Hidden Gems

Wyoming stands for wide landscapes, imposing national parks and real wilderness. Away from the well-known highlights, hidden canyons, remote mountain valleys, historic ghost towns and spectacular natural sites that only a few travelers visit. If you take your time for these insider tips, you will experience Wyoming from its most original side.

Between Cheyenne and Laramie, huge granite rocks rise in bizarre shapes from the prairie. The area is ideal for hiking, climbing and photography and is often overlooked despite its beauty.

Shortly before sunset, the granite rocks shine in warm red and gold tones.

High in the Absaroka Mountains is one of Wyoming's most remote ghost towns. The abandoned buildings tell the story of a once thriving gold mine town and are now situated in the middle of an impressive mountain landscape.

The last kilometers lead over a gravel road and are better suited for the pickup truck.

This historic site houses thousands of years old rock drawings and petroglyphs of the native people. Information boards explain the cultural significance of this particular place.

Few visitors know that there is a small ice cave in the Sinks Canyon, where even during summer ice is preserved. A short walk leads to this unusual natural phenomenon.

At the foot of the Wind River Range are two crystal clear mountain lakes with fantastic views of the distinctive Squaretop Mountain. Despite the spectacular backdrop, the area is much quieter than the well-known national parks.

With some luck you can watch moose, black bears or whitehead eagles.

The coloured rock formations east of Dubois are reminiscent of a miniature edition of the famous Badlands. The landscape is ideal for short hiking tours and impressive photos.

In the middle of the Red Desert, a distinctive volcanic rock cone rises from the wide plain. This rare natural geological monument is one of Wyoming's most unusual landscapes.

On a short circular path you will discover hundreds of petrified dinosaur tracks, over 160 million years old. The place is one of the most important dinosaur sites in the state.

This impressive waterfall falls over several rock steps into the depth and is located directly on Bighorn Scenic Byway. A short walk leads to several viewing platforms.

The former gold mining town gives an authentic impression of life during the Gold Rush. Many historic buildings have been lovingly restored and can be visited.

You can reach some Hidden Gems via gravel roads. Inform yourself in advance about the road conditions and use your pickup truck if necessary.

Especially the remote places are often almost deserted during the week and offer a particularly intensive nature experience.

A telephoto lens is particularly worthwhile for animal observations in the wide landscapes of Wyoming.

Plan enough fuel and drinking water for remote regions.

Download offline cards, as the mobile phone reception is often restricted or not available.

Always keep enough distance to wildlife and never feed them.

The Hidden Gems show Wyoming from its quiet and authentic side. Those who occasionally leave behind the well-known national parks discover impressive landscapes, exciting history and nature experiences far away from the big visitor streams. Especially these hidden places make a journey through Wyoming particularly varied and unforgettable.