One of the best examples of unspoiled wilderness can be found in Yellowstone National Park, which became the world's first national park in 1872.
Back in 1807, the total visitation to Yellowstone - other than the Indians who travelled through the region on their way to other hunting grounds - was one lone white trapper named John Colter. Colter's reports of holes that shot steam and boiling water out of the ground and a river which ran over rocks so fast it boiled, were so unbelievable to people back in the East that they nicknamed the area 'Colter's Hell.'
Today, the 10,000-plus thermal features in Yellowstone continue to fascinate tourists and geologists alike. The most famous of these geysers, hot pools and mud pots is Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts every 75 minutes up to 40 metres in the air. Geysers aren't Yellowstone's only draw, the wildlife continues to mesmerise visitors. The park is what a zoo can never be - a free roaming habitat for bears, moose, elk, deer, buffalo, ospreys, eagles and wolves.
Just south of Yellowstone is Grand Teton National Park, where the spectacular Teton mountains jut abruptly from the valley floor with no gentle foothills. Within the Grand Teton National Park, there is a profusion of activities, including horseback riding, hiking, canoeing and mountain climbing. One or two hour horse trail rides are available in Grand Teton and their are also Wagon rides available for those who prefer not to be in the saddle. The town of Jackson is 8 kilometres south of Grand Teton and is home to the world-renowned Million Dollar Cowboy Bar with bar stools made of saddles.
In the Rock Springs/Green River area, the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour is a self-guided driving tour offering history, beautiful scenic vistas and a profusion of wildlife. As the name suggests, wild horses are abundant along the tour and Sweetwater County is home of some of the largest wild horse herds in the world. The Loop also has several scenic overlooks of geological features, such as Pilot Butte, Killpecker Sand Dunes and Boar's Tusk.
In the capital city of Cheyenne, visitors can take a glimpse of western life at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, which chronicles one of the world's oldest rodeos - Cheyenne Frontier Days - and is home to the world's largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles. The real life of Native Americans, as opposed to fictionalised 'cowboys and Indians' stories, can be seen at the Wind River Indian Reservation in central Wyoming.
Horseback Riding
One of the most traditional ways to cover ground in Wyoming is on the back of a horse, riding through open country or on mountain trails. Horseback riding trips can be arranged through outdoor outfitters located throughout the state. Trips can range from just a few hours, to week long excursions in which outfitters plan the journey, set up camp and prepare campside feasts for their guests each night of the trip.
Famous Rodeos
The Annual Cody Stampede, July 1 to 4, brings many of the top professional cowboys to one of the premiere Fourth of July rodeos in the country. Rodeo is Wyoming's sport, and the classic contest between cowboy and animal can be seen every day during the summer somewhere in the state. In addition to the nightly rodeo in Cody, weekly events are scheduled in Jackson, Sheridan and Pine Bluffs. The professional rodeo season includes major events in Lander, Kaycee, Cody, Laramie, Sheridan, Douglas, Casper, Evanston and the largest outdoor rodeo in the world - Cheyenne Frontier Days. This features nine rodeos, nine night shows, four parades and a world-class western.
The town of Kaycee hosts one of the cowboys' favourite rodeos in early September. Many of the best bronc riders in the world make an appearance at the Deke Latham Memorial PRCA Rodeo. The College National Finals Rodeo is held in June in Casper. It is the grand finale of college rodeo competitions. Four hundred male and female athletes from throughout the USA and Canada vie for the prestige of being the best in their sport.
Working Ranches
Wyoming residents appreciate wide open spaces and that's what ranches have maintained in the state for more than a century. Thousands of acres may belong to an extended family and those acres are used for grazing livestock, growing crops and sheltering wildlife. Some of these ranches have opened their doors to visitors and offer accommodations to travellers ranging from overnights stays in a ranch bed and breakfast setting, to longer stays in which guests participate in ranching chores and sports. These 'working' ranches offer a unique perspective on what makes Wyoming one of the few states where outdoor experience isn't just for recreation.
Dude Ranches
What is it that attracts us to the allure of the West? Is it the cowboys, the Indians, horses, cattle, wide-open spaces, or just good old western hospitality? All of these things and more can be found on a Wyoming dude ranch. Not only do today's dude ranches supply guests with the real western experience, but they can also provide a family vacation value second to none.
Ever since dude ranches evolved around the turn of the century, horses have been a central attraction. Whether it's participating in ranching chores and sports, hearing hooves pounding as wranglers round up cattle, climbing into the high country with family and friends, or loping through a wildflower strewn mountain meadow, a ranch vacation delivers images and memories of the horse that you will not forget. Todays ranches however, have much more to offer.
Many Wyoming ranches include such adventures as blue ribbon fly fishing, naturalist guided hiking, swimming, history excursions and wilderness pack trips. With so many choices you will begin to feel that there just may not be enough hours in the day to do it all. Well... then you have the evenings, which may include chuck wagon dinners, square dances, cowboy poetry or talent shows.
A Wyoming dude ranch vacation gives parents a chance to enjoy their own pursuits, or spend time with their children with the peace of mind that all are being well taken care of. Arts and crafts, pony rides and kid's rodeos are just some of the kid's activities offered.
In addition to all of the activities, Wyoming dude ranches often come with the creature comforts you have come to expect at fine resorts. Hearty western cooking with a gourmet flair, fine wine, hot tubs, fireplaces and even massages appear at many ranches. What really makes a ranch vacation special and unique are the people that you meet and interact with in an environment that fosters lifelong friendships.
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