Wyoming

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

Wild Elk Herd - Jackson Hole

If you have stuck with me through this journey from one state to another, you will realize that Wyoming is the last of the 50 states.  I won’t say that I saved the best for last because I feel that each state is “the best” in one way or another although Wyoming does have so much to offer.  I still have not yet posted the District of Columbia, our nation’s capitol city, which I feel deserves a place in this blog.  

Wyoming is a very special part of this country.  To me it still has a lot of that “Wild West” flavor.  Times change, towns grow into cities, but most of Wyoming is still open land where you can almost see the buffalo grazing in huge herds and antelopes are a common sight in the distance.

Old Faithful Geyser

Yellowstone Park is one of the best known National Parks because it is so unique.  The geological wonders in this park are amazing but they are only a part of a much larger wilderness area that reminds us of the beauty of our land.  I remember my childhood amazement to see Old Faithful spout right on time and the wonderful pine scent that permeated our cabin while I fell asleep.  Vacation memories can last a lifetime!

Mt. Moran and the Teton Range

Just a bit south of Yellowstone Park is another beautiful park.  Grand Teton National Park is one of the most scenic places I have ever been.  The mountains are especially beautiful when reflected in the alpine lakes nearby.

The northwest corner of Wyoming has many other destinations and adventures to find in addition to the two national parks.  Jackson Hole, a valley about 48 miles long, is the “jumping off place” to skiing, sled dog or mountain bike tours, whitewater rafting and many other outdoor sports activities.

Mount Moran

In the northeast corner of Wyoming is a National Monument that preserves an unusual volcanic formation called Devils Tower.  It was featured in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.  Rising 1200 feet above the surrounding prairie it is a remarkable sight.

The southeast corner of the state is centered around the state capitol, Cheyenne.  Each year Cheyenne Frontier Days are held in mid July.  If you have ever wanted to see a rodeo, this is the place to see the real thing.  Other cities include Laramie, Casper, Jackson and Cody.  Only three cities have a population over 30,000.  Like many of our western states, there are just a few large cities but many small towns.

Minerva Terrace at Mammoth

Websites you might want to explore:  http://www.wyomingtourism.org   Wyoming is about a day’s drive from one side to the other and there are many interesting sights to see along the way.  This website has several recommended road trips.  http://www.jacksonholechamber.com  and http://www.cheyenne.org  are more specific to their area and also have a great deal of useful information.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!