It’s no lie that Wyoming is home to some of the most stunning National Parks and Mountain Ranges. You could spend years exploring every nook and cranny this beautiful state has to offer. In my opinion, the western part of the state is really where all the action occurs. So in this travel guide of the Ultimate Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary, we will go over the top locations in the state.
Jake and I have been through Wyoming a few times, and every time we leave, we are always craving more. In this specific guide, we will be touching on the outdoor adventure sights. Whether you are craving geysers, climbing to a mountain peak, or rafting down a roaring river, Wyoming will take your breath away. In this Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary, we are starting from the South central border and heading Northwest to the corner of Wyoming.
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Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary
Medicine Bow Peak
- Lake Marie to North & South Gap Lake
Wind River Range
- Titcomb Basin or Cirque of the Towers
Jackson Hole
- Whitewater rafting/Downhill Skiing
- Snake River Brewery
Grand Teton National Park
- Mormon Row Historic District
- Taggert & Bradley Lake Loop
- Jenny Lake Overlook
- Snake River Overlook
- OxBow Bend
Yellowstone National Park
- Old faithful
- Upper Geyser Basin (Morning Glory Pool)
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- The Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone
- Mammoth Hot Springs
WARNING: Many of the locations listed have bear activity (among other wild animals). You should carry bear spray for nearly all of the outdoor locations on this itinerary. Be sure to give wild animals plenty of space. Learn more about Bear Safety.
And don’t forget your road trip essentials! Check out our post: Road Trip Essential items
Medicine Bow Peak:
First up on the Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary is Medicine Bow Peak. This is the first place Jake and I visited in Wyoming and ever since, we were hooked on exploring more of Wyoming. This mountain range can be viewed from just your car, but we think it’s best explored on foot.
Jake and I have actually visited this area twice, doing similar hikes in the area. But if we were to guide someone to the coolest parts along this hike, we would suggest starting at Lake Marie and hiking toward North & South Gap Lake. The overall hike out and back would be 10.2 miles. If your Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary doesn’t have a time limit, then you could break the hikes into two separate shorter hikes.
For more specifics on the hikes in the area, check out our post: A Hiker’s Guide To Medicine Bow Peak: Wyoming
Wind River Range:
Now the hikes in the Wind River Range aren’t for the faint of heart. Almost all of the hikes in this area are long and strenuous, but the views will be well worth the trek. We highly suggest backpacking if you plan to add this stop to your Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary. In our opinion, the two best hikes to choose from in the area are Titcomb Basin or Cirque of the Towers.
Titcomb Basin
Titcomb Basin is around 29.5 miles with 4,041 feet elevation change. The hike is out and back, so it will be easy to follow the trail back out since you already hiked in. But do note that this hike has some serious elevation change. This backpacking trip is best done as a multi-day adventure between 3-5 days.
No permit is required for this hike, but there is a small window for backpacking to this location due to snow. So be prepared to share this beautiful view with many other hikers during the summer. Use AllTrails to navigate your way through the hike. But as always, LEAVE NO TRACE while out on this adventure.
Cirque Of The Towers
Cirque Of The Towers is around 29.8 miles with 4,146 feet elevation change. The hike is a loop hike, so you get new stunning views along the whole route. It’s also best done as a multi-day backpacking trip due to the length and elevation change. It is also one of the most popular hikes in the Wind River Range, so expect to share the trail with many other hikers.
No permits are required for this backpacking trip. Use AllTrails GPS tracker to navigate your way along the hike. As always, LEAVE NO TRACE, and keep this beautiful location better than when you came!
Both hikes will take a few days to successfully hike and enjoy, therefore we think it’s best to choose one or the other while you are on your Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary.
Jackson Hole:
Jackson Hole is famously known for its winter skiing, but it is also a great place to adventure all seasons of the year. It is located just a few minutes from Grand Teton National Park, so it’s a must-see place if you are on the Western part of Wyoming. Whether you are visiting in the winter for skiing or summer for white water rafting, Jackson Hole is sure to fuel your adventure spirit.
White Water Rafting
If you are visiting during summer or during warmer weather, white water rafting in this area is some of the coolest. You can either choose a scenic tour or go on a class 3 adventure down the snake river. Who doesn’t love a trip that offers a stunning view of the Tetons via water?
Choose One Of These Epic Rafting Tours:
Snake River Brewery
And don’t forget to stop at the Snake River Brewery. The brewery has a great outdoor section where you can enjoy a nice beer outdoors.
They also have a great food menu. Be sure to try their famous Bison & Beef Chili. It has won the Jackson Chili Cook-off Award three years in a row!
Grand Teton National Park:
Ahh, the breathtaking views just driving into Grand Teton National Park will blow your socks off. The mountain views are really that magical. Especially with a fresh dusting of snow on the mountain ranges, there is not an ugly picture to be taken within the park.
In this Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary, we spend about 2 days exploring Grand Teton National Park, but if you are in no rush, please extend the trip and spend more time in this beautiful area.
Mormon Row Historic District:
I’m sure you have seen this famous building when looking up a picture of the tetons. But if not, it truly is a beautiful sight to see. There used to be 33 homestead buildings that formed around a church and school in the 19th century, but there are only a handful of homesteads left. You can either drive by the homesteads or you can walk around the buildings to get a closer look.
Taggert & Bradley Lake Loop:
Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake loop is an easy 6 mile hike with 761 feet elevation change. It’s a stunning hike that gets you much closer to the Tetons and two gorgeous lakes. And if the weather is nice, you can even take a dip in the lakes to cool off.
Jenny Lake Overlook:
Jenny Lake Overlook is located right behind the visitor center. You can either take a short walk to the majestic view or do a 7.7 mile loop around the lake. Or you can even rent a boat on the lake during the warm summer months. But we highly suggest checking out this spot whatever you do!
Snake River Overlook:
An easy overlook you get to pull right up to is Snake River Overlook. Many photographers show up bright and early to catch a sunrise, but it can be brisk.
OxBow Bend:
Another super easy stop on the Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary is Oxbow Bend. You simply drive up to a stunning view over the river with the Tetons in the background.
For more details on each hike & viewpoint, check out our post: Grand Teton National Park 2-day itinerary
Yellowstone National Park:
Yellowstone National Park became the first National Park in 1872. And it remains one of the most unique wonders of the world. Hydrothermal activity surrounds the land and offers such an interesting area to explore. From stunning hikes amongst the geysers, abundance of wildlife activity and most beautiful canyon walls, you will experience one of the coolest areas in the United States.
Old faithful:
An obvious stop on the Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary is Old Faithful. Old Faithful was discovered in 1870 and is one of the most predictable geysers. It goes off about 20 times a day, so you should be able to see it go off at least once while you are there!
Upper Geyser Basin (Morning Glory Pool):
Our favorite hike while visiting Yellowstone National Park was Upper Geyser Basin. Toward the end of the hike you get to witness one of the coolest thermal pools in the park, Morning Glory Pool. The hike is a 4.5 mile loop bringing you around many different geysers.
Grand Prismatic Spring:
Another famous stop along the Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary is The Grand Prismatic. There are two different ways you can experience The Grand Prismatic. The first being a short 1.6-mile loop taking you to The Excelsior Geyser, Opal Pool, Turquoise Pool, and The Grand Prismatic Spring. Or you can hike up to The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook via Fairy Falls Trail which is 1.2 miles.
The Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone:
A completely different view from the geysers within the park is an absolutely breathtaking canyon with a rushing waterfall. There are a couple viewpoints and hikes in the area. Jake and I only had enough time to check out Artist Point, but amazing hikes around The Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone are Uncle Tom’s Trail, Seven-Mile Hole Trail, Point Sublime Trail, etc.
Mammoth Hot Springs:
Last but not least, on your way out of the park is Mammoth Hot Springs. Our two favorite springs in the area are Canary Spring, and Mound and Jupiter Terraces. But there is a 3.5 mile loop hike around to all the different thermal hot springs.
For more details on each hike & viewpoint, check out our post: How To Do Yellowstone National Park In One Day
Takeaway | Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary:
Wyoming really is a gem of a state. Even writing this post, I want to go back and explore the unknown of this beautiful state. Whether you want to drive up to a few breathtaking viewpoints or dive deep into the backcountry, Wyoming has a wide assortment of outdoor activities. This Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary takes you to some legendary stops in Wyoming that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy your time on your own Western Wyoming Road Trip Itinerary.
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