Wyoming Information
Wyoming became the 44th state in the Union in 1890, adding 97,914 square miles of wild wonder to the United States. It’s an area of great variety and unsurpassed beauty. Historically, Wyoming was a battleground where cattlemen and sheepherders engaged in open warfare. Modern Wyoming is much more peaceful, filled with wildlife and wildlands. It is the least populated state in the US, despite being the 10th largest by area—meaning there’s plenty of room to explore new horizons.
Where Is Wyoming?
Wyoming is located in the Rocky Mountain section of the western United States, bounded on the north by Montana; on the east by South Dakota and Nebraska; on the south by Colorado and Utah; and on the west by Utah, Idaho, and Montana. Cody Yellowstone is located in Northwest Wyoming.
Becoming the Equality State
Wyoming’s official nickname is “The Equality State” and its official motto is “Equal Rights” because in 1869, it became the first state in the US to grant women the right to vote and hold public office.
Wyoming Facts & Figures
- Wyoming is the 10th largest state in the US and is made up of 23 counties.
- From the north border to the south border, it is 275 miles; from east to west, 365 miles.
- The highest point of elevation is Gannett Peak at 13,785 feet in Fremont and Sublette counties
- The lowest level, 3,100 feet, is on the Belle Fourche River in Crook County.
- The state boasts diverse terrain, with high plains, desert, grasslands and mountains.
- Wyoming has the second highest mean altitude in the United States, 6,700 feet above sea level.
Wyoming’s Climate
The climate is semi-arid, but because of its topographical diversity, the weather is quite varied. Annual precipitation varies from as little as five inches per year to as much as 45 inches per year, in the form of rain and snow. Because of its elevation, Wyoming has a relatively cool climate. Above the 6,000 foot level, the temperature rarely exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For most of the summer, the average high temperatures in July range between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer nights are almost invariably cool, even though daytime readings may be quite high. Away from the mountains, low July temperatures range from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
More Wyoming Information
For more information on visiting this great state, please visit the Travel Wyoming website.