April 21, 2023
Celebrating National Public Lands Day in Wyoming
Wyoming is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse public lands in the country: towering alpine peaks, high desert expanses, geothermal wonders, and vast national forests. These lands offer not only unparalleled recreation opportunities, but also critical habitats for wildlife, clean air and water, and spaces for reflection and connection. On National Public Lands Day, we celebrate these extraordinary places, and the organizations working tirelessly to protect, maintain, and connect people to them.
Explore Responsibly
“Take care of the land while you enjoy it,” advises Grace Templeton from Wyoming Pathways. Practicing Leave No Trace - packing out what you pack in, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife - helps ensure Wyoming’s public lands remain open and accessible for everyone.
Grace shares a personal memory that captures the magic of Wyoming’s wild spaces:
“One of my favorite experiences was a weekend in the Wind River Range, climbing Pingora with friends. We laughed, swapped stories, and soaked in wildflowers that seemed to stretch forever. The mix of challenge, beauty, and good company made it an experience I’ll never forget.”
Wyoming Pathways works to create safe, connected trails, pathways, and streets across the state, advocating for investments that enhance opportunities for walking, biking, skiing, and hiking. Their mission is to inspire and unite communities, businesses, and policymakers to expand access to people-powered recreation while protecting the land we love.
National Forests: Adventure and Stewardship
While national parks often get the spotlight, Friends of the Bridger-Teton encourages visitors to explore national forests as well. Dina Mishev reflects on her first backcountry adventure in the Wind River Mountains:
“It was a disaster, but it taught me how much I wanted to learn and help others safely experience Wyoming’s public lands.”
Friends of the Bridger-Teton supports the 3.4 million-acre Bridger-Teton National Forest with trail improvements, forest ambassadors, educational programs, and on-the-ground projects that make the forest safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Their work helps visitors recreate responsibly while preserving the forest for wildlife and future generations.
From alpine lakes to expansive wilderness trails, the Bridger-Teton National Forest is home to hundreds of species, thousands of miles of trails, and endless opportunities to recharge, explore, and find refuge. By protecting these lands and educating visitors, Friends of the Bridger-Teton ensures that everyone can experience the forest’s beauty safely and responsibly.
Get Out and Give Back
“As we celebrate National Public Lands Day, we are reminded that these lands are a shared treasure,” says Molly Hughes, Executive Director of the Hughes Charitable Foundation. “Supporting their preservation and access is not just about recreation; it’s about community, connection, and stewardship for generations to come.”
Whether you’re hiking a mountain trail, skiing a powder-filled slope, or taking a leisurely walk through a local pathway, National Public Lands Day is the perfect reminder to enjoy, and protect, the incredible landscapes of Wyoming. Pack out your trash, stay on trails, respect wildlife, and leave every place better than you found it. By exploring responsibly and giving back, we can ensure that these lands remain beautiful, wild, and accessible for everyone.
Public lands are more than just a backdrop for adventure: they are a shared resource, a classroom for learning, and a foundation for the health and well-being of our communities. Today, and every day, let’s commit to protecting these treasures and celebrating the organizations and people who make it possible.
