Wyoming National Parks

California National Historic Trail - The California Trail carried over 200,000 gold-seekers and farmers to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840's and 1850's, the greatest mass migration in American history. Today, more than 1,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen in the vast undeveloped lands between Casper Wyoming and the West Coast.

Devils Tower National Monument - The nearly vertical monolith known as Devils Tower rises 1,267 feet above the meandering Belle Fourche River. It is the remnant of an ancient volcanic feature. Known by several northern plains tribes as Bears Lodge, it is a sacred site of worship for many American Indians.

Fort Laramie National Historic Site - As America expanded westward, Fort Laramie played an important role on the high plains. Founded in 1834 as Fort William, a fur-trading post, it was a center for trade in beaver pelts and buffalo robes, and a place for mountain men, frontier entrepreneurs, and Plains Indians to mingle. Rebuilt in 1841 as Fort John, the new trading post became a welcome stop for emigrants migrating westward along the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail.

Fossil Butte National Monument - This 50-million year old lake bed is one of the richest fossil localities in the world. Recorded in limestone are dynamic and complete paleoecosystems that spanned two million years. Preservation is so complete that it allows for detailed study of climate change and its effects on biological communities.

Yellowstone National Park - By Act of Congress on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park was "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people" and "for the preservation, from injury or spoilation, of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities, or wonders. . . and their retention in their natural condition." Yellowstone is the first and oldest national park in the world.

John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway - Linking West Thumb in Yellowstone with the South Entrance of Grand Teton National Park, this scenic 82-mile corridor commemorates Rockefeller's role in aiding establishment of many parks, including Grand Teton.

Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail - Led by Brigham Young, roughly 70,0000 Mormons traveled along the Mormon Pioneer Trail from 1846 to 1869 in order to escape religious persecution. The general route is from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, Utah, covering about 1,300 miles.

Oregon National Historic Trail - As the harbinger of America's westward expansion, the Oregon Trail was the pathway to the Pacific for fur traders, gold seekers, missionaries and others. Beginning in 1841 and continuing for more than 20 years, an estimated 300,000 emigrants followed this route from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon on a trip that took five months to complete.  The 2,170 mile long trail passes through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon.

Pony Express National Historic Trail - The Pony Express National Historic Trail was used by young men on fast paced horses to carry the nation's mail across the country, from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California, in the unprecedented time of only ten days. Organized by private entrepreneurs, the horse-and-rider relay system became the nation's most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph.

For more information visit the National Park Service website