The Most Instagrammable Spots in Wyoming
Just a short drive north of Jackson, nestled in the rugged landscape of Grand Teton National Park, is the iconic Mormon Row Historic District. This stretch of century-old barns and homesteads stands against the dramatic backdrop of the Teton Range, creating one of Wyoming’s most photogenic rural scenes. Visitors often arrive here at sunrise to capture the warm glow lighting up the jagged mountain peaks behind weathered wooden barns, with the historic structures’ rustic textures contrasting beautifully against the often snow-capped summits. The district is easy to explore by car or on foot, and wandering the short trails around the homesteads offers plenty of angles for photography. Autumn brings golden grasses that heighten the scene’s warmth, while winter’s snow blankets the barns for a perfectly stark, minimalist frame.
Southwest of Casper, just over an hour’s drive, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area boasts stunning red rock cliffs plunging dramatically into the turquoise waters of the Green River Reservoir. The Red Canyon Overlook Trail here is a moderate half-mile hike that delivers panoramic views from the canyon rim, where the vibrant reds and oranges of the sandstone strike a vivid contrast against the emerald lake below. This spot is unique for its colorful geology and the sense of vast, open space that stretches for miles. Early morning or late afternoon light deepens the canyon’s hues, making for rich, saturated photos. Summer evenings are especially magical as the sun sets behind the cliffs, turning the sky a fiery palette reflected in the water.
In southwestern Wyoming, about 40 miles from Rock Springs, the Fossil Butte National Monument offers a glimpse into the ancient past through some of the best-preserved fossil beds in North America. Aside from the fascinating Quarry Visitor Center exhibits, the Fossil Butte Trail is an easy 2.8-mile loop that winds through scenic sagebrush and foothills, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and expansive views of the Butte itself. This area is remarkable for its prehistoric significance and the chance to see the landscape where creatures from the Eocene Epoch once thrived. The warm light of late spring and early summer brings wildflowers that brighten the otherwise arid terrain, adding delicate splashes of color to your shots.
On the eastern edge of Wyoming, near Cheyenne and about 45 minutes away, the Vedauwoo Recreation Area is a haven for rock climbers and nature photographers alike. The area’s massive granite rock formations, shaped by millennia of wind and ice, create dramatic shapes and shadows that are especially striking in the soft light of dawn or dusk. The Vedauwoo Overlook Trail is an easy 1.3-mile hike that rewards visitors with sweeping views of the formations and distant mountains. The unique combination of sharp granite spires rising from pine-dotted valleys gives this place a rugged, otherworldly vibe distinct from Wyoming’s typical open plains. Fall brings vivid aspen groves that contrast beautifully with the gray rock, perfect for seasonal shots.
The historic town of Buffalo, located roughly halfway between Sheridan and Casper, is a charming gateway to the Bighorn Mountains. Its well-preserved downtown district, with Western-style storefronts and the venerable Occidental Hotel, offers a photogenic small-town vibe with a rich cowboy heritage. Buffalo’s Main Street is lined with murals depicting frontier life, ideal for capturing the spirit of the Old West. A short drive up to the nearby Bighorn National Forest opens up endless photo ops of rolling meadows, alpine lakes, and towering peaks. Summer is the best time to experience Buffalo and the surrounding mountain scenery when wildflowers blanket the hillsides and the air is clear for long-distance views.
Farther north, about 55 miles from Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the American West’s art, history, and culture. This complex of five museums houses everything from Native American artifacts to classic Western art; the Draper Natural History Museum wing offers dioramas and exhibits that immerse visitors in the wildlife and geology of the Yellowstone region. The museum’s outdoor sculpture garden is particularly photogenic, featuring bronze statues of iconic frontier figures set against the backdrop of the Absaroka Mountains. Winter’s clear skies and light snowfall create an especially crisp contrast for photos that spotlight the intricate details of the sculptures.
Finally, a drive along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, starting about two hours west of Cheyenne near Laramie, reveals one of Wyoming’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. This 29-mile route climbs from the prairie up into the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow National Forest, offering numerous overlooks and trailheads. One standout is the hike to Libby Lake, a moderate 2.5-mile trek through alpine meadows and aspen groves that opens onto a pristine mountain lake ringed by peaks. The byway’s mix of dense forest, wildflower-filled basins, and rugged summits sets it apart from Wyoming’s wider-open landscapes. The best time to visit is late summer when wildflowers bloom and the weather is mild, but autumn’s fiery aspens turn the route into a kaleidoscope of gold and orange, perfect for fall photography.