Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Wyoming
Why Wyoming Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Wyoming ranks #1 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts — a premier destination for those who build their lives around access to nature. The outdoor access score of 96/100 is among the highest in the nation, reflecting abundant parks, public land, and recreation facilities. With 48.2% of the state as public land, there's no shortage of space to explore.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Wyoming's environment score of 47/100 is middling — air quality (AQI: 35) is good, though environmental policy could be stronger. Moderate natural disaster risk means seasonal awareness is important — check local conditions before heading out.
The practical side: affordable living (index: 91) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (80/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (47/100) is adequate, though access to specialized sports medicine may be limited outside metros.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # | City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts Score | Overall | Outdoor Access | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson | A+ | 75.2 | 70.9 | 96 | 47 | 97 | 10,746 |
| 2 | Laramie | A | 74.1 | 62.7 | 96 | 47 | 86 | 31,848 |
| 3 | Sheridan | B+ | 72.6 | 59.8 | 96 | 47 | 93 | 19,035 |
| 4 | Buffalo | A | 72.4 | 61.3 | 96 | 47 | 97 | 4,516 |
| 5 | Ranchettes | A | 71.8 | 63.2 | 96 | 47 | 80 | 6,389 |
| 6 | Cody | A | 71.3 | 61.3 | 96 | 47 | 86 | 10,121 |
| 7 | Powell | A | 71.3 | 60.7 | 96 | 47 | 89 | 6,466 |
| 8 | Worland | B+ | 71.1 | 59.4 | 96 | 47 | 98 | 4,788 |
| 9 | Gillette | A | 70.6 | 63.4 | 96 | 47 | 78 | 33,278 |
| 10 | Lander | A | 70.6 | 61.4 | 96 | 47 | 80 | 7,565 |
| 11 | Douglas | A | 70.6 | 60.4 | 96 | 47 | 86 | 6,400 |
| 12 | Casper | B+ | 69.2 | 59.0 | 96 | 47 | 71 | 58,754 |
| 13 | Rawlins | B+ | 69.0 | 57.4 | 96 | 47 | 90 | 8,217 |
| 14 | Rock Springs | B | 68.8 | 55.5 | 96 | 47 | 84 | 23,229 |
| 15 | Torrington | B+ | 68.7 | 56.8 | 96 | 47 | 83 | 6,174 |
| 16 | South Greeley | C+ | 68.7 | 51.2 | 96 | 47 | 80 | 4,596 |
| 17 | Green River | B+ | 68.5 | 59.3 | 96 | 47 | 79 | 11,679 |
| 18 | Cheyenne | B+ | 68.1 | 59.4 | 96 | 47 | 59 | 65,163 |
| 19 | Evanston | B | 67.9 | 56.0 | 96 | 47 | 77 | 11,803 |
| 20 | Riverton | C+ | 63.3 | 51.9 | 96 | 47 | 42 | 10,803 |