An enormous monolith, visible for miles around the relatively flat and featureless landscape of northeastern Wyoming, Devils Tower exerts such a hypnotic pull that tribes of the northern plains consider it sacred and Steven Spielberg had aliens land on top of it in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Devils Tower Wyoming

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These ski areas have numerous resorts in close proximity, increasing skiers’ choices.

1. Salt Lake City, Utah. Boasting “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” this city has nine top ski resorts less than an hour apart, including Alta, Snowbird and Deer Valley, which has been ranked the No. 1 ski resort in North America.

2. White Mountains, New Hampshire. Stay in North Conway, the epicenter of New Hampshire skiing, with eight resorts within driving distance. Intermediates like the groomed trails at Bretton Woods. Wildcat and Cannon Mountain are known for their narrow chutes.

Park City Ski Resort Utah

High in the Rockies, on the doorstep of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, the jagged peaks of Wyoming’s Teton Range rise abruptly over pristine forests, fast-running rivers and the broad, flat valley known as Jackson Hole. Wrapped in such splendour, this celebrated year-round outdoor resort offers invigorating mountain air, skies dense with stars, and an astonishing profusion of wildlife.

Winter’s deep snows offer powder skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and dog sledding for all skill levels. Spring and summer activities range from fly-fishing and river rafting to rock climbing, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain biking, golfing and tennis.

Jackson Hole Wyoming

Nestled on the high plains in Southeastern Wyoming between the Laramie Mountains and the Rockies, Laramie is a friendly and welcoming community of 35,000 residents. Visitors enjoy a special blend of Laramie’s western hospitality and comfortable sophistication.

Laramie is the home of the University of Wyoming, which provides a wide variety of cultural attractions in our city. Scenic vistas surround the area, from intriguing rock formations at Vedauwoo Recreation Area east of town, to the grand Snowy Range Mountains that sprawl majestically to the West. Come here for relaxation and room to breathe!

Downtown Laramie

Total relaxation is more satisfying when you achieve it in the lap of luxury. Here are our selections for the best resorts and spas in the U.S.

1. Celebrity sightings are commonplace at Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, Calif. Spacious rooms overlook the Pacific Ocean. After a soak in the infinity pool, walk along the private hiking trail.

2. Enchantment Resort is an oasis in the red-rock desert near Sedona, Ariz. The Mii Amo Spa features all-day packages.

Bacara Resort & Spa

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Planning a backpack hike in the mountains doesn’t have to be difficult and you don’t have to have a lot of experience to do it. Following some basic guidelines and planning can make you trip to nature much more rewarding and fun.

Yellowstone park hiking

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