If you need a break, a day trip can be like a mini-vacation and, when you’re in Wyoming, the choices for adventures and trips are endless. No matter where you start, you could simply pick a direction – north, south, east, or west – and drive for half a day, stop to see the sights and get some lunch, then head back home. You can even head out to see three different mountain rages, if you’re looking to spend a few days exploring! On the other hand, if you prefer having a plan and sticking to a simple day trip, here are 10 awesome day trips you can take this summer when you just need a little getaway.

1. Casper to Saratoga
Saratoga, WY 82331, USA
Bureau Of Land Management/Flickr
Drive the scenic route along WY-220 and 287, and you'll be able to take in two reservoirs along the way: Alcova and Pathfinder. Stop at both on your way south, or stop at one each way. Have a burger and take a soak in the mineral springs at Saratoga, if you're so inclined, before heading back.

There aren't too many places where you can soak in natural hot springs in Wyoming, 24/7 and completely free.
2. Town of Casper
Casper, WY, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
If you don't happen to be starting in Casper, the town itself is a terrific day trip destination. It's chock-full of history, with museums and tours of historic sites. The downtown offers shopping and ample dining choices and, it is Wyoming, so there are rodeos, fairs, and music festivals for entertainment.

Casper was even named one of the best places to live in the USA!
3. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
Jeremy Weber/Flickr
Wild Wyoming offers day tours of the iconic park, and who better than a professional and seasoned guide to show you the must-see attractions in GTNP? From wildlife to a less-frequented meadow to getting up close and personal with the Tetons, this trip is a day well-spent.

If you're smart, you'll take our advice as to how to avoid the crowds at Grand Teton National Park.
4. Grand Teton to Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, United States
InSapphoWeTrust/Flickr
The two national parks are less than seven miles apart, so hitting them both in one day is doable. Spend a couple of hours seeing the sights near the south entrance of Yellowstone, such as Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake, then make the short trip down to Grand Teton National Park. Have lunch at the Chuckwagon in Moose and tour attractions such as Mormon Row, Flat Creek, and Teton Village. Keep an eye out for wildlife all along the way.

Yellowstone itself is one of America's best natural wonders.
5. Killpecker Sand Dunes
Killpecker Sand Dunes Open Play Area Campground, Wyoming, USA
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Who knew such a vast and beautiful desert could be found in Wyoming? The Killpecker Sand Dunes cover about 109,000 acres, and making a day trip expressly to see them is worth it. However, if you have some time to spend there and have brought along an ATV or dirt bike, off highway vehicles are allowed in the Open Play area. Alternatively, find a quiet spot and just listen to the wind.

Did you know that Wyoming is home to some of the only singing sand dunes in the world?

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6. Fort Laramie
Fort Laramie, WY, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
You'll find this historic site about 80 miles north of Cheyenne. It started out as a trading post and was later used by the military until the late 1800s. It was closed in 1890 but in 1938, Fort Laramie was taken into the National Park System to ensure its preservation for future generations.

A stop at Fort Laramie is one of the best Wyoming day trips for history lovers!
7. Crazy Woman Canyon
Crazy Woman Canyon Road, Crazy Woman Canyon Rd, Wyoming 82834, USA
Erin/Flickr
Crazy Woman Canyon is about 18 miles southwest of Buffalo, Wyoming off WY-196 and Old Highway 87. There is more than one legend that explains the name, but two seem to be the most popular. The first claims a woman was left to live there all by herself, and was eventually found acting erratic and strange; the second says the canyon and the creek that runs through it are so-named because a pioneer woman was driven to insanity there when she witnessed the slaughter of her family. Who can say whether either legend is true? What can't be argued is that the area is beautiful in the summer and a worthy day trip destination.

Despite its potentially dark past, you'll love exploring one of the prettiest canyon drives in Wyoming.
8. Big Horn Mountain
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming 82834, USA
Justin Brockie/Flickr
Take your pick: drive the mountain loop or the basin loop. Either one will take almost an entire day, but what you see of the impressive Big Horns and the stunning terrain will make it time well-spent.

Take a peek at some of our favorite Bighorn Mountain day trips.
9. Cody, Wyoming
Cody, WY 82414, USA
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
There are many places in Wyoming that make great summer day trip destinations, but Cody is definitely at the top of the list. Founded by Buffalo Bill himself, this town successfully melds the Old West with the Modern Age. It has its share of history, such as the iconic Irma Hotel, the Buffalo Bill Dam, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, but there's also loads of live music, rodeos, and an epic zipline that shouldn't be missed.

Cody is truly one of the coolest towns in Wyoming.
10. Pilot and Index Peaks
Beartooth Highway, Wyoming 82414, USA
Wesley Fryer/Flickr
These peaks are the most prominent in the Absaroka Range and can be seen from US-212. Practically the entire drive along the Absarokas is breathtaking, so you might just want to turn on the cruise control and drive until there's no more daylight.

This route is regularly named one of the best drives in America.

What Wyoming destination is your favorite for a summer day trip?

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best day trips in Wyoming

Kim Magaraci | May 20, 2022

What are the most unique things to do around Wyoming?

The Cowboy State is truly one-of-a-kind. Some of the most unique things to do in Wyoming include visiting the Petrified Tree in Yellowstone, climbing to the top of a disappointing mountain, and even spotting the original habitat of the legendary Jackalope. For unique and interesting places to dine, try spending time in Buffalo Bill Cody's own Irma Hotel dining room, or step back in time at Jackson Drug near the Town Square.

Where can I find great getaway spots near me in Wyoming?

Well, first, subscribe to our newsletter to find daily inspiration for getaways and information about the best day trips in Wyoming. We love sharing our finds with you! If you're planning a family-friendly getaway in Wyoming, it's hard to beat the area around Cody, where you'll find museums, restaurants, a rodeo, an old trail town, and even Western re-enactments. For a more romantic getaway or a spot to vacation with your friends, the mountain towns of Saratoga, Pinedale, or Centennial never disappoint!

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