Where is Wyoming Located in the United States?
Wyoming is located in the western United States, characterized by vast plains, towering mountain ranges, and wide-open landscapes. It shares borders with six other states: Montana to the north, South Dakota and Nebraska to the east, Colorado to the south, Utah to the southwest, and Idaho to the west. Wyoming is known for its natural beauty, including national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Wyoming, with the postal abbreviation WY, has a population of approximately 580,000 people, covering an area of 97,914 square miles. The state’s capital and largest city is Cheyenne, and it became the 44th state on July 10, 1890. Wyoming is primarily in the Mountain Time Zone but includes parts of the Central Time Zone in its eastern region.
Bordering States
Montana
To the north, Wyoming shares a long border with Montana, with the two states connected through their shared geographical features, including parts of the Rocky Mountains. Montana’s influence on Wyoming is largely seen in the regions close to Yellowstone National Park, where the two states intersect. Montana’s large expanses of open land complement Wyoming’s own rural areas, and the shared border is largely sparsely populated.
South Dakota
To the northeast of Wyoming lies South Dakota, with the two states connected via the Black Hills and the Powder River Basin. This region is known for its rolling plains, and the border is significant in terms of both states’ natural resources, particularly coal and minerals. The Black Hills, extending into South Dakota, are an important landmark shared by both states.
Nebraska
East of Wyoming, Nebraska shares a relatively short border. The two states are connected by the High Plains, and both share a common agricultural heritage, with Nebraska’s influence extending into Wyoming’s eastern farmlands. The shared border is part of the Great Plains, where livestock and farming dominate the landscape.
Colorado
South of Wyoming is Colorado, a state with a similar mountain range landscape and outdoor culture. The Rocky Mountains extend into northern Colorado, making it a popular outdoor recreation area for residents of both states. Wyoming’s proximity to Colorado, particularly Denver, also means that the two states share economic and cultural exchanges.
Utah
To the southwest, Utah shares a shorter border with Wyoming, with the two states linked through the Uinta Mountains. Utah’s desert landscape and national parks provide a different kind of natural beauty compared to Wyoming’s, but the two states have some shared interests in outdoor tourism and resource extraction.
Idaho
On Wyoming’s western edge lies Idaho, with the two states connected by the Snake River Plain and parts of the Rocky Mountains. Idaho’s agricultural valleys and Wyoming’s mountain ranges create a contrasting landscape along the border. Both states share access to Yellowstone National Park, with Idaho’s gateway into the park adding to the regional importance.
GPS Coordinates
Wyoming is located in the Mountain West region of the United States, and its central GPS coordinates are approximately 43.0759° N latitude and 107.2903° W longitude. The geographic center of the state lies near the town of Fort Washakie, which is located on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Wyoming’s position makes it one of the most geographically remote states, with large areas of wilderness and open land dominating its terrain.
Wyoming’s northernmost point is situated near 45.0059° N, where it meets the Montana border, just north of Yellowstone National Park. Its southernmost point lies close to 41.0006° N, at the Colorado border near the town of Pine Bluffs. These coordinates reflect Wyoming’s substantial north-to-south span, which includes varying landscapes from mountains in the north to plains in the south.
The state’s westernmost point is positioned near 111.0449° W, along the Idaho border near the Teton Wilderness, while its easternmost point lies at 104.0577° W, close to the Nebraska border near the town of Torrington. This east-to-west span covers the state’s transition from the rugged mountain ranges to the rolling plains of the east.
GPS coordinates are crucial in navigating Wyoming’s large, often uninhabited areas, with topographical maps and navigation devices regularly used by travelers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the remote and varied landscapes that make Wyoming unique.
Levels of Elevation
Wyoming is defined by its diverse levels of elevation, which range from high mountain peaks to expansive plains. The state’s lowest point is located at 3,099 feet above sea level where the Belle Fourche River crosses into South Dakota, while the highest point is 13,810 feet at the summit of Gannett Peak, which is located in the Wind River Range and is the highest mountain in Wyoming.
The state’s average elevation is about 6,700 feet, which is one of the highest in the U.S. This is primarily due to Wyoming’s extensive mountain ranges, including the Rockies, the Wind River Range, and the Bighorn Mountains. The mountains dominate the western and central regions of the state, while the eastern region consists of the High Plains, which still sit at a high elevation compared to the rest of the U.S.
Wyoming’s elevation impacts its climate, with colder temperatures and more snowfall at higher altitudes. This elevation also affects vegetation, with alpine environments at the higher elevations and grasslands and sagebrush dominating the lower elevations.
Most Extreme Points of the State
Wyoming’s geographic extremes help define its shape and provide a sense of its vastness. The easternmost point of the state is located near Torrington, a small town close to the Nebraska border. This region is part of the High Plains, characterized by rolling farmland and wide-open spaces.
The westernmost point of Wyoming is situated in Teton County, near the boundary with Idaho. This point lies within the majestic Teton Wilderness, a region famous for its rugged mountain ranges, scenic valleys, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
The northernmost point of Wyoming is located just north of Yellowstone National Park, where the state meets Montana at the 45th parallel. This area is part of one of the most iconic landscapes in America, with its geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and towering mountain ranges.
The southernmost point of the state is located near Pine Bluffs, a small town on the Colorado border. This area is part of the Great Plains, contrasting sharply with the mountainous terrain found in other parts of the state. Pine Bluffs is known for its agricultural significance and as a gateway between Wyoming and Colorado.
Major Mountains
Wyoming is renowned for its rugged mountain ranges, many of which are part of the greater Rocky Mountains. One of the most iconic ranges is the Teton Range, located in the northwest part of the state. This range includes Grand Teton, which stands at 13,775 feet and is a centerpiece of Grand Teton National Park. The dramatic rise of the Tetons from the valley floor creates one of the most recognizable mountain profiles in the world.
The Wind River Range in central Wyoming is home to Gannett Peak, the highest point in the state at 13,810 feet. This range is known for its rugged, remote wilderness, offering some of the most challenging mountaineering and hiking experiences in the country. The range includes many glaciers and alpine lakes, contributing to its pristine beauty.
The Bighorn Mountains, located in the northern part of the state, are another prominent range. While not as high as the Tetons or Wind Rivers, they reach elevations over 13,000 feet and are notable for their geological history. The range is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking.
In southwestern Wyoming, the Uinta Mountains extend into the state from Utah. These mountains are unique in that they run east to west rather than north to south, as most mountain ranges in North America do. The Uintas are home to a variety of wildlife and are less visited than other Wyoming ranges, making them a hidden gem for those seeking solitude.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Wyoming’s waterways are integral to its geography, economy, and recreational opportunities. The Snake River is one of the most significant rivers in the state, originating in Yellowstone National Park and flowing through the Jackson Hole valley before heading west into Idaho. The Snake River is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for white-water rafting and fishing.
The Green River is another major river, originating in the Wind River Range and flowing south through the state before merging with the Colorado River. The Green River is important for irrigation and water supply in the arid regions of southern Wyoming and provides critical habitat for wildlife.
Wyoming is also home to several notable lakes, both natural and man-made. Yellowstone Lake, located within Yellowstone National Park, is the largest high-altitude lake in North America and a central feature of the park’s ecosystem. The lake is known for its clear, cold waters and the geothermal features along its shores.
Fremont Lake, located near Pinedale in western Wyoming, is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the state. It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping, with the Wind River Range providing a stunning backdrop.
Other significant bodies of water include Boysen Reservoir and Buffalo Bill Reservoir, both of which provide water storage for irrigation and hydroelectric power, while also serving as recreational areas for fishing and boating.
