Wyoming tourism generates $2 billion a year

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Tourism, Wyoming's second-largest industry, generated more than $2 billion for the state's economy last year, according to a recent Wyoming Business Council report.

About three-fourths of that tourism was generated by visitors from out of state.

Wyoming's top attractions include Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, along with the Jackson area's ski resorts — Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee and Snow King — and the nearby National Elk Refuge.

Also worth visiting is Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area, which has a loop drive for viewing the rocky terrain, big horn sheep and herds of mustangs descended from the horses of Spanish conquistadors.

Dude ranches are also popular, with activities like cattle drives giving way in winter to ice-fishing, snowmobiles and snowshoeing.

Yellowstone closes when its summer season ends this month, but it reopens December to March for the winter season. Transportation during those months inside the park is provided by snow coaches, which are enclosed, heated vehicles with caterpillar treads instead of tires. You can also see the park in winter on a guided snowmobile tour.

You can plan a winter visit with the help of outfitters and guides in Cody, near the east entrance to Yellowstone, or Jackson, on the south side, or make arrangements through the park's concessionaire, Xanterra, which runs Yellowstone's lodges and some of its winter programs.

The Mammoth Hotel in Mammoth and the Snow Lodge at Old Faithful are open in winter. Rent snowshoes or cross-country skis; visit a geyser that emits boiling-hot water on a trail packed with snow; and look for wildlife like bison, wolves and elk.

For more information about visiting Wyoming, go to www.wyomingtourism.org or call 800-225-5996.