The paths toward the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone are certainly well-worn, with millions of visitors flocking to Wyoming’s two national parks every year. Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons may draw the most attention and the biggest crowds, but Wyoming’s magic extends far beyond these iconic places. If you’re craving adventure in places that feel a little more off the beaten path, then you should add these hidden gems in Wyoming to your travel bucket list. From vast desert-like dunes to jaw-dropping canyons, this is our destination guide to discovering Wyoming off the beaten path. It’s where you’ll uncover landscapes just as wild and beautiful—without the crowds.

Fremont Canyon 

Located near Casper, Wyoming, Fremont Canyon is one of Wyoming’s best-kept secrets. Carved by the North Platte River, the canyon stretches for nearly four miles, with dramatic granite walls rising as high as 400 feet. It’s a playground for rock climbers, offering some of the best climbing routes in the state, from beginner-friendly scrambles to technical ascents that test even seasoned climbers.

But because my rock climbing days are over, I chose to kayak the waters that hug these steep canyon walls. Fremont Canyon lies at the upper end of Alcova Lake, a reservoir spanning over 2,400 acres. Ideal for paddleboarding as well, still waters are protected by surrounding towering cliff walls, making you feel like you’ve discovered your own private slice of the American West. Paddle through calm waters along sheer cliff walls, caves, grottos, and natural arches. Also, for anglers, this section of the North Platte is famous for its trout fishing—some of the best in the country. Visit Alcova Resort for all your rental needs.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Where the desert meets water, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area straddles the southern Wyoming–Utah border, offering a breathtaking contrast of blue water framed by red sandstone cliffs. But because of its somewhat remote location, this stunning recreation area sees half the number of visitors Yellowstone sees in a year.

The 91-mile reservoir sits at the center of roughly 200,000 acres of scenic landscape that surrounds the deep blue/green waters of the reservoir.  Some of the best views are seen from above. And a great way to take in the sights and sounds is with the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway, which begins and ends in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Scenic stops include Red Canyon, Sheep Creek, and Firehole Canyon. Be sure to stick around for sunsets that paint the sky in shades of orange and pink that give the Flaming Gorge its fierce name.

Boating, jet skiing, and kayaking are popular ways to explore the 91-mile-long reservoir. The lake is also home to some of the best fishing in the country, where you might reel in a record-breaking lake trout. On land, hiking trails wind through the high desert landscape, offering panoramic views of the canyon and water below. Camping here is equally rewarding, whether you choose a lakeside site or one tucked among the pinyon pines. 

Devil’s Tower

Both sacred and striking, Devil’s Tower is an iconic landmark that you probably have seen, but didn’t realize where or what it was. Located near Wyoming’s eastern border, 1.5 hours northwest of Rapid City, South Dakota, Devil’s Tower National Monument rises 867 feet above the surrounding plains and is America’s first national monument. Driving to Devil’s Tower may have you second-guessing whether there is anything out here or not. Miles and miles of prairie grass stretch across the flat plains, leaving little to no mystery about eastern Wyoming. But as you approach, the staggering monolith appears with its sheer, fluted walls that reach 867 feet from its base to its summit.

A paved trail encircles the base, where you can gain close-up views of the massive rock columns that are equal parts awe-inspiring and humbling. Along the trail, interpretive signs share stories from the Lakota, Shoshone, Cheyenne, and other tribes who consider the tower sacred. At night, Devil’s Tower transforms into one of the best stargazing spots in Wyoming. With little to no light pollution, the Milky Way shines brilliantly overhead, casting the tower in a silhouette that feels out of this world. If you’ve only seen pictures, being here in person is something entirely different.

Cirque of the Towers

You’ll have to put in a bit of sweat equity for this one. South of the Tetons and just two hours from Lander, Cirque of the Towers is an iconic backpacking route located in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. The dramatic, glacier-carved valley lures in avid backpackers like myself, with its iconic jagged granite peaks that seem to touch the sky. It’s one of the most famous alpine destinations in Wyoming, yet it remains remote and relatively untouched.

Getting here isn’t easy, with the most direct route at 18 miles round trip, starting and ending at the Big Sandy Trailhead. But the reward is more than worth it, trust me. The photo above is from our backpacking trip to the Cirque of the Towers. We visited the first week of September, so there was a noticeable color change in the flora, as well as cold temperatures. It’s a scene that’s hard to describe or capture in a single photo, with the towering spires like Shark’s Nose, Pingora Peak, and Wolf’s Head, that take center stage. For backpackers, the Cirque offers endless opportunities to set up camp by alpine lakes and wake up to mountain views that feel unreal. The landscape is pure wilderness—rugged, wild, and inspiring.

Hell’s Half Acre

About 40 miles west of Casper, you’ll find one of Wyoming’s strangest and most fascinating landscapes: Hell’s Half Acre. Despite the name, the site spans over 960 acres of deeply eroded canyons, rock spires, caves, and colorful badlands. It looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie—which makes sense, since it was actually used as a filming location for a fictional planet in the 1997 film Starship Troopers. While there are no formal trails, you can access the parking lot to view from above and marvel at the natural sculptures carved by erosion over millions of years.

It’s a quiet place, often overlooked by travelers rushing to Yellowstone. But that’s part of its charm—you can stand on the rim or wander the valleys below and feel like you have the entire place to yourself.

Killpecker Sand Dunes

A true surprise and one of the most unique places to visit in Wyoming is the Killpecker Sand Dunes. When you think of Wyoming, rolling dunes might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But just north of Rock Springs lies the Killpecker Sand Dunes, the largest active dune system in the United States. Stretching for nearly 55 miles, the shifting sands create an otherworldly desert landscape in the heart of Wyoming’s Red Desert.

The dunes are popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts, who love zooming up and down the sandy slopes. But there are plenty of ways to play even if you’re not riding an ATV. Sandboarding is another fun way to experience the dunes. Hiking across the windswept ridges is another option and is both challenging and rewarding, offering sweeping views of the surrounding desert. Wildlife is surprisingly abundant here, too—wild horses, and the largest desert elk herd in the world lives here.

Wyoming Off the Beaten Path

Visiting these lesser-known gems isn’t just about avoiding crowds—it’s about experiencing Wyoming in its raw, unfiltered form. Here, you’ll find the kind of solitude and wonder that made the West famous in the first place. Whether you’re climbing granite walls, hiking into a remote valley, or standing under a star-filled sky, you’ll leave with stories that go far beyond the postcards of Old Faithful.

So next time you’re planning a Wyoming adventure, take the road less traveled. The state is full of hidden treasures—you have to know where to look.

*all images were taken by Jessica Hughes, unless otherwise stated, and are subject to copyright.