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Like many travelers, I had my first encounter with Wyoming in Jackson Hole.

The magnetism is subtle yet strong, continuously encouraging me to book return flight after return flight.

Ive found that this appreciation for Wyomings lesser-known spots is shared by those working and residing in the state.

Jagged snow-covered mountains stand behind a rock-strewn lake in Wyoming’s Wind River Range

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Before you begin to seek out those experiences, though, there are a few things to know.

For starters, you dont want to rush your trip.

Its a big state, and everything is spread out.

Diners sitting in a booth at a Western, diner-style restaurant in Sheridan Wyoming

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Its also paramount to understand the geography, pack accordingly, and plan your route as much as possible.

It has a charming historic downtown, a great summer rodeo, and easy access to Bighorn National Forest.

PersephoneandTeton Thaiare on everyones list for a reason, she says.

Interiors and exteriors at Reid Creek Lodge

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According to DeFazio, its also the reason to come to Wyoming and a must-see for all travelers.

It is the firstnational parkand offers views and features that can’t be found anywhere else in the country.

A few big ones?

Green grass ripples across a hillside under a blue sky, near Jackson Hole

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Cheyennes cowboy side really comes alive in July, though, when theCheyenne Frontier Daysfestival comes to town.

Cheyenne Frontier Days is the Daddy of ‘em All when it comes to rodeos," says DeFazio.

If you’ve never seen a rodeo before, this is the one."

Two side-by-side photos of Yellowstone landscapes show a copper-colored geyser letting off steam, and a river flowing through a green mountain valley.

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Fremont Lake, the second-largest natural lake in the state, sits just outside Pinedale.

Jackson Lake… is one of my favorite places in the world.

Come summer, the resorts bike park, Via Ferrata experience, and hiking trails are open to adventurers.

Entrance to Cheyenne Botanic Gardens in Cheyenne, Wyoming

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“Riding the tram is an experience in and of itself.”

Its a wonderful state park near Lander thats beautiful but not crowded, with great hiking, she says.

Travelers who arent as keen on strapping on skis can explore the resort via snowshoes or fat tire bikes.

Yellow grasses and a grove of pine trees stand in front of a row of jagged Grand Teton Mountains.

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In the summer, the resort offers scenic chair lift rides, disc golf, and more family-friendly activities.

And from May 1 to late October each year,Diamond Cross Ranchdelivers.

Instead, you could grab your skis and make your way toSnow King Mountain Resort.

A garden of purple flowers sits in front of a red-sided building labeled “Cody Heritage Museum”

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It’s right in town and offers a bracing 1,600-plus vertical ascent quickly, says Gallagher.

And when the snow has cleared?

If you’re a hiker or rock climber, you’re in heaven in these hills.

Skiers at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

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But bring your bug spray because mosquitos thrive there.

Its also considered a sacred site by many Indigenous people.

Fields leading to the foothills of the Bighorn Mountain Range near Buffalo, Wyoming

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A creek rushes through a cavelike rock formation in Sinks Canyon

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A rocky, copper-colored mountain against a blue sky is emblazoned with the words “world’s largest mineral hot spring."

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A log cabin with a wraparound porch sits in the foreground and mountains and green rolling hills are seen in the background in this photo of Brush Creek Ranch.

Courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch

A skier watches two other skiers make tracks down a ski run at Grand Targhee Resort.

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A rustic iron fence reading “welcome” sits in front of a log cabin at Diamond Cross Ranch.

Courtesy of Diamond Cross Ranch

A pair of photos show artworks from the National Museum of Wildlife Art: a statue of an elk situated outdoors against a mountain backdrop, and, indoors, a painting of several birds.

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Granite Springs Reservoir, which is a calm blue lake surrounded by shrubland, in Curt Gowdy State Park

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A pair of photos show snowy scenes at Snow King Mountain Resort: the view into town from the top of a ski pass, and the view of a trail from behind the wheel of a snowmobile.

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Devils Tower, Wyoming with longhorn cattle in foreground.

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