Visiting the National Parks of Wyoming

Visiting the National Parks of Wyoming is a great way to explore the beauty of the great outdoors. With 12 state parks, seven national parks/monuments and multiple national forests, Wyoming offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The National Park Service, which oversees federal parks, memorials and historic sites in the area, released its annual visitation figures, and there were impressive numbers. Combined with neighboring Grand Teton National Park, the tandem is a huge draw supporting increasingly important tourist dollars to Wyoming.

When Cam Sholly first arrived at Yellowstone National Park in 2018 to serve as the superintendent, he hoped to build on the park’s success. Yellowstone is one of the largest and best-known parks in the country, covering nearly 3,500 square miles in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, and showcases unique natural features and stunning wildlife. The park encompasses more than 2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, and showcases unique natural features and stunning wildlife.

The parks of Wyoming offer a great opportunity to explore the outdoors while enjoying some of the best views in the country. Visitors can take in the sights of the Tetons, go on a scenic hike, or take a boat ride on Jackson Lake. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and camping.

Oil and gas development near parks could contaminate water and air, causing harm to the environment and animals. Unfortunately, this has been a problem in Wyoming, with wildlife at risk of decimation at Grand Teton National Park in particular. To protect the parks and wildlife, the state and federal government have implemented regulations and restrictions to limit development near the parks.

Last October, for example, a grizzly bear attacked two college students in Wyoming's Shoshone National Forest, while a bird hunter was killed by a black bear in the same national forest. This highlights the importance of following safety guidelines while visiting the parks, such as carrying bear spray and being aware of your surroundings.

Those interested in camping can find plenty of great options throughout Wyoming's parks. Located in Buffalo Ford, Wyoming / Yellowstone National Park, this popular campground only has 16 sites and is fully booked well in advance. For those who prefer to stay in a hotel, there are a variety of options available in the surrounding areas.

Wyoming is a great place to explore and enjoy the outdoors. With its parks, monuments, and forests, Wyoming has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a scenic hike, a chance to see wildlife, or just an opportunity to relax, Wyoming's parks have it all.