Wyoming isn’t top of mind for people when they think of pretty states, but as soon as we mention Yellowstone or the Tetons they go, “oh yeah, those are in Wyoming!”
I’ve got family in Cody and have had relatives in Billings, Montana since the day I was born so I can’t count the number of times I’ve been in a car, pedal down, beelining it through Wyoming to get there, but having the RV and the time to roll slow has allowed Doug and I take different routes each time we go through the state, which is a lot more fun!
This May we left Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park and decided on a new route northbound through Wyoming. It didn’t include the craggy peaks of the Tetons or Yellowstone, but had it’s own beauty, even in some unsettling weather.
The first night we camped near Encampment.
The next day we drove towards Rawlins and planned to stay at Dugway Campground but the area wasn’t that appealing and since Doug almost always has a plan B, we decided to head for Cottonwood Campground, only to find that we were too early in the season and the road to the campground was still closed. After a bit of quick research, Doug was on to plan C! We drove from Cottonwood Campground through Red Canyon to a popular rock climbing area at the top of Limestone Mountain Road to boondock. The ride up the hill was twisty, narrow and rough but the views were beautiful, so this looked promising. Sadly, not 200 feet from the top, deep snow blocked the road so for the first time, we found ourselves at plan D! We ended up overnight at the Lander City Park, which truth be told wasn’t half bad!
The next day we had a short drive to Wind River Canyon, where there is limited, but great, camping overlooking the river. Plus, we had a reservation, so it was a low stress day.
Day 4 of the journey took us through the pretty Wind River Canyon, including these blasted out tunnel. Our destination was Thermopolis, which is known for its healing natural hot springs but we went there to visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Some of the first dinosaur remains were found around Thermopolis, and many are still being dug up in this region today. For a seemingly small building, there was a lot of information and at least 30 full skeletons, making it easy to imagine these giant, prehistoric creatures roaming through the plains and mountains of Wyoming.
From there, it was a quick trip through the cute town of Meeteetse and into Cody to spend time with my Dad, Tom, and stepmom, Cindy. My brother just got a new puppy. Meet Concha!
Concha waling Bailey
I wouldn’t suggest you go out of your way for Encampment or to stay at the Lander City Park, but Red Canyon and Wind River Canyon are great scenic drives and if you like wide open spaces, you’ll find plenty on the route we took this year through Wyoming. While lots of people enjoy the Thermopolis hot springs, the dinosaur museum is well worth at least a few hours of your time.
This trip from south to north Wyoming was another example of how every state, even, or maybe especially, along the roads less travelled, has beauty. You don’t have to quit your job, sell your house and buy an RV to find little slice of heaven. You might just be amazed at what you discover with just a few short road trips close to home.
