Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The isolated and enigmatic
Devils Tower
draws climbers, geologists, and Native Americ-
ans who consider it a sacred site.
Southern Wyoming
Southern Wyoming contains everything from
sweeping deserts, sand dunes,
and
wild
mustang herds
to
lush river valleys
and
green mountains.
The southwest corner is noted
for fabulous recreational opportunities along the Green River and in the
Flaming Gorge
National Recreation Area.
It's also home to three of the state's largest cities: capital
Chey-
enne,
synonymous with its legendary
Frontier Days
rodeo, college town
Laramie,
and
onetime frontier town
Casper.
When to Go
Summer
is the easiest and busiest time to travel the roads, both front- and backcountry, in
Montana and Wyoming. Thoughtful planning and advance reservations, particularly for ho-
tels and campgrounds, are essential. Hotel rooms are particularly hard to find during local
events such as Frontier Days in Cheyenne or the Fourth of July celebration in Livingston.
Rates for accommodations are generally lower and rooms more available when snow is
on the ground, except around ski areas, but
winter road travel
can be challenging because
of the inevitable storms and possible closures.
The
shoulder seasons
can be a delightful time to travel in both states. The
national
parks
are heavenly and much less crowded in
autumn,
but keep in mind that winter comes
very early at high elevations. There are also little-known ways to enjoy the parks by bicycle
in the
spring,
before they open to cars. Opening and closing times for the parks can vary by
year (weather and federal budget too), so make sure to check with the parks before travel.
Don't try to see too much in too short a time. This cannot be overstated. Consider that
the drive from Montana's eastern border to its western border is 550 miles, about the same
distance as from Chicago to New York. Don't spend so much time on the road that you
miss the small details—idyllic hikes, roadside burger joints, the local people who give small
towns their true character—that make Montana and Wyoming what they are.
With Yellowstone National Park at its heart, this generous two-week itinerary starts and
ends in Bozeman, Montana, never exceeding 200 miles of travel in a single day. See and
experience this breathtaking region without getting stuck behind the wheel.
