Car rental Wyoming

Driving through the state of Wyoming is simply stunning. Cruise along the forest-lined highways, where snow-capped mountains loom over the dashboard, and bald eagles swoop in the blue skies above.

First, some general driving rules. In Wyoming, everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt. In addition, it’s legal to turn right at a junction – even if the lights are red – providing you yield to oncoming traffic.

The speed limit on highways varies between 70mph (112km/h) and 80mph (128km/h), so be aware of the signs. The speed limit drops to 30mph (48km/h) in urban areas, and 20mph (32km/h) when you’re near a school.

If it’s wet, snowy or icy, reduce your speed accordingly. You should also be mindful of the local wildlife – from moose to bears and wolves. If you see a deer-crossing sign, slow your speed and be particularly watchful in forested areas.

The major attractions of the state are well-connected by a series of modern highways. Interstate 80 (I-80) runs across the breadth of the US, from San Francisco to New Jersey, slicing through south Wyoming. In the opposite direction, I-25 runs north to south through the state, connecting the two biggest cities, Casper and Cheyenne.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming’s most famous feature, is in the north west corner. The park is serviced by numerous highways in all directions, including US Route 14 westbound and Route 189 northbound. While 96% of the park lies in Wyoming, small areas can be accessed from the neighbouring states of Montana (3%) and Idaho (1%).

Drive eastbound on Route 16 to pass over the state border into South Dakota, home to the iconic Mount Rushmore rock carvings. The drive takes approximately two hours and 20 minutes eastbound from the city of Gillette, or three hours and 45 minutes from Casper.  

Fondly known as the Cowboy State, journey into the heartland of bucking broncos, Butch Cassidy and Wild Western adventures. In the least populous US state, staggering natural landscapes are punctuated by small-town communities where the locals are friendly and traditions rule strong. Organise car rental in Wyoming and open your eyes to the beauty of these vast, untouched lands.  

Discover Yellowstone

The pride and joy of all Wyoming residents, Yellowstone National Park effortlessly tops the list of state attractions. This colossal nature reserve is famous the world over, encompassing dense forests, mountain peaks and bubbling volcanos.

Old Faithful is perhaps the most iconic of all Yellowstone’s natural wonders. This powerful geyser erupts on average 20 times a day, sending steaming-hot water more than 100 feet into the air.

And that’s just the start. Discover the psychedelic colours of the Grand Prismatic Spring, stand in the presence of the Yellowstone Caldera super-volcano and admire the tumbling Lower Falls waterfall.

You can explore the sprawling 3,500 square-mile reserve by foot, bike and horseback, or sail out on the serene waters of Yellowstone lake in a canoe. As night falls, sleep under the stars at one of the 12 campgrounds, ready for another day of fresh air adventures.

Winter wonderland

With snowy climes and mountain peaks, Wyoming is made for skiing. The powder starts to fall in late November, which is when avid skiers start heading to Grand Teton National Park – the smaller sibling of Yellowstone – to get their thrills.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort consistently tops the charts as the favourite in Grand Teton, with epic runs including Buffalo Bowl, Sleeping Indian and Pair-A-Chutes, and a lively après-ski scene to enjoy once you’re done for the day.

Rock on

Outside of the parks, Wyoming has plenty more phenomena up its sleeve. Devils Tower is an ancient geological rock formation which carries great significance in Native American culture. A pinnacle of natural power, the imposing rockface seems to surge upwards out of the ground. From the nearby city of Gilette, it takes approximately one hour to drive to this National Monument.

Pull on your hiking boots and climb the Cirque of the Towers, carved out by glaciers millions of years ago. Rocky peaks create a steep – and almost complete – ring around the sapphire-blue waters of Cirque Lake, offering magical vistas from every angle.

Relive the rodeo

The historic home of the Old West, this is the place to experience rodeo done right. During the summer, cowboys and cowgirls flock to take part in annual competitions. Cheyenne Frontier Day is the major event on the calendar, delighting locals with a bucking bronco fiesta every summer on the outskirts of the capital.

In the opposite direction, the northern city of Sheridan hosts the annual WYO Rodeo, combining cowboys with carnivals to deliver an all-round day out. This is the epitome of rodeo-ville, where rustic ranches lie in the folds of the alpine landscape.

Delivering natural beauty on a truly staggering scale, let the wonder of this state win you over. From national parks to warm communities, soak up every inch of this stripped-back state with car rental in Wyoming.