Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Wyoming. While many travel blogs will tell you the fun things to do in Wyoming, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do on your Wyoming road trip.
Don’t Tell Anyone What to Do
Wyoming is part of the Western frontier, and the people are very independent. It’s actually the first U.S. Territory that allowed women to vote, and they have a strong history of independence. People in Wyoming are super friendly, but the pioneer spirit lives on, so don’t try to tell them what to do!
Don’t Expect Good Cell Service
A lot of Wyoming is wide open plains. With just a few cities in the state, cell service is not always the best when you’re traveling around Wyoming. If you’re relying solely on your cell phone for navigation, make sure you download any maps you need ahead of time. I recommend carrying a road atlas; many visitor centers also still hand out free maps, which can really come in handy on a Wyoming road trip. GPS will only tell you the fastest way to get somewhere, but that’s not always the most interesting route.
Don’t Mess with Animals in Wyoming
The animals in Wyoming are a big draw for travelers, and it’s really cool to see bears, wolves, elk, and bison. But don’t forget that this is still wildlife and not to be messed with. Know the rules for being around wildlife and stay far enough away that you don’t disturb them. Every year, tourists have bad interactions with buffalo because they got too close. Pay attention when driving, too, as animals in Wyoming can be on the road almost anywhere.
Don’t Ignore the Rules and Warnings at the National Parks
Two of the most popular places to visit in Wyoming are Yellowstone and Grand Teton. It may seem like the parks have a lot of rules, but they are meant to keep you safe. If a sign says to stay on the path; stay on the path! If they tell you to stay 100 yards from the buffalo; stay 100 yards from the buffalo! People die in the parks every year and most of the deaths and accidents are highly preventable, just by following the simple park rules.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection
Elevation in Wyoming ranges from 6,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level, so the sun is very strong. Having good sun protection is a must when you visit Wyoming. Sunscreen and a hat are essential, especially if you are out hiking or doing outdoor activities.
Don’t Trust the Weather Forecast
Weather in Wyoming can be all over the place. We went from 94 degrees on a Sunday to several inches of snow two days later. Packing for a Wyoming road trip means you must have lots of layers you can easily add or remove. Have a warm insulating layer, as well as a waterproof jacket for rain, snow, and wind. Wind can be a real issue in Wyoming, especially when you are driving across the plains.
Don’t Miss the Rodeo
Rodeos are a big part of life in Wyoming. Frontier Days in Cheyenne is one of the biggest rodeos in the country, but you can find local rodeos all over Wyoming in the summer and fall. It’s a super fun experience and a great peek into the cowboy culture of Wyoming.
Things to Do in Cheyenne Wyoming
Don’t Miss Out on Local Cuisine
Wyoming is a ranching state, so beef is a prominent item on every menu. The burgers and steaks are fantastic, but you might also see some more unique items on the menus in Wyoming. They serve a lot of bison meat, which is a healthy alternative to beef. Elk is another meat commonly served at Wyoming restaurants. Rocky Mountain Oysters are a thing, too. (Hint: they are not oysters!)
Don’t Pass Up a Gas Station
Since Wyoming towns are so spread apart, we recommend filling up your tank every chance you get. You never know where the next gas station will be and you don’t want to take the chance of running out of gas. Make sure you stock up on water and snacks as well. If you happen to have any car trouble, you could be waiting a while, so you’ll be glad you have supplies on hand.
Don’t Miss Out on Chatting with the Locals
The people of Wyoming are super friendly and helpful. For the most part, they seem to be very chatty and enjoy making small talk with travelers. They aren’t necessarily outgoing or boisterous, but once you start talking, they are very forthcoming with tips and recommendations for your Wyoming trip.
Don’t Expect Budget Prices in Jackson
When you visit Jackson, expect to pay top dollar tourist prices for everything. Wyoming is very affordable, but the saying in Jackson is that the billionaires have driven out the millionaires. It’s very pricy, from real estate, lodging, activities and eating out. And don’t call it Jackson Hole; that refers to the entire surrounding valley, not the town.
Don’t Wait to Make Reservations
Wyoming is very popular for visitors; from summer in Yellowstone to Frontier Days in Cheyenne. Demand nearly always outpaces the supply of lodging, so if you plan to visit any of Wyoming’s cities, make sure you are looking ahead. If you are visiting Jackson in the summer or during ski season, you’ll also need dinner reservations for most places.
Don’t Think Wyoming is Just Yellowstone
Yellowstone certainly draws the most visitors to Wyoming, but there are many more things to do in Wyoming after you’ve visited Yellowstone. Cheyenne is a great city with a number of museums and festivals, and there’s Devil’s Tower National Monument in the northeast corner of Wyoming. Of course, there’s also Grand Teton National Park and skiing in Jackson.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a Wyoming road trip. It’s a beautiful state with two of the best national parks, plus so many other places to visit in Wyoming. Want more of our US road trip tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: