ROAD TRIP – To Wyoming’s Ugliest Places

When planning a vacation, you'll want to pick the most amazing places that any state has to offer. In Wyoming, the choices are obvious. Devils Tower, The Tetons, Yellowstone, Natural Bridge, Wind River Canyon, and the Thermopolis Hot Springs. Don't forget the Bighorns and Bob's house, just to name a few. Make sure to tell Bob you are coming.

But what if we planned a vacation to the worst places in Wyoming? That should be interesting.

Please don't blame me for this list. I decided to be lazy and ask AI for the answer to the question, 'What are the ULGIEST places in Wyoming?' Here is what AI said.

Rawlins: Often described by residents as 'run-down' or the 'butthole of Wyoming' due to its remote location, windy environment, and high number of industrial-adjacent trailer homes.

Riverton: Cited in some rankings as a 'worst' city due to high rates of violent crime, limited activities, and issues with substance abuse, despite being close to natural attractions.

Afton: Listed by some, such as the travel site Alot, as the 'ugliest' town, largely due to its small size and the unique, sometimes jarring, elk antler archway, though many locals disagree.

Lost Springs: Known as one of the least populated municipalities in the state, making it a very quiet, almost ghost-town-like, rather than 'ugly' place. (I disagree with this. Lost Springs is small, but attractive.)

Industrial Areas: Specific parts of towns heavily affected by energy boom-and-bust cycles, such as older, abandoned areas in Rawlins, are often described as run-down.

Let's also avoid Mills, Midwest, and Edgerton. Stay far away from Medicine Bow and the Wind River Reservation.

But, honestly, visiting the worst places a state has to offer might just be a lot of fun. Don't cross that idea off your list.