedauwoo Glen Road, Vedauwoo Glen Rd, Wyoming, USA
AllTrails / Caleb Mckenzie
When the summer heat kicks it up, why not hike up to a hidden waterfall in Wyoming? You’ll have to wade through the water to find it, but on a hot day, you surely won’t mind.
Curt Gowdy State Park, 1264 Granite Springs Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009, USA
AllTrails / Valerie Kopiske
Delta Lake is worth the hype and is one of the best hikes in Wyoming. In late August, you’re less likely to run into crowds and the weather is beautiful. Keep an eye out for late afternoon storms that are known to roll into the Tetons.
Delta Lake, Wyoming 83414, USA
K. Magaraci
In September, tourist crowds thin out, and there’s still beautiful weather for hiking. Devils Tower is a favorite early-fall destination for anyone looking to enjoy Wyoming’s natural wonders.
Devils Tower, WY 82714, USA
AllTrails / Sal Gutierrez
When fall is in full swing, head to the aspen groves! At Fossil Butte National Monument, you’ll find a quiet grove of gorgeous golden trees.
Fossil Butte National Monument, 864 Chicken Creek Rd, Kemmerer, WY 83101, USA
AllTrails / Korrina Himes
By the time November arrives, you’ll be hiking in typical Wyoming winter weather. The Lookout Lakes Trail is typically hikeable through mid November, and if you arrive after an alpine snowfall, the view is breathtaking.
Medicine Bow Trail - Routt National Forest, Wyoming, USA
Facebook / Hot Springs State Park
Finally, in December, go warm up! Head to Hot Springs State Park and enjoy the contrast of frozen ground and thermal springs. Then, go for a dip in the bathhouse pool to warm up!
Hot Springs State Park, 220 Park St, Thermopolis, WY 82443, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in wyoming December 30, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the best hikes in Wyoming? While we just listed 12 of the most scenic hikes in Wyoming in the article above, this is certainly just the beginning of the incredible hiking trails found in the Cowboy State. There are trails scattered around the state that are perfect for all skill levels and with any distance you desire. Some additional hikes in Wyoming that you should consider include:
Mystic Falls Trail Register Cliff Pat O’Hara Trail Heart Lake Trail Teton Crest Trail Medicine Bow Peak
What are some winter hiking trails in Wyoming? There is no doubt that winter in Wyoming can become very cold. But, that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up indoors. In fact, there are incredible winter trails in Wyoming that are just waiting to be conquered. Some of our favorite winter hiking trails in Wyoming include:
Devils Tower Black Sand Basin Ski Trail, Yellowstone National Park Taggart Lake, Grand Teton National Park Shoshone National Forest
What are some other outdoor activities in Wyoming I should check out? Of course, Wyoming’s national parks should be at the top of anyone’s bucket list but if you are searching for even more activities in the Cowboy State to enjoy, consider the following destinations:
Gannett Peak Granite Hot Springs National Historic Trails Center Hole-In-The-Wall Outlaw Hideout Leigh Lake Grand Targhee Ski Resort
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in wyoming
December 30, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the best hikes in Wyoming? While we just listed 12 of the most scenic hikes in Wyoming in the article above, this is certainly just the beginning of the incredible hiking trails found in the Cowboy State. There are trails scattered around the state that are perfect for all skill levels and with any distance you desire. Some additional hikes in Wyoming that you should consider include:
Mystic Falls Trail Register Cliff Pat O’Hara Trail Heart Lake Trail Teton Crest Trail Medicine Bow Peak
What are some winter hiking trails in Wyoming? There is no doubt that winter in Wyoming can become very cold. But, that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up indoors. In fact, there are incredible winter trails in Wyoming that are just waiting to be conquered. Some of our favorite winter hiking trails in Wyoming include:
Devils Tower Black Sand Basin Ski Trail, Yellowstone National Park Taggart Lake, Grand Teton National Park Shoshone National Forest
What are some other outdoor activities in Wyoming I should check out? Of course, Wyoming’s national parks should be at the top of anyone’s bucket list but if you are searching for even more activities in the Cowboy State to enjoy, consider the following destinations:
Gannett Peak Granite Hot Springs National Historic Trails Center Hole-In-The-Wall Outlaw Hideout Leigh Lake Grand Targhee Ski Resort
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While we just listed 12 of the most scenic hikes in Wyoming in the article above, this is certainly just the beginning of the incredible hiking trails found in the Cowboy State. There are trails scattered around the state that are perfect for all skill levels and with any distance you desire. Some additional hikes in Wyoming that you should consider include:
- Mystic Falls Trail
- Register Cliff
- Pat O’Hara Trail
- Heart Lake Trail
- Teton Crest Trail
- Medicine Bow Peak
What are some winter hiking trails in Wyoming?
There is no doubt that winter in Wyoming can become very cold. But, that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up indoors. In fact, there are incredible winter trails in Wyoming that are just waiting to be conquered. Some of our favorite winter hiking trails in Wyoming include:
- Devils Tower
- Black Sand Basin Ski Trail, Yellowstone National Park
- Taggart Lake, Grand Teton National Park
- Shoshone National Forest
What are some other outdoor activities in Wyoming I should check out?
Of course, Wyoming’s national parks should be at the top of anyone’s bucket list but if you are searching for even more activities in the Cowboy State to enjoy, consider the following destinations:
- Gannett Peak
- Granite Hot Springs
- National Historic Trails Center
- Hole-In-The-Wall Outlaw Hideout
- Leigh Lake
- Grand Targhee Ski Resort
