Part Wild West, part Rocky Mountain paradise, and part odd assortment of small towns, Wyoming is a vacation destination for the outdoor enthusiast. While there are a couple of small cities here, the best that Wyoming has to offer is rural, so book a stay at a dude ranch or pack up your tent for this trip. You’ll also want a car to get you between destinations, but while you’re there, turn off your smart phone, ditch your iPod, and get back to basics because Mother Nature has done some of her best work in Wyoming. From steep mountains to deep canyons and bighorn sheep to pronghorn antelope, you won’t want to miss a thing.

Home to two amazing national parks (Yellowstone and Grand Teton), nature lovers will never lack things to do in Wyoming. One of America’s great natural icons is located in the heart of Yellowstone: Old Faithful, the geyser that erupts about every hour and a half sending majestic spurts of boiling water high into the air.

But beyond Old Faithful, Yellowstone has a myriad of activities to offer like hiking, camping, and bicycling. You can check out other geysers or spend some time lounging along the Firehole River. Or grab a pole and do a little fishing. In the winter, try out cross-country skiing on the many trails that criss cross the park.

The Grand Tetons rise sharply from the horizon, a series of jagged peaks with idyllic lakes and valleys in between. Canoe or kayak the waters at the base of these mountains or don your sturdiest boots and head upward. Wherever you are in this park, you’re nearly always looking at something obscenely beautiful.

Most of Wyoming’s adventures take place in the great outdoors. The state’s rivers offer some of the best white water rafting in the country. Wyoming’s canyons fill with rapid white water for you to speed and bump along in the shadow of rock walls.

Want a view of the magnificent Wyoming landscape from above? Then strap on a parachute and go skydiving. Many tour operators here will take first time through advanced skydivers out to some of the best jump sites in the United States. (For some soft-core adventure, you could opt for parasailing instead.)

Go deep into the backcountry on horseback. Take a multi-day pack trip or a short day trip. Look out for wild mustangs and other native wildlife as you imagine yourself an explorer in a new landscape. Don’t forget to pack your cowboy hat.

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