Wyoming

Travel to Wyoming

Climate

The Wyoming climate is semi-arid and, as one of the highest states in the country, conditions tend to be dry and windy. The lower lying areas tend to receive very little rain, usually about five inches (127mm), while the Grand Tetons and other mountains in the state receive 60 inches or more (152cm). Statewide, summers are usually warm to hot, with cooler mornings, and winters can be cold with heavy snowfall, particularly in the mountains. Springtime is usually mild, while autumns are cool with occasional snow at higher altitudes. Summer temperatures average about 85°F (29°C) and winter temperatures around 21°F (-6°C).

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.

Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Customs in United States of America

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years.

Duty Free in United States of America

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Doing Business in United States of America

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. Get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and don't take offence if someone questions or challenges you outright.

Communication in United States of America

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and wifi is widely available.

Tipping in United States of America

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadians:

The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Currency

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
1.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar	0.90 EUR Euro	0.69 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling	108.90 JPY Japanese Yen	1.31 CAD Canadian Dollar	0.99 CHF Swiss Franc
1.38 AUD Australian Dollar	25.11 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia	337.71 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge	1,505.84 LBP Lebanese Pound	0.71 LYD Libyan Dinar	6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano
107.88 NPR Nepalese Rupee	0.38 OMR Omani Rial	3.64 QAR Qatari Rial	1.38 SGD Singapore Dollar	8.29 SEK Swedish Krona	6.63 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
9.98 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar	45.83 DOP Dominican Peso	6.72 HRK Croatian Kuna	18.63 MXN Mexican Peso	586.30 XOF West African CFA Franc	3.16 PGK Papua New Guinean kina
1.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar	2.11 FJD Fiji Dollar	22.64 HNL Honduran Lempira	110.53 DZD Algerian Dinar	1,191.31 MMK Myanma Kyat	11.19 BWP Botswana Pula
3.37 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol	693.53 CLP Chilean Peso	478.10 AMD Armenia Dram	24.17 CZK Czech Koruna	19.98 MDL Moldova Lei	124.29 ISK Icelandic Krona
2,938.75 UZS Uzbekistan Sum	3.85 ILS Israeli New Sheqel	0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar	0.30 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar	31.35 UYU Uruguayan Peso	35.52 MUR Mauritian Rupee
28.51 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba	8.34 NOK Norwegian Krone	3.92 PLN Polish Zloty	3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal	146.02 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee	35.62 THB Thai Baht
3.67 AED U.A.E Dirham	3.59 BRL Brazilian Real	4.05 RON Romanian New Leu	7.77 HKD Hong Kong Dollar	587.63 XAF Central African CFA Franc	22,474.70 VND Vietnamese Dong
13.95 ARS Argentine Peso	2.70 XCD East Caribbean Dollar	7.83 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal	9.77 MAD Moroccan Dirham	0.38 BHD Bahrain Dinar	1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.50 AZN Azerbaijan Manat	3,117.81 COP Colombian Peso	68.30 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som	279.76 HUF Hungarian Forint	7.87 TJS Tajikistan Ruble	13,683.10 IDR Indonesian Rupiah
8.88 EGP Egyptian Pound	1,191.10 KRW South Korean Won	5,669.42 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní	4.16 MYR Malaysian Ringgit	538.75 CRC Costa Rican Colón	1.47 NZD New Zealand Dollar
104.74 PKR Pakistani Rupee	66.80 RUB Russian Rouble	15.60 ZAR South African Rand	2.12 TND Tunisian Dinar	2.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar	1.75 BGN Bulgarian Lev
2.95 TRY Turkish Lira	46.62 PHP Philippine Peso	32.62 TWD New Taiwan Dollar	196.50 NGN Nigerian Naira	107.15 XPF CFP Franc	3.91 GHS Ghanaian Cedi
124.92 JMD Jamaican Dollar	1.80 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder	1.38 BND Brunei Dollar	110.56 RSD Serbian Dinar	6.58 CNY Chinese Yuan	19,898.50 BYR Belarussian Ruble
6.65 DKK Danish Krone	3.44 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat	67.26 INR Indian Rupee

Airports in Wyoming

Cheyenne Aiport (CYS)
Cheyenne Regional Airport
http://www.cheyenneairport.com

Location: Cheyenne The airport is located two miles (3km) north of Cheyenne city centre.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from March to November).

Contacts: Tel: +1 307 634 7071.

Getting to the city: Airport door-to-door shuttles are available from outside the terminal. Taxis are also available.

Car rental: Car rental facilities at the airport include Avis and Hertz.

Airport Taxis:

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include dining and shopping options.

Parking: Parking at the airport is free.

Departure Tax: None.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Jackson Hole Airport
http://www.jacksonholeairport.com

Location: Jackson Wyoming The airport is located nine miles (14km) north of Jackson.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: +1 307 733 5454

Getting to the city: Shuttles offer service from the airport, charging $20 per person to Jackson and $30 per person to Teton Village. Some hotels also offer a pick-up service, but this must be arranged prior to arrival. Taxis and car hire are also available at the airport.

Car rental: Rental cars are available from Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise and National.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport; an average fare for one or two people to Jackson is $40.

Facilities: Airport facilities include vending machines, gift shops, a restaurant, ATMs, a library, and a lost and found.

Parking: Short-term parking is free in rows one and two of the lot, while overnight parking costs $15. Parking permits can be obtained online.

Cheyenne

The history of Cheyenne is intimately linked to the frontier history of the United States as a whole. Named after a Native American tribe that roamed the area, early settlers in Cheyenne worked on the Union Pacific Railroad until its completion in November 1867. Drawn by the promise of prosperity, gamblers and saloon owners, thieves and opportunists, prostitutes and ranch-hands, miners, transient railroad gangs, soldiers from Camp Cheyenne, and men from Camp Carlin soon streamed in, creating possibly the most archetypal 'Western town' imaginable, and spawning thousands of cowboy narratives ever since.

These days, Cheyenne is the capital of Wyoming and its largest city, though only about 60,000 permanent residents call it home. For this reason, it has a very 'small town' feel to it, boasting all the friendliness and hospitality that that epithet implies. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most tourist attractions in Cheyenne hark back to its glory days, with rodeos, an array of frontier museums, farmers' markets, and Old Fashioned Melodrama (at the Atlas Theatre) dominating the cultural fare. Eight-foot cowboy boots, painted by local artists, are dotted around the city, and there are a number of geocaches to be discovered as well. For those with even a modicum of interest in America's frontier history, or for those who wish to spend some time in a laid-back, relaxing capital city, a trip to Cheyenne is highly recommended.

Airports in Cheyenne

Cheyenne Aiport (CYS)
Cheyenne Regional Airport
http://www.cheyenneairport.com

Location: Cheyenne The airport is located two miles (3km) north of Cheyenne city centre.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from March to November).

Contacts:

Getting to the city:

Car rental:

Airport Taxis:

Facilities:

Parking:

Departure Tax: None.

Jackson Wyoming

Jackson lies at the end of the great valley known as Jackson Hole, which runs the length of the Teton Mountain Range. At the centre of Jackson Hole is the Grand Teton National Park, with Yellowstone National Park just further north. The town is the main gateway to both national parks.

Tourism is the most important industry in the area, where a unique blend of fashionable resort and the Old West sees designer boutiques and art galleries line the cowboy-style boardwalks. Spread across the valley are a sprinkling of million-dollar houses between the remaining cattle ranches, which offer guest facilities to supplement their farming income. During the summer, vacationers swarm the shopping malls and fancy restaurants, and the town square becomes the stage for a performed shoot-out every evening.

Jackson Hole is primarily a winter and summer playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, mountaineering, biking, and kayaking in summer. In winter it becomes a premier ski destination, home to two of the state's best ski areas. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has a massive vertical drop and skiing suitable for extremists, while Snow King Resort offers family-orientated skiing and snowboarding.

Getting around in Jackson Wyoming

Jackson is a small town which can easily be explored walking or cycling. The Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START) system operates a free shuttle bus around the town of Jackson every 30 minutes. Those planning on exploring other parts of Wyoming should consider hiring a car. There are numerous car rental companies located in Jackson. Wyoming is served by three interstate highways and the quality of roads and signage in the area is excellent. Visitors should not have much difficulty driving in Jackson.

Climate in Jackson Wyoming

Jackson has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer, from June to August, temperatures in Jackson range between 73°F (23°C) and 81°F (27°C); however, on occasion, summer temperatures can reach as high as 97°C (36°C). In the winter, from December to February, average temperatures in Jackson fall to between 5°F (-15°C) and 34°F (1°C). Due to the elevation and location in a humid microclimate, Jackson gets a great deal of rain and quite a bit of snow. Springtime brings cool, bright sunny days, interspersed with rain showers. The annual precipitation in Jackson is about 17 inches (430mm). On the whole Jackson is pretty chilly, particularly in the freezing winter months. But the dryness of the air often belies the plunging mercury and it feels warmer than it really is, thus the area's popularity with winter sports enthusiasts.

Jackson Wyoming Attractions

Yellowstone National Park

One of the world's first national parks, Yellowstone was established in 1872. Despite its popularity today, most of the park still remains an undeveloped wilderness of magnificent mountain scenery, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and rivers. It is renowned for its geothermal wonders and abundance of wildlife. Spilling over into Montana and Idaho, the enormous park is situated on top of the Yellowstone Caldera, a collapsed volcanic crater that was formed 600,000 years ago and holds within it one of the greatest geothermal areas in the world. This unique environment includes features such as exploding geysers, thousands of steaming fumaroles, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools, and is where the park's most famous attraction, the Old Faithful Geyser is to be found, drawing thousands of tourists to witness its regular eruption of steaming water.

Yellowstone is also home to the largest concentration of wildlife in lower USA, including grizzly and black bears, wolves, moose, and large herds of bison and elk. The two narrow waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River cut a striking picture in the yellow-coloured rock that gives the park its name, with superb views and hiking trails for all abilities. The large alpine Yellowstone Lake fills the eastern part of the caldera and offers opportunities for boating and fishing expeditions in summer. All places of interest are accessible along the loop roads, but the intensity of visitors in summer, especially between July and August, means that one needs to hike away from the main paths to experience the true wilderness of Yellowstone National Park.

Website: www.nps.gov/yell

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Grand Teton National Park

Occupying the valley of Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park's identifying feature is the sharp granite peaks of the impressive Teton Range, with the dramatic Cathedral Group known as 'Les Trois Tetons' or 'The Three Beasts' towering above the valley floor. At their centre is the Grand Teton, the 13,770-foot (4,197m) peak that defines the skyline and dominates almost every view within the park. The mountains are popular with climbers and hikers, as well as photographers who can capture a variety of different angles from the park's scenic winding road or on one of its numerous trails that forms part of a vast network of hikes starting from the valley floor.

Beneath the Teton Range lie a string of lakes and the scenic Snake River that meanders the length of the park, offering numerous opportunities to kayak, fish, and raft. The stunning scenery can be easily seen and enjoyed from a drive through the park, but taking to the mountain trails or waterways is the best way to appreciate the spectacular views and experience the beautiful backcountry. A great abundance of large wildlife roams the valley floor, including moose, elk, bison, and grizzly and black bears.

Website: www.nps.gov/grte

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Mill Iron Ranch

What good's a visit to Cowboy Country without a little trail riding thrown into the mix? At Mill Iron Ranch, the Wheeldon family, led by the charismatic cowboy-proprietor, Chancy, boldly claim to 'run the best huntin', fishin', ridin' and eatin' outfit in (Jackson)'; and the scores of glowing internet reviews of the ranch suggest that they might just be telling the truth about that.

Offering the 'number one two-hour trail ride in the USA', at the end of which, visitors can return to the farmhouse for a bit of western swing dancing, and a steak dinner 'with all the fixings', prepared by the Wheeldons themselves. Visitors to Wyoming who are keen to experience a little ranch-life could hardly do better than making a trip out to Mill Iron Ranch. Keen riders can also sign up for longer journeys, including a four-hour mountain trail ride or full day trips that include fishing in Willow Creek. Longer trips are available by arrangement.

The ranch also offers fun winter activities like sleigh rides and can arrange hunting trips for big game like moose, deer, elk and bear.

Website: www.millironranch.net

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Airports in Jackson Wyoming

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Jackson Hole Airport
http://www.jacksonholeairport.com

Location: Jackson Wyoming The airport is located nine miles (14km) north of Jackson.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts:

Getting to the city:

Car rental:

Airport Taxis:

Facilities:

Parking:

Cody

Cody is entertainer William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody's hometown, and was founded by him in 1887. During summer it rivals Jackson as Wyoming's number one tourist town, while still retaining more of the bona fide appeal of a pastoral Western community than the resort sophistication of its contender.

Every summer the town turns up its Western charm for the thousands of visitors en route to the east gate of Yellowstone National Park with rodeos, the annual Cody Stampede, Buffalo Bill attractions and paraphernalia, and a Cowtown circus. Cody's main attraction is the world-class Buffalo Bill Historical Center, encompassing five different museums detailing the history of the West.

The dusty main road is lined with souvenir and ranch-wear shops, and its reassembled Old Trail Town is a collection of ghost town shop fronts and cabins gathered from the surrounding region, housing artefacts and archaeological finds. From Cody, the 52 miles (84km) to Yellowstone National Park takes travellers through the superbly scenic landscape of the Wapiti Valley.

Climate in Cody

Because of its altitude, Cody, like much of the state of Wyoming, has an essentially cold and dry climate, with plenty of winter snowfall. The weather is highly seasonal; summer days can be pleasantly warm. Despite the average of low temperatures there is no shortage of sunshine, with an estimated 300 sunny days a year. However, Cody's weather is known to be highly unpredictable.

Sightseeing in Cody

Cody is named after the famous cowboy and entertainer William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody, so it's no surprise that the most popular attraction in town is the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The Center offers plenty of interesting information on Cody's life, but also includes museums devoted to local art, history, and culture.

With Western cowboy culture at the core of Cody, the Cody Night Rodeo is always a favourite and takes place every evening in summer, along with bull riding, steer wrestling, and other events. The highlight of the year is the Cody Stampede Rodeo, held from June to August, which sees cowboys from all over the world compete in events like bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel riding, and calf roping. Travellers who want a hands-on experience of cowboy life can visit one of several dude ranches in the area, which offer horseback riding and ranching experiences. Many of these ranches are located near Yellowstone National Park, which makes a great combination for any Wyoming holiday.

There are also wonderful museums and galleries in Cody where those less keen on rodeos and ranches will find themselves something to do and enjoy. The Cody Country Art League is a worthwhile stop for those interested in the local art scene and the Historic Cody Mural and Museum is a good way to learn some Cody history. Movie lovers enjoy Big Horn Cinemas and there are concerts in the downtown City Park each summer featuring a variety of musical talent. There are also some great restaurants to try and some fun shopping to do when in Cody.

Jackson Hole
Jackson Wyoming

Known locally as 'The Big One', Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a popular holiday destination famous for its steep terrain, deep powder and acres of backcountry that provides ideal conditions and challenges for top skiers and snowboarders from around the world. More than 1,012 hectares (2,500 acres) are spread over Après Vous and Rendezvous Mountains and claim to offer holidaymakers one of the best ski and snowboard experiences on earth, with the highest elevation on Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450ft (3,185m). Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is also the gateway to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. Situated at the base of the mountain is the Swiss-style Teton Village, which is just 15 minutes from the town of Jackson.

Wyoming Attractions

Overview

Yellowstone National Park

One of the world's first national parks, Yellowstone was established in 1872. Despite its popularity today, most of the park still remains an undeveloped wilderness of magnificent mountain scenery, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and rivers. It is renowned for its geothermal wonders and abundance of wildlife. Spilling over into Montana and Idaho, the enormous park is situated on top of the Yellowstone Caldera, a collapsed volcanic crater that was formed 600,000 years ago and holds within it one of the greatest geothermal areas in the world. This unique environment includes features such as exploding geysers, thousands of steaming fumaroles, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools, and is where the park's most famous attraction, the Old Faithful Geyser is to be found, drawing thousands of tourists to witness its regular eruption of steaming water.

Yellowstone is also home to the largest concentration of wildlife in lower USA, including grizzly and black bears, wolves, moose, and large herds of bison and elk. The two narrow waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River cut a striking picture in the yellow-coloured rock that gives the park its name, with superb views and hiking trails for all abilities. The large alpine Yellowstone Lake fills the eastern part of the caldera and offers opportunities for boating and fishing expeditions in summer. All places of interest are accessible along the loop roads, but the intensity of visitors in summer, especially between July and August, means that one needs to hike away from the main paths to experience the true wilderness of Yellowstone National Park.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/yell

Grand Teton National Park

Occupying the valley of Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park's identifying feature is the sharp granite peaks of the impressive Teton Range, with the dramatic Cathedral Group known as 'Les Trois Tetons' or 'The Three Beasts' towering above the valley floor. At their centre is the Grand Teton, the 13,770-foot (4,197m) peak that defines the skyline and dominates almost every view within the park. The mountains are popular with climbers and hikers, as well as photographers who can capture a variety of different angles from the park's scenic winding road or on one of its numerous trails that forms part of a vast network of hikes starting from the valley floor.

Beneath the Teton Range lie a string of lakes and the scenic Snake River that meanders the length of the park, offering numerous opportunities to kayak, fish, and raft. The stunning scenery can be easily seen and enjoyed from a drive through the park, but taking to the mountain trails or waterways is the best way to appreciate the spectacular views and experience the beautiful backcountry. A great abundance of large wildlife roams the valley floor, including moose, elk, bison, and grizzly and black bears.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/grte

Mill Iron Ranch

What good's a visit to Cowboy Country without a little trail riding thrown into the mix? At Mill Iron Ranch, the Wheeldon family, led by the charismatic cowboy-proprietor, Chancy, boldly claim to 'run the best huntin', fishin', ridin' and eatin' outfit in (Jackson)'; and the scores of glowing internet reviews of the ranch suggest that they might just be telling the truth about that.

Offering the 'number one two-hour trail ride in the USA', at the end of which, visitors can return to the farmhouse for a bit of western swing dancing, and a steak dinner 'with all the fixings', prepared by the Wheeldons themselves. Visitors to Wyoming who are keen to experience a little ranch-life could hardly do better than making a trip out to Mill Iron Ranch. Keen riders can also sign up for longer journeys, including a four-hour mountain trail ride or full day trips that include fishing in Willow Creek. Longer trips are available by arrangement.

The ranch also offers fun winter activities like sleigh rides and can arrange hunting trips for big game like moose, deer, elk and bear.

Website: http://www.millironranch.net