Wyoming

Wyoming, the 44^th State, remains a symbol of the Old American West and is rich in history, evidenced by the preserved ruts left by pioneer wagons on the Oregon Trail which can still be seen today. Home to two National Parks (including the oldest in the U.S.) and several other National Monuments and Historic Sights, Wyoming is a truly unique destination offering everything from steaming geothermal features to sparkling glacial lakes, sprawling ranches to ultra luxe mountain resorts, rustic cabins to modern glamping experiences, and world class skiing.

Yellowstone National Park and the adjoining Grand Teton National Park make up the Northwest corner of Wyoming, with Yellowstone spilling over into Montana to the North and Idaho to the West. Yellowstone lies on an enormous caldera, or volcanic crater, that gives the park its unique geothermic features such as bubbling mudpots, brightly colored mineral pools, and geysers such as the iconic Old Faithful. Grand Teton, named for one of the mountain peaks formed by earthquakes millions of years ago, is sometimes overlooked, though no less dramatic than Yellowstone. This National Park is made up of crystal clear glacial lakes, rugged mountains, and lush forests and valleys. The robust ecosystem of both parks make them home to abundant flora and fauna, and this high concentration of wildlife has earned this area the nickname, the Serengeti of the United States.

Just moments from valleys still ruled by wolves and bison and peaks still crowned with glaciers lies Jackson Hole, the southern gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Jackson Hole is a year-round destination, attracting visitors to the National Parks in the warm months (complete with rodeos and cowboy cookouts in the bustling historic town of Jackson) between powder seasons, when Teton Village comes alive with its luxury ski resorts.

You don’t need to be a skier to find Wyoming’s winters magical, however. Snowboarding, snowshoeing, even dogsledding will keep you busy, while Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks become virtually silent in blankets of snow. Guided tours will provide amazing opportunities to spot wildlife and witness these spectacular landscapes as they are rarely seen.