State & National Parks of Wyoming

Wyoming

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Q: What does Wyoming offer to visitors?
A: Wyoming offers visitors and residents alike opportunities to discover the wonders of its wilderness areas and iconic landmarks. Awe-inspiring canyon walls, rock formations seemingly from another world, jagged peaks, and colorful pools remain relatively untouched within the borders of the state.
Q: What notable national parks and monuments are in Wyoming?
A: The state is also home to the world’s first national park, the famous Yellowstone, along with the country’s first national monument and eleven national monuments, trails, and areas.

Best Time to Visit State & National Parks of Wyoming

June to September – Peak season with warm temps, clear trails, and full access to parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
July & August – Best for camping, wildlife viewing, and photography with long days and vibrant landscapes.
May & October – Shoulder months with fewer crowds, great hiking weather, and chances for wildlife sightings.
November to April – Cold and snowy but excellent for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter wildlife tours.
Late June – A sweet spot with blooming wildflowers, active wildlife, and roads/trails just reopening.

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1. Bear River State Park

Go wildlife watching or explore scenic walking trails along the river.

Bear River State Park

What is Bear River State Park?
- Bear River State Park is a 320-acre day-use park near Evanston, Wyoming.
- It is home to small herds of elk and bison and offers scenic trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What kind of trails does the park have?
- The park features numerous miles of packed gravel and paved trails.
- There are almost three miles of trails designated for mountain biking and hiking.
- These trails connect with the Bear Project, part of Evanston’s greenbelt project.
What can visitors see at the Visitor Center?
- The Visitor Center houses wildlife displays that showcase the impressive variety of Wyoming’s native animals.
Are there facilities available for visitors?
- Yes, the park provides:
  - Picnic tables
  - Restrooms
  - Grills
  - Drinking water
  - Bus parking
Can visitors stay overnight at Bear River State Park?
- No, the park is open for day-use only and does not offer camping facilities.

601 Bear River Dr, Evanston, WY 82930

2. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Visit breathtaking canyon views or go boating on the vast reservoir.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

What is Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a vast natural preserve covering more than 120,000 acres.
- It offers visitors an unmatched opportunity to experience diverse wildlife, ecosystems, and over 10,000 years of human history.
How many hiking trails are in Bighorn Canyon?
- The area features fifteen hiking trails covering seventeen miles.
- The North District has three trails:
  - Two easy trails
  - One moderate trail
- The South District contains twelve trails.
What water activities are available?
- Visitors can enjoy:
  - Boating
  - Canoeing
  - Kayaking
What makes Bighorn Canyon special?
- The recreation area is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife and unique ecosystems.
- It offers a rich history with 10,000 years of human presence to explore.

20 U.S. 14, Lovell, WY 82431, Phone: 307-548-5406

3. Boysen State Park

Explore rugged landscapes or go fishing in the expansive reservoir.

Boysen State Park

What is Boysen State Park?
- Boysen State Park is a scenic park surrounded by the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming.
- It offers visitors opportunities for fishing, camping, and water sports.
What fishing opportunities are available?
- The park is home to Boysen Reservoir, which is one of Wyoming’s best trout and walleye fisheries.
- Visitors can enjoy fishing year-round, including ice fishing in the winter.
What camping options are available at Boysen State Park?
- The park provides both overnight and day-use camping facilities.
Are water sports available?
- Yes, the reservoir is warm enough during much of the season for a variety of activities, including:
  - Water skiing
  - Swimming
  - Other recreational water sports
Does Boysen State Park have a beach?
- Yes, the park has a swimming beach that is easily accessible on the eastern shore of the reservoir.
Are there marina and concession facilities?
- Yes, a marina and concessions are located at the north end of the lake.
- The marina offers:
  - Fishing licenses
  - Boat fuel
  - Food and supplies

120 Boysen Dr, Shoshoni, WY 82649, Phone: 307-876-2796

4. Buffalo Bill State Park

Visit historic sites or go camping near beautiful mountain vistas.

Buffalo Bill State Park

What is Buffalo Bill State Park?
- Buffalo Bill State Park is a scenic park in Wyoming, dominated by the grand peaks of the Absaroka Mountains.
- It offers visitors opportunities for fishing, picnicking, camping, and windsurfing.
Where is Buffalo Bill State Park located?
- The park is located approximately six miles west of Cody, Wyoming.
What activities can visitors enjoy at the park?
- The park provides opportunities for:
  - Trout fishing
  - Picnicking
  - Camping
  - Windsurfing—Buffalo Bill State Park is home to the state’s premier windsurfing reservoir
What trails are available in the park?
- The park features two trails:
  - The Trout Creek Nature Trail, a quarter-mile trail located in the North Fork Campground.
  - The Eagle Point Trail, a handicapped-accessible trail in the park’s Eagle Point Day Use Area.
What is the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center?
- The Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center is located within the park and features interactive exhibits about the area's history and natural features.

4192 Northfork Hwy, Cody, WY 82414, Phone: 307-587-9227

5. Curt Gowdy State Park

Go hiking through scenic trails or explore peaceful lakes for kayaking.

Curt Gowdy State Park

What is Curt Gowdy State Park?
- Curt Gowdy State Park is a scenic state park located in the foothills of the Laramie Mountains.
- The park features seven distinct landscapes, rich in flora and fauna.
Where is Curt Gowdy State Park located?
- The park is 24 miles west of Cheyenne and 24 miles east of Laramie.
What fishing opportunities are available?
- The park has three reservoirs that offer excellent fishing.
- Anglers can catch kokanee salmon and rainbow trout.
Are water sports allowed at Curt Gowdy State Park?
- Yes, the reservoirs provide ample space for water sports activities.
What camping facilities are available?
- The park has several campgrounds for visitors.
- The Aspen Grove Campground includes a public horse corral that is free to use.

1264 Granite Springs Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009, Phone: 307-632-7946

6. Devils Tower

Visit an iconic rock formation or go climbing for an adventurous experience.

Devils Tower

What is Devils Tower?
- Devils Tower is a fascinating geological feature that rises dramatically from the prairie surrounding the Black Hills.
- It is considered a sacred site by indigenous people and Northern Plains Indians.
Why is Devils Tower popular for rock climbing?
- The tower features hundreds of parallel cracks, making it one of North America’s premier destinations for crack climbing.
When is Devils Tower National Monument open?
- The National Monument is open year-round, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
- The visitor center is open nearly every day, providing information and exhibits.
Are there hiking trails at Devils Tower?
- Yes, the area offers several hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Is camping available at Devils Tower?
- Yes, a campground is open from May until October.

WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714, Phone: 307-467-5283

7. Edness Kimball Wilkins Park

Explore birdwatching spots or go picnicking in this riverside park.

Edness Kimball Wilkins Park

What is Edness Kimball Wilkins Park?
- Edness Kimball Wilkins Park is a scenic park located just six miles from Casper, Wyoming.
- It is known for being a perfect picnic destination with plenty of recreational activities.
What picnic facilities are available?
- The park has more than 40 picnic spots, many of which are shaded by cottonwood trees.
- Several picnic areas are located near the park’s swimming pond.
What recreational activities are available?
- The park features:
  - Horseshoe pits for casual games
  - Volleyball nets for visitors to enjoy a match
Are there hiking trails at Edness Kimball Wilkins Park?
- Yes, the park has a 2.8-mile trail that runs along the historic North Platte River.
- This trail provides visitors with a great opportunity to enjoy scenic views.
Is the park a good spot for birdwatching?
- Yes, Edness Kimball Wilkins Park is recognized as one of the state's important bird areas.

8700 East Highway 20/26, Evansville, WY 82636, Phone: 307-577-5150

8. Fossil Butte

Discover ancient fossils or explore scenic hiking trails through rocky landscapes.

Fossil Butte

What is Fossil Butte National Monument?
- Fossil Butte National Monument is a protected area in southwest Wyoming known for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils.
- It is located within the flat-topped ridges of the cold sagebrush desert.
What types of fossils can be found at Fossil Butte?
- The monument is home to some of the best-preserved fossils in the world, including:
  - Mammals
  - Birds
  - Reptiles
  - Insects
  - Fishes
- These fossils are known for their exceptional detail, variety, and abundance.
What makes the fossils at Fossil Butte special?
- The fossils tell a remarkable story of ancient life in a subtropical landscape that existed millions of years ago.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Fossil Butte?
- Visitors can:
  - Explore exhibits at the visitor center
  - Attend Ranger programs
  - Go for a hike on scenic trails
  - Take a scenic drive through the area
  - Enjoy a picnic at designated areas

864 Chicken Creek Rd, Kemmerer, WY 83101, Phone: 307-877-4455

9. Glendo State Park

Go waterskiing on the reservoir or explore scenic shoreline campsites.

Glendo State Park

What is Glendo State Park?
- Glendo State Park is a 22,000-acre outdoor recreation area located in eastern Wyoming.
- It is known as a paradise for outdoor activities, particularly water sports and camping.
What water activities are available at Glendo State Park?
- The park is well known for its boating opportunities, offering plenty of space for:
  - Fishing
  - Water skiing
  - Other recreational water sports
Are there activities available for visitors without a boat?
- Yes, Glendo State Park offers plenty of activities for those without a boat, including:
  - Hiking and exploring
  - Camping under the stars
  - Relaxing on a sandy beach
How many campgrounds and campsites are available?
- The park has 21 campgrounds, offering a total of 568 campsites.
What kind of scenery does Glendo State Park offer?
- The park provides a mix of landscapes, including:
  - A sandy beach setting
  - A mountain feel in certain areas
  - Beautiful starry night skies perfect for stargazing

397 Glendo Park Rd, Glendo, WY 82213, Phone: 307-735-4433

10. Grand Teton National Park

Visit towering mountain peaks or go hiking for breathtaking views.

Grand Teton National Park

What is Grand Teton National Park?
- Grand Teton National Park is a stunning national park known for its Teton Range, which rises above an alpine landscape filled with pristine lakes and diverse wildlife.
What outdoor activities are available in the summer?
- Summer visitors can enjoy:
  - Hiking
  - Wildlife viewing
  - Camping
  - Rock climbing
  - Photography
  - Backpacking
  - Biking
  - Canoeing and floating
  - Boating
  - Swimming
  - Fishing
What activities are available in the winter?
- Winter visitors can participate in:
  - Snowshoeing
  - Skiing
How many trails are in Grand Teton National Park?
- The park features more than 200 miles of trails for hiking and exploring.
Are there activities that require permits or fees?
- Yes, some activities require registration, licenses, permits, or fees, including:
  - Snowmobiling
  - Fishing
  - Boating
  - Overnight backpacking

103 Headquarters Loop, Moose, WY 83012, Phone: 307-739-3399

Wyoming Weather by Month:

Month	High (°F)	Low (°F)	Precip. (in)	Conditions
January	30	10	1.0	Cold & Snowy
February	35	15	1.2	Cold & Snowy
March	45	25	1.5	Chilly & Wet
April	60	35	1.8	Mild & Rainy
May	70	40	2.1	Pleasant
June	80	50	1.8	Warm & Dry
July	85	55	1.2	Hot & Dry
August	82	53	1.0	Warm & Dry
September	70	40	1.5	Mild & Pleasant
October	55	30	1.8	Cool & Crisp
November	40	20	1.5	Chilly & Rainy
December	30	12	1.2	Cold & Snowy

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Bear River State Park
2. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
3. Boysen State Park
4. Buffalo Bill State Park
5. Curt Gowdy State Park
6. Devils Tower
7. Edness Kimball Wilkins Park
8. Fossil Butte
9. Glendo State Park
10. Grand Teton National Park