Exploring Wyoming by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Wyoming’s vast landscapes unfold in unique ways when experienced from unconventional vantage points like train cabins, riverboats, or even the serene drift of a hot air balloon. The town of Cody, just about an hour’s drive east of Yellowstone National Park, offers a classic gateway to the West. From here, the Cody Trolley Tours provide a charming way to glimpse the town’s Old West heritage and rugged foothills. Though not a traditional train ride, the trolley’s open-air cars evoke historic rail travel and introduce you to key sites like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a five-museum complex that captures frontier culture and Native American artistry. Exploring Cody in late spring or early fall means fewer crowds and the chance to spot migrating birds or grazing bison on the outskirts.
For a truly historic and scenic train experience, the Union Pacific Railroad’s excursion trains run near Cheyenne, the state’s capital located in southeastern Wyoming. From Cheyenne, which lies about 45 minutes south of the Nebraska border, you can catch a glimpse of the frontier spirit that shaped America’s westward expansion. The famed Cheyenne Depot Museum stands adjacent to the active rail line, preserving the golden age of steam engines and the significance of the transcontinental railroad. Riding along parts of the route, passengers often enjoy views of rolling prairie and distant mountain ranges. Early autumn offers cool, crisp air and vibrant foliage along the route, intensifying the experience of this living piece of history.
Moving westward, the Snake River winds through the Grand Teton National Park, located roughly 10 miles south of Jackson. This river is a prime spot for boaters seeking both gentle float trips and exhilarating whitewater adventures. The Snake River Canyon offers several access points where visitors can rent kayaks or take guided rafting tours. One popular section is near the Dornan’s area, where the river cuts through jagged peaks and sweeping valleys. The combination of towering Teton Range backdrops and the chance to see wildlife such as moose and bald eagles from the water makes this a spectacular natural setting. Summer mornings bring calm waters and soft light, perfect for photography and peaceful paddling.
Farther north, the Bighorn River near the town of Lovell, about 70 miles northwest of Cody, is ideal for anglers and boaters alike. This stretch of river is renowned for its trout fishing, and floating down it by drift boat reveals a quieter, less crowded side of Wyoming’s waterways. The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area lies just beyond, offering expansive views of limestone cliffs and secluded coves reachable only by water. Autumn is a particularly rewarding time here; the surrounding cottonwoods turn golden, and the cool air sharpens the colors against the rugged canyon walls.
For a soaring perspective over Wyoming’s distinctive terrain, hot air balloon rides launched from Jackson provide an unforgettable adventure. This town in the northwest corner of Wyoming is known for its proximity to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, about 12 miles and 60 miles away, respectively. Balloon flights typically lift off in the early morning when winds are calm, drifting over sagebrush plains, mountain meadows, and alpine forests. The sight of the Teton peaks catching dawn’s first light is unmatched, and wildlife like elk or foxes sometimes appear from above, adding to the magic. Summer and early fall are the best seasons for ballooning here, offering clear skies and mild temperatures.
Another excellent area for ballooning is near Casper, located in central Wyoming roughly midway between the eastern and western borders of the state. Casper’s surrounding open spaces and gentle river valleys create a broad canvas for balloonists seeking panoramic views of the Laramie Mountains and the North Platte River. Launch sites near Casper highlight Wyoming’s high plains juxtaposed against rugged foothills, with the added bonus of spotting pronghorn antelope and hawks from the air. Late summer evenings often provide spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant hues, enhancing the ballooning experience.
Returning to water-based exploration, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir lies about 60 miles south of Rock Springs in southwestern Wyoming. This vast reservoir carved into the Green River Canyon is a favorite for boaters and anglers. Visitors can launch boats to explore deep blue waters framed by red sandstone cliffs rising dramatically over 1,000 feet. The Flaming Gorge Dam area offers calm coves ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, along with fishing for trout and bass. Spring and early summer bring comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers, which complement the scenic beauty of this man-made lake set within rugged canyon walls.
Each of these journeys—whether by rail, river, or balloon—illuminates a different facet of Wyoming’s sweeping natural beauty and historical depth. From the echoes of steam engines in Cheyenne to the quiet paddles slicing through the Snake River and the gentle rise of a balloon over Jackson’s mountain silhouettes, the state invites travelers to explore its vastness in ways that engage all the senses. These unique modes of travel reveal Wyoming’s character from perspectives that road trips alone cannot capture, offering memories that rise above the ordinary.