Wyoming is known for its incredible outdoors, with the Rocky Mountains in the west and the High Plains prairies in the east. It is also the least populated state in the country with only 576,851 residents at last count in 2020. It is bordered by Montana to the north and northwest, Nebraska and South Dakota to the east, Idaho to the west, Utah to the southwest, and Colorado to the south.
With lower populations, you will find that even the most famous attractions are not crowded like the Devils Tower, Yellowstone Park, Hot Springs, and Old Trail Town. It may be less populated because the government owns so much of it, but most of it is used for public enjoyment.
The temperatures in Wyoming are not much different than in other northern states, with highs in the 30s during the winter and the 80s in the summer. That means you can enjoy both winter and summer activities here, from cross-country skiing to swimming. Also, like other states, some cities are more dog-friendly than others. Here are the top 15 pup popular destinations in Wyoming.
Cheyenne
Cheyenne is the capital city of Wyoming, with approximately 65,000 people living there with an estimated 20,000 fur babies. You will find that many of the attractions in Cheyenne are dog-friendly, including the Botanic Gardens in Lions Park and the Depot Plaza, where you can do some shopping, eat, and even visit the museum. Just keep your cuddly buddy on a leash no longer than six feet.
If you are looking for a hotel in the city that loves dogs, take a look at Staybridge Suites, where you can stay with two pets for up to 80 pounds for $50 per night. Or you can book a room at the Historic Plains Hotel, which has a fitness center, family rooms, and free Wi-Fi. There is even a spa if you need a massage, but dogs are not allowed.
After your massage, take Fido out to Nancy Mockler Dog Park to run around off the leash with other fur babies. It has a separate section for small and shy dogs, shaded seating for pet parents, and doggie bags.
Yellowstone National Park
The very first national park in the country, Yellowstone National Park, opened in 1872 and has more than 2.2 million acres. Some of the most famous attractions include the Grand Canyon, Old Faithful, and the Yellowstone River. Dogs are welcome anywhere except for the protected trails, geysers, and buildings as long as they are on a leash. The park even has a special viewing platform for pup parents to see Old Faithful with their fur buddies.
You will have numerous choices of places to stay, like Roosevelt Lodge, Old Faithful Lodge, and Lake Lodge, as well as many campgrounds, including Indian Creek, Madison, Lewis Lake, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, and Bridge Bay. You can climb mountains, get some selfies at the geysers, and swim in one of the many lakes like Hyalite Reservoir, Hebgen, or Coffin Lakes.
It is important to know that there are some very dangerous animals in the park, including bears, wolves, and elk. Do not let your dog (or yourself) anywhere near them.
Casper
Going on a family vacation? Casper, Wyoming, may not be well-known, but it sure has a love for dogs. In fact, there are approximately 9,500 fur babies living in this population of 60,000 people. First, you need a hotel that welcomes pets and kids. The Ramkota Hotel has everything you need for everyone. The indoor pool has a water playland with slides and floats, they provide a free hot breakfast every day, and your pooch gets treated to his own bowls and treats.
Drop your canine companion off at 4 Paws Boarding to play while you take the kids to some of the fun attractions. Old Town Family Fun has a mini-golf, a climbing wall, an arcade, laser tag, and a cafe with delicious pizza and beverages. Then, you can go to The Science Zone, where the kids (and you) can learn about science with hands-on exhibits.
After picking up your pup, head over to Lake McKenzie Dog Park, where your fur buddy can swim and play with other dogs without a leash.
Gillette
If you want to visit Wyoming with your pooch, but you are on a tight budget, Gillette is one of the most inexpensive places to enjoy. You can start off by choosing Days Inn, where you can stay for just $54 and it has a pool, free breakfast, and the pet fee is only $15. National 9 Inn is only $57, and they also have a pool, free breakfast, and a restaurant.
There are quite a few dog-friendly parks in Gillette that are totally free and incredibly fun. McManamen Park has a huge lake, playgrounds, several bridges, and an off-leash dog park. The O-So Fun Dog Park is fully fenced and has a special area for small and shy dogs. There is massive space to play fetch or frisbee here. Dalbey Memorial Park is also fun, with fishing docks, picnic tables, and trails.
When you are ready to eat, go to Compadres for Tex-Mex, Pizza Carrello for Italian, or Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli for a sandwich. Dogs are always welcome at outside tables as long as they are leashed.
Laramie
For those who like to hike, check out Laramie. Located in the southeastern corner of the state along Highways 230, 35, and 287, there are approximately 32,000 residents with an estimated 5,343 pups here. The historic town was founded in the 1860s and started as a railroad city. Today, Laramie uses the old railroads as rail trails for hiking. The Medicine Bow Rail Trail is 21 miles long from Pelton Creek to Dry Park Road.
But there are other trails to explore in Laramie. The easy 3.2-mile Adler Trails Loop is mostly flat with some awesome forest routes. For something a little bit harder, try the 5.3-mile Old Happy Jack-Aspen-Blackjack-Pole Creek-Haunted Forest Trail, where your pup can be off the leash in some areas. If you are up for the hardest trip, Sheep Mountain Trail is 11 miles and difficult, but the view on top is awesome.
For a place where your fur baby can romp around while you relax, go to Optimist Park. They have a fenced dog park with picnic tables, shade, and water.
Rock Springs
With a pup population of more than 6,100, you are bound to see quite a few fur babies during your visit. There are several off-leash dog parks as well as some dog-friendly parks to enjoy. You will find most of the pups and pup parents at Bitter Creek Bark Park, especially in the summer. The fenced area allows off-leash play in and out of the water.
Or you can visit Sweetwater Event Complex where there is a dog park and five ponds, horseshoe pits, and even spaces to camp. You can find it on Yellowstone Road by the Sweetwater Speedway. If you and your cuddle buddy need some energy, stop at Starbucks, where they make Puppiccinos for dogs. They also have sandwiches and baked goods to enjoy on the patio with your leased pup.
If you want to eat inside, GOATS Restaurant is one of the only eating establishments where dogs are allowed in. They have some incredible burgers, tacos, and nachos. It is right next to the dog-friendly Badass Brews, where you and Fido can get some drinks.
Lander
Just south of the Wind River Indian Reservation, Lander has a population of over 7,500 and boasts about 1,123 dogs as well. This is a great city for outdoor fun during the summer when they have the Pioneer Days Parade and Rodeo in July. There are several large parks and recreational sites in Lander, including the Shoshone National Forest, Wind River Mountains, Worthen Meadow Reservoir, and Sinks Canyon State Park.
There are several pet-friendly campgrounds in Lander, including Twin Pines RV Park with 20 RV sites and numerous tent sites. They also have cabins, but they do not allow dogs. Mountain Range RV Park has 22 RV sites with plenty of room for letting your pup run around and a playground for the kids. Sleeping Bear RV Park has 50 sites, a playground, a splash pad, a koi pond, and a dog walking area.
You and the pooch can also grab some grub and a beer at Lander Bar & Grill. They have pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and more. The Middle Fork is also pup-friendly and has a variety of foods.
Sheridan
Right between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone Park, Sheridan is a town of approximately 18,735 people and 2,934 dogs. It was named after General Philip Sheridan who was the leader of the Calvary in the Civil War. Sheridan was chosen as number six in the top vacation towns and number one according to True West Magazine for top western towns. The historic town has several dog parks as well as the dog-friendly Bighorn National Forest and Tongue River State Park.
While you are out and about, why not stop in at Luminous Brewhouse on Broadway to enjoy a beer? Your canine compadre is welcome indoors at the taproom, where he can have a treat while you try out some of the local brews. You will have a vast array of choices for where to stay. Ramada Plaza Wyndham Sheridan Hotel has an indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour gym. Other pet-friendly hotels include Best Western, Baymont, and Rodeway Inn, which all have pools too.
Hungry? Try the Cowboy Cafe on Main Street for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or Sackett’s Market where they serve roast beef and ham sandwiches that are famous.
Evanston
In southwestern Wyoming, along Interstate 80, you will find a small town called Evanston. Another railroad town, this one was named after a civil engineer on the Union Pacific. There are approximately 11,785 residents living in Evanston, and they have about 1,600 dogs. It is also another historic city with nine sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Although your pupster is not allowed inside them, you can bring him to see the outside at most.
Evanston is also home to the Uinta County Museum with its Carnegie Library, as well as a Chinese Joss House. Both of these are in Depot Square but do not allow dogs. However, you can take your fur baby with you to Bear River State Park. This boasts 324 acres featuring fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and camping, and they have several playgrounds for the kiddos.
When you are planning your vacation, check out Best Western, Comfort Inn, and Prairie Inn, which are all dog-friendly. Best Western has a pool and restaurant for your pleasure!
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Bridger-Teton National Forest is also dog-friendly and has 3.4 million acres of woods, meadows, mountains, and valleys, as well as lakes, rivers, creeks, and ponds. The forest has more than 2,000 miles of pup popular hiking and walking trails. For a nice short walk with your pooch, Long Lake Trail is just under five miles and usually takes about three hours there and back. It is the only way to get to Long Lake, so bring a fishing pole because the fish are hungry.
The forest also has 37 campgrounds, including the Falls Campground, with 54 sites in Dubois; Turpin Meadow Campground, with 20 sites in Moose, and Cottonwood Lake Campground, with 18 sites in Afton. Dogs are welcome at almost all campgrounds as long as they are leashed. Always bring doggie bags to pick up after your pup as well.
You will also find picnic tables and barbecue grills in the most developed areas of the forest. Always be alert for bears and cliffs. Also, it gets extremely cold in some areas during the winter sometimes dropping to 50 below zero.
Riverton
Named for the four rivers that meet in the town, Riverton is a small village with a total of 10,682 residents as of the 2020 census. There are also an estimated 1,735 dogs in town so you are likely to see a few out with their pup parents. Maybe that is why there are so many pet-friendly hotels in such a small city. The Hampton Inn has an indoor pool, BBQ grills, and a gym, and there is no pet fee. The Holiday Inn also has a pool and gym, but it also has a restaurant and bar. Pets are $25 per night.
Nearby, Dacey’s Place Dog Park is a great way to let Fido run off some of that energy. The fully fenced pup park has benches, a waste station, and softwood chips for ground cover. Afterward, stop by Dairy Queen, where you can grab some food and ice cream from the drive-thru window and sit outside.
You and your fur baby may also enjoy a walk in Jaycee Park. It is a short walk and takes you around the lake for a scenic stroll. The Riverton City Park also has a loop trail that is about a quarter of a mile. Keep your pup on a leash and bring doggie bags.
Jackson
With under 10,000 residents and about 1,500 fur babies, you will find lots of places to enjoy with your dog in Jackson, Wyoming. Being in the Grand Teton National Park, there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore. It is also a perfect city for a ski weekend this winter. There are three ski resorts, including Jackson Hole Mountain, Grand Targhee, and Snow King Mountain.
Luckily, your canine companion is welcome at any of these places, and they each have several resorts, hotels, and motels to choose from. The Snow King Resort Hotel allows two dogs of any size for $25 per dog per night. Homewood Suites welcomes dogs (and cats!) up to 75 pounds for $100 per stay. And the Grand Targhee Resort has special dog-friendly rooms just for pet parents. It even has four pet waste station locations.
If you are in the mood for a brew or two after your day on the slopes, your pup is welcome to join you at StillWest Brewery & Grill. Or you can grab a quick bite to eat at D.O.G on Glenwood Street, where they have breakfast burritos and sandwiches.
Cody
If you are looking for a romantic getaway with your honey and your dog, Cody is a good place to visit. The small-town atmosphere is sweet and makes everything seem so peaceful. There were 10,066 residents at last count and 1,420 dogs, so you and your fur baby and honey will fit in nicely. You can start by booking a suite at the Beartooth Inn where they have a spa with a hot tub and sauna. They also have a pool and a lake, and they only charge $15 per dog per stay.
The city was named after Buffalo Bill Cody because he founded the town in 1896. Hire a pet sitter and take your honey out on the town. Cody Country Bed & Biscuit is a premier doggie daycare with a pool and grooming. There are five museums you may enjoy, as well as rodeos in the summer. Then, head to Cody Steakhouse for a candlelight dinner for two.
Now, you can take your cuddly canine companion to Beck Lake Bark Park, which has its own doggie beach. There are two fully fenced sections for small and large dogs, and the beach is partially fenced.
Rawlins
Want to enjoy a night outdoors in Wyoming? Take him to Rawlins, where you can choose from several campgrounds, including the KOA Journey with a snack bar, kitchen, a horse pen, pedal karts, and an off-leash dog park. The Red Desert Rose is also pet-friendly and has all sorts of fun, like mini golf, a playground for the kids, horseshoe pits, and another dog park. Rim Lake Recreation Site is another place you can go. This one has a lake for fishing and a trail.
When you need a drink, the most pup popular place in town is Buck’s Sports Grill where the locals go. They have 23 beers on tap, as well as some delicious food, arcade games, and a great atmosphere. Then, take Fido to the Rawlins Dog Park in Key Club Park. It has 1.5 acres for any size dog and a half acre for small and older dogs. There is also a hydration station, waste stations, and benches for pet parents.
Be sure to stop by Rawlins Springs Park, where you can explore caves, old railroad cars, and camping. You can learn a lot about the history of Rawlins here.
Powell
One of the smaller cities in Wyoming, Powell was named a city in 1909. It was named after John Wesley Powell, who was a soldier and explorer. There are less than 6,000 residents and approximately 994 dogs. It is located in northern Wyoming along Highway 14. You can find several dog-friendly hotels, including Travelodge with free Wi-Fi and parking, and Super 8, which has free parking, Wi-Fi, and family rooms.
When your pooch needs to get rid of those zoomies, take him to Wiggly Field Off-Leash Dog Park at Homesteader Park. It features a double-gated entry, shaded benches, tunnels to run through, and plenty of room to run around with other pups. Then, take your canine compadre to Rest Awhile Cafe for a sandwich, Millstone Pizza Company for a brew and pizza, or Heart Mountain Mudd for a coffee and cookie.
If you have the kids with you, don’t miss Beartooth Park. It has an awesome playground with all sorts of interactive activities, a slide, and swings.
Final Woof
If you want to visit one of the largest parks in the world, Bridger-Teton National Forest has 3.4 million acres of hiking, swimming, boating, and camping. Yellowstone National Park has 2.2 million acres, including the Grand Canyon. For a fun family vacation, try Casper, Lander, or Rawlins. Those who are looking for a romantic getaway, Cody has a dog-friendly spa and a steakhouse for a candlelight dinner. If you want to camp, Rock Springs, Lander, or Rawlins have lots of choices. You can also go hiking in Laramie, Evanston, Jackson, or one of the parks. Wherever you go, bring along some baggies to pick up what your pup puts down.
