If you’ve experienced these 10 things, you’ve definitely lived in West Wyoming for far too long. Here’s a list that captures the unique quirks, challenges, and charms of life in this rugged region:
10 Signs You’ve Lived in West Wyoming Too Long
1. You Judge Snowfall by the Foot, Not the Inch
- Winters are long, cold, and snowy, with heavy snowfall being the norm. You don’t bother shoveling unless it’s more than a foot deep, and a “mild” winter day is anything above freezing.
2. Cowboy Culture Feels Like Second Nature
- Cowboy boots, hats, and pickup trucks are your daily attire and transportation. You know your way around a rodeo and have strong opinions about the best local steakhouse.
3. You’ve Counted More Cows Than People
- With more cows than people in the state, you’re used to sharing the road (and your view) with herds of cattle. Sometimes, you feel outnumbered by livestock.
4. Your Nearest Neighbor Is Miles Away
- You’re accustomed to wide open spaces and long stretches of empty highway. The idea of “popping over to a neighbor’s house” means a 30-minute drive.
5. You’ve Mastered the Art of Winter Survival
- You keep a winter survival kit in your car year-round and never travel without extra blankets, food, and emergency supplies1.
6. Stargazing Is a Nightly Ritual
- With minimal light pollution, you’ve seen the Milky Way more times than you can count and can identify constellations most people have never heard of.
7. You’ve Soaked in Thermopolis Hot Springs in the Dead of Winter
- Nothing beats thawing out in the world’s largest mineral hot springs in Thermopolis, even when there’s snow on the ground2.
8. You’ve Witnessed the Great Elk Migration
- You know the best spots near Jackson to watch thousands of elk migrate each winter—a spectacle that rivals any traffic jam, but with hooves instead of horns.
9. You’ve Eaten (and Probably Cooked) Bison, Elk, and Other Wild Game
- Standard fare includes bison burgers, elk steaks, and maybe even a rack of lamb. You know the difference between wild and ranch-raised meat by taste alone.
10. You’ve Developed a Deep Appreciation for Solitude and Small-Town Life
- The small-town feel is real: you know your neighbors, wave at every passing car, and rely on community events for entertainment. Big city crowds now feel overwhelming.
If these sound familiar, you’ve not only survived but thrived in West Wyoming’s wild, beautiful, and sometimes challenging environment. It might be time to visit somewhere with more people than cows—or just embrace your status as a true Wyomingite.
Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHspBzZ64tQ
- https://www.visitcasper.com/blog/post/48-hours-in-casper/
- https://www.vistage.com/vistage-chair/chair-academy/
- https://go.collegewise.com/college-application-deferrals
- https://www.lung.org/blog/whooping-cough