Fossil Butte National Monument is known as a “Konservat-Lagerstätten” among paleontologists because the evidence it presents of prehistoric life, all at one site, is awe-inspiring. The monument provides a unique snapshot of life that was present 50 million years ago on Earth – from one of the earliest horses, Protorohippus venticolus, to tiny insects and small flowers.
It rises like a colossal claw from the ground. On a clear day, you can see it from I-90, way off in the distance (if you know where to look). This 867-foot mass of rare columned igneous rock in Crook County, Wyo., is Devil’s Tower, a beacon for climbers, hikers and adventure-seekers, as well as Northern Plains Indians, who hold the area sacred.
Whether you’re strolling the streets of Cody or perusing the five museums in town, the Wild West is proudly on full display.
From cities and towns to national parks and lesser-known landscapes, this inaugural special section has your 2022 travel through the West covered! We’ve curated a list of 52 places to visit this year – four in each of the 13 states we cover. If you travel at a breakneck pace, that’s one a week. Let this guide serve as inspiration and enjoy the West!
Wildlife officials are urging residents to be bear aware after a recent increase in bear sightings near Jackson.
