America's Most Outdoorsy State Of 2026 For Scenic Recreation Isn't California Or Utah

You can't beat the United States when it comes to the sheer scale and variety of scenery within its borders. Each of the 50 states is like a small country, with its own vastly different landscapes. But while California wins for its superior number of national parks and enviable coastline, and Utah stuns with its extraterrestrial-like desert terrain, there's no state quite like Wyoming when it comes to outdoor adventures. Being outdoorsy doesn't necessarily mean scaling mountains that reach up into the clouds or hurtling back down them at breakneck speed. It could simply be throwing a line out on a quiet lake, watching a herd of bison cross the open plains, or taking in the incredible views on this stunning road trip through Big Sky Country. Whatever your favorite outdoor activity, you're pretty much guaranteed to find somewhere to do it in Wyoming.

According to RV rental company RVezy's 2026 study, Wyoming ranked first for hiking trails, horseback-riding trails, and access to national parks, out of 12 outdoor recreation metrics, beating Vermont and Montana into second and third place, respectively (via Travel + Leisure). Wander, a luxury vacation rental company, also put Wyoming first in its American Adventure Index, focusing on the freedom to explore without the crowds. Taking into account the number of trails, national parks, campsites, and other metrics per 100,000 residents, the Cowboy State even beat Alaska. It does, of course, have the advantage of being home to two of the country's most popular national parks, 12 state parks, two national monuments, and eight national forests. It's also the second least densely populated U.S. state after Alaska, giving you all the more room to discover new and exciting places without the crowds.

Wyoming's main attraction is undoubtedly Yellowstone. The world's first national park saw over 4.76 million visitors in 2025, who came to explore the wildlife-filled Lamar Valley and look for bison, grizzlies, black bears, and wolves; marvel at the colorful hot springs and geysers around Old Faithful; and simply enjoy the beauty of staying in the national park with the most campsites. Just because Wyoming is landlocked, it doesn't mean there's no fun to be had on the water. There are around 4,000 lakes and reservoirs across the state, some of which are in Grand Teton National Park. Attracting more than 3.8 million visitors in 2025, the park draws climbers to the high granite peaks of the Teton Range, while paddlers and anglers enjoy Jenny Lake and Snake River.

Getting outdoors is just as important in winter as in summer, and for an abundance of snow-filled activities, Jackson Hole is the place to be. The 50-mile-long valley on the eastern side of Grand Teton is surrounded by mountains and forests. Jackson is a thriving town within the valley, full of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a major ski resort just out of town, with around 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain and more than 4,000 feet of vertical drop. No visit to the Cowboy State is complete without some horseback riding, and where better than Cody, the Rodeo Capital of the World? Book a stay at one of the many ranches, head out on the trails on a cattle drive, or watch the fun and games of a local rodeo in the town founded by William "Buffalo Bill" Cody.

As more people head outdoors to leave the stresses of everyday life behind, disappearing into the Wyoming wilderness holds a certain appeal. While Yellowstone et al are always going to be worth a visit, here are some of the state's lesser-known locations that provide the perfect opportunity to escape the crowds found in the more popular attractions. The Wind River Range is perfect for a multi-day backpacking and backcountry camping trip, with the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail passing through. Hike over the high mountain passes to the Cirque of the Towers, a natural amphitheatre of granite peaks rising around sparkling alpine lakes. Over on the Wyoming-Montana border lies Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The reservoir within the steep canyon walls provides a peaceful spot for fishing and canoeing, with plenty of camping and hiking options on the surrounding high-desert landscape. As a bonus, head over to watch wild horses roam freely in the nearby Pryor Mountains.

Swap the snow for sand at Killpecker Sand Dunes, part of one of the largest active sand dunes in the world. A large section is reserved for off-road vehicles, and when you can't hear the sound of motorbikes racing around, the sand itself makes its own humming noise as it moves around. With Wyoming having more than three times the number of hiking trails per capita than the national average, try Curt Gowdy State Park for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The trails run through a diverse landscape of wildflower meadows, pine and aspen woodlands and large rocky outcrops, passing lakes and hidden waterfalls. It's particularly appealing to mountain bikers having more than 35 miles of technical trails.