Wyoming, USA — visiting The Cowboy State

Wyoming – an introduction

Wyoming is often called the first state in outdoor America. From the thrill seeker to the nature lover, Wyoming has something to please everyone. We’ve got two fantastic National Parks and a dozen State Parks.

Try your hand at running the Snake River on a commercial float trip, herding cattle in the Big Horn Mountains, biking in the Snowy Range, climbing the Tetons or stargazing in the Red Desert. Name an outdoor activity and it’s probably done here!

You can hike, backpack, fly-fish. Try wildlife photography or birdwatching. Head out on your own or with equipment and guides ready to serve you. Go rock climbing, kayaking, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, windsurfing, jet skiing or spelunking – just a few of the outdoor activities to enjoy in Wyoming.

Wyoming is Forever West. The very mention of the the word Wyoming evokes the essence of the American West. Wyoming is all that innumerable movies, novels and legends have tried to capture. This Western Spirit thrives to this day in the Cowboy State. The name Wyoming has its origins in an Algonquin word meaning “large prairie place.”

From its broad high plains to its soaring mountains, from its storied past on the frontier to its role in the ancient histories of native peoples, Wyoming is like no place on Earth.

What to do / Sightseeing

• Cheyenne
• Laramie
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park

Weather

Best time to travel

Winter: day temperatures are around the freezing point (32F / 0C).
Summer: day temperatures climb up to 86 F (28-30 degrees Celsius) and go back at night to approx. 50F (10C).
Best advice is to dress in layers during all seasons since the difference between day, evening and night temperatures is big. Have always a jacket with you during summer.

Northwest region (Grand Teton Mountain Range & Yellowstone region

The first heavy snows fall by November 1 and continue through March with snow and frost possible during any month. Summer days range in the 70s and 80s with cool nights in the 40s. Afternoon thunderstorms during the summer are common.
Mild to cool temperatures through September and October. Raingear recommended during spring, summer and fall. Sub-zero temperatures are common throughout winter and demand multi-layered clothing, hats, mittens and cold weather boots.

State Data & Essentials

State Name
Wyoming  – State Abbr.: WY
Statehood
10-Jul-1890
– Statehood Ranking: 44
Land Area
97,100 square miles  (251,480 qkm)
– Land Area Ranking: 9
Population
563,626 (2010 Census); 493,782 (2000 Census)
Capital
Cheyenne
Biggest City
Cheyenne
Nickname
Big Wyoming, Equality State, Cowboy State
Motto
Equal Rights
Highest Point
4.207 m / 13,804 ft (Gannett Peak)
Lowest Point
945 m / 3,100 ft (Belle Fourche River)
Dayligh Saving Time: yes
Tree
Plains Cottonwood (Populus sargentii)
Flower
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja linariaefolia)
Bird
Meadowlark (Sturnella Neglecta)
Animal
Bison (Bison bison)
Song
“Wyoming State Song” (since 1955, Lyrics: C.E. Winter, Music: G.E. Knapp)

Map