Jackson
A stylish Western town below the Tetons.
Points of interest
- Town square
- Grand Teton
- Jackson Hole ski resort
- National Elk Refuge
State guide
Things to do in Wyoming
Yellowstone, the world's first national park, with geysers, hot springs and bison; the jagged Grand Tetons rising above Jackson Hole; Devils Tower; and cowboy country under huge skies.
1872
Yellowstone, the first national park
Geysers, bison and cowboys
Wyoming is the least populated state in the USA, a place of open plains, mountains, ranches and wildlife. It is home to Yellowstone, which became the world's first national park in 1872, and to Grand Teton National Park, just to the south. Together, they are one of the best places in North America to see wild animals.
Yellowstone sits on top of a huge volcano, and its geothermal features are extraordinary: Old Faithful erupts regularly, Grand Prismatic Spring is a rainbow-coloured hot spring, and there are mud pots, terraces and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Bison, elk, wolves and bears roam the valleys. To the south, the Tetons rise sharply above Jackson Hole, a valley of ranches and the stylish town of Jackson, a ski resort in winter.
Give Yellowstone and Grand Teton at least four or five days. The main season is late May to September, when the roads are open. Cheyenne, the capital, hosts Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the world's biggest rodeos, every July.
Where to base yourself
Jackson for the Tetons, and gateway towns around Yellowstone.
Cody
A Wild West town near Yellowstone's east entrance.
Points of interest
- Cody Nite Rodeo
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Regions of Wyoming
Yellowstone and the Tetons in the north-west, and open plains and ranch country across the rest.
Yellowstone
Geysers, wildlifeThe world's first national park, mostly in Wyoming.
Grand Teton and Jackson Hole
Mountains, lakes, JacksonJagged peaks above a valley of ranches.
Cody and the Bighorn Basin
Rodeo, Old WestCody and the east entrance to Yellowstone.
North-east Wyoming
Devils TowerDevils Tower and the edge of the Black Hills.
South-east Wyoming
Cheyenne, plainsThe capital and the open plains.
Things to do
Things to do in Wyoming
In Yellowstone, watch Old Faithful erupt, walk the boardwalks of the Upper Geyser Basin and see Grand Prismatic Spring from the overlook trail. Drive through the Lamar and Hayden valleys at dawn and dusk to see bison, elk and, with luck, wolves and bears. Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its waterfalls.
In Grand Teton National Park, hike around Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, photograph the Tetons from Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing at sunrise, and paddle on String Lake. Jackson has a famous town square with antler arches.
In the north-east, Devils Tower is a huge rock column, sacred to many Native American nations. Cody, near Yellowstone's east entrance, has nightly rodeos in summer and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Jackson's town square and its antler arches are free, and so is the National Elk Refuge viewing area in winter. Cody's summer rodeo charges entry, but watching the town's Old West street shows is often free.
Much of the land around the parks is national forest with free hiking.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton charge entry, and international visitors pay an extra $100 per person at each from 2026.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Wyoming food is ranch food: steaks, bison and elk burgers, and trout. Jackson has excellent restaurants, at a price, while smaller towns have diners and steakhouses.
Food inside the parks is limited and expensive, so bring supplies and picnic.
Wyoming has a growing craft brewery scene, especially in Jackson.
Nightlife
Going out
Jackson has the liveliest nightlife, including the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, with saddles for bar stools. Cody has saloons and summer rodeos.
In the parks, nights are about stargazing and listening for wolves.
Cheyenne Frontier Days in July brings big concerts.
Getting around
Getting around
Jackson Hole Airport is inside Grand Teton National Park. Other gateways are Bozeman in Montana and Salt Lake City, a day's drive away. Cody also has an airport.
There is almost no public transport, so a car is essential. Yellowstone's roads form a figure-eight loop; most are closed to cars from November to April.
Speed limits are low in the parks, and traffic jams form around wildlife.
Costs
What Wyoming costs
Accommodation near Yellowstone and in Jackson is expensive and books up months ahead for summer. Camping is the budget option, and the gateway towns are cheaper than staying in the park.
Wyoming's state sales tax is 4 per cent, with local taxes on top. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton charge entry plus $100 per international visitor each from 2026. The $250 annual pass for international visitors covers both.
Safety
Safety and scams
In Yellowstone, stay on the boardwalks: the ground around hot springs is thin, and the water can cause severe burns. People are injured every year.
Wildlife is the other big danger. Stay at least 23 metres (25 yards) from bison and elk and 91 metres (100 yards) from bears and wolves. Bison injure more visitors than any other animal. Carry bear spray when hiking.
Weather changes fast, and it can snow in any month at altitude. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Rodeos, wildlife seasons and skiing.
Late July
Cheyenne Frontier Days
Cheyenne
One of the world's biggest outdoor rodeos.
June to August
Cody Nite Rodeo
Cody
A rodeo every night in summer.
September
Elk rut
Yellowstone and Grand Teton
Bull elk bugle and spar.
When to go
Late May to September is the main season, with all park roads open. September is quieter, with elk rutting. Winter is cold and snowy, with skiing in Jackson Hole and snowcoach tours in Yellowstone.
Jan
Skiing, snowcoach tours
Feb
Skiing
Mar
Late skiing
Apr
Quiet, roads closed
May
Park roads open
Jun
Baby animals
Jul
Peak season, Frontier Days
Aug
Peak season
Sep
Elk rut, quieter
Oct
Roads begin to close
Nov
Quiet
Dec
Ski season
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Jackson, rounded. Nights are cold even in summer.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on summer prices near the parks.
Treat these as a guide. Park fees and car hire cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Wyoming questions
The ones we get asked most.
How many days do you need for Yellowstone and Grand Teton?
At least four or five days for both parks.
When are Yellowstone's roads open?
Most roads open to cars from late April or May to early November.
Where should I stay for Yellowstone?
Inside the park if you book early, or in gateway towns such as West Yellowstone, Gardiner or Cody.
How close can I get to bison?
No closer than 23 metres (25 yards). For bears and wolves, 91 metres (100 yards).
How much are the parks for international visitors?
Entry fees plus $100 per person at each park from 2026. The $250 annual pass covers both.
Do I need a car in Wyoming?
Yes. There is almost no public transport.
When is the best time to visit?
June to September, with September quieter.
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