Wyoming is a State that lies within the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is the least populous and least densely-inhabited State in the United States, despite being the 10th largest State by land area. The mountain ranges and rangelands of the Rocky Mountains dominate the western region of Wyoming, while The High Plains dominate the eastern region. It is drier and windier than the rest of the country, with higher temperatures and a semi-arid, continental climate. Approximately half of Wyoming’s land is federally owned and generally protected for public usage.

The State ranks sixth in land area and fifth in the proportion of land owned by the federal government. National parks (Grand Teton and Yellowstone), two national recreation areas, two national monuments, several national forests, historic sites, salmon hatcheries, and wildlife refuges are on federal properties.