Wyoming Tops Outdoor Adventure Rankings
Wyoming has been ranked the best U.S. state for outdoor adventures, thanks to its abundance of national parks and uncrowded natural wonders. The ranking comes as adventurers are raving about epic hikes like the challenging Haute Route in the Swiss Alps.
- The 2026 American Adventure Index named Wyoming the best state for adventure, giving it an "Adventure Score" of 9.45 out of 10. - Wyoming leads the nation in hiking trails per capita, with 187.9 trails for every 100,000 people, which is more than three times the national average. - The outdoor recreation industry is a significant economic driver for the state, contributing $2.2 billion to Wyoming's economy in 2023. - This sector accounts for 4.1% of the state's GDP, which is the 4th highest percentage in the United States and nearly double the national average. - Outdoor recreation supports 15,798 jobs in Wyoming, making up 5.3% of the state's total employment. - In 2023, several outdoor activities in Wyoming saw significant growth, including snowmobiling (21.9% increase), canoeing and kayaking (17.9% increase), and fishing (17.6% increase). - Beyond its two famous national parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton, Wyoming offers a vast array of outdoor experiences, including world-class rock climbing in areas like Lander, which generates $4.5 million in visitor spending annually. - Hunting and shooting are the largest conventional outdoor activities in Wyoming, while RVing, boating, fishing, and snow activities are also top contributors to the outdoor recreation economy.
