Wyoming is as much a state of mind as it is a destination, especially since it’s so far away from the crowds of Colorado’s Front Range. Up here, adventure is a lot more wild. There’s more to explore, more places to lose yourself, more authenticity. One thing you can count on: You’ll find plenty of destinations and outfitters for hiking, backpacking, biking, climbing, paddling and other types of thrill seeking (and relaxation) here. To that end, pay close attention to this special travel guide for the state. You may just find a new favorite spot that’s far from the masses.
The Bighorn Mountains
Follow the sweet 16 to Yellowstone!
Headed to Yellowstone or the Black Hills? Stop en route and enjoy the majestic beauty of the Bighorn Mountains along U.S. Highway 16. Called the best and easiest route to Yellowstone, “The Sweet 16” offers excellent camping, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and wildlife watching. Travelers will enjoy the breathtaking mountain vistas along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway, and views of sheer limestone cliffs in Ten Sleep Canyon. Include a stop at the true Western town of Ten Sleep, and you’ll find that road tripping has never been better.
bighornmountaincountry.com
Buffalo
Head into the Wilderness
Few places get you closer to your next outdoor adventure than Buffalo, Wyoming, where hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, boating and more are all a short distance from your doorstep.
“My favorite part about this area is that you can do something cool within 10 minutes in each direction,” says longtime Buffalo resident and outdoor enthusiast Tim Cahhal. “There are lakes 10 minutes away, as well as Clear Creek. Awesome bike trails connect from town all the way into the mountains. I’ve ridden 35 miles from my door out into the mountains with just a mile or so of pavement the whole time.”
Crazy Woman Canyon is the area’s gem, featuring a dynamic creek, towering canyon walls, hiking, camping, and majestic views. The canyon is steeped in history, both as a passage for Native Americans and as a hideout for the outlaws of the Wild West. But don’t stop there: The hiking opportunities are endless in the 20-mile radius surrounding Buffalo. You’ll find family friendly hikes in the Clear Creek Trail system, while the trails around Brown Bear, Rainy and Soldier lakes offer up more mileage for big days. If you want a longer trek, Cloud Peak is the tallest of the Bighorn mountains at 13,167 feet, a must-do for any serious peak-bagger. Bomber Mountain is also a great multi-day trek, leading to the wreckage of an old WWII-era plane crash.
The area’s many trails also lead to popular fishing waters and a number of mountain biking systems. And those looking for some horsepower can explore trails via ATV (check out Ultimate Outdoors in Buffalo for tours and rentals).
No matter what your Buffalo adventure brings, we wish you happy trails!
Flaming Gorge Country
Splash Into Adventure
When John Wesley Powell first came through the Flaming Gorge on the Green River, he named the area for its beautiful red stone cliffs. Today, visitors can marvel at the same canyons in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, a deep and diverse playground stretching across 91 water-miles with an impressive 360 miles of shoreline between Wyoming and Utah. A day drive on the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway showcases the dramatic terrain and natural diversity of the area, varying from high desert to heavy forests.
Water recreation is the main attraction at Flaming Gorge. Many choose to boat, spending the day water skiing, wake boarding, swimming, floating and fishing. Even during popular times, boaters often can have one of the reservoir’s many coves and inlets all to themselves.
“We are relatively undiscovered, so crowds aren’t a problem,” says Jerry Taylor, owner of the nearby Lucerne Valley Marina.
The area is also known as one of the greatest fisheries in the western U.S., filled with world-class trophy rainbow and brown trout, small-mouth bass, Kokanee salmon, lake trout and more.
“There are some record-breaking fish in this lake. It’s really an unparalleled location for anglers,” says Dave Hanks of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce.
When you do come to Flaming Gorge, you’ll want to spend more than a day. You are in luck: There’s abundant dispersed and designated camping all around the lake. It’s the newest and best developed campground, offering showers and sites with electricity. Those wanting more solitude can find quiet alpine sites or explore the three boat-in campgrounds here (see www.recreation.gov for reservations).
Experience it all during Flaming Gorge Days from June 23-25 in the nearby town of Green River. Catch some of the biggest acts in rock and country, festivals, parades, tournaments and more. See flaminggorgedays.com for more info.
Laramie
Leave the crowds behind!
You can have the mountains to yourself outside of Laramie, Wyoming. Here, real Western spirit is still alive: The lakes, meadows, peaks and streams offer alpine serenity … even getting lost is a spectacular experience. Plus, several small towns within a 45-minute drive of Laramie offer gateways into the mountains to hike, camp, canoe, fish and bike.
“If you come up during the week, there’s a good chance you won’t see a soul on the trails,” says Mike Gray of the Laramie Area Visitor Center. “You can see moose and hear eagles. It’s a true outdoor, get-back-to-nature experience.”
Start your explorations in Centennial, a small town located at the base of the Snowy Range. Centennial is home to several restaurants, hotels guest houses and cabins. Nearby, the Vee Bar Guest Ranch is a full-functioning dude ranch set on the Laramie River.
The tiny town of Albany, another gateway to the mountains, offers is an ideal starting point for fishing and camping. Adrenaline junkies can rent four-wheelers in the summer, while cyclists can access the Rail to Trail bicycle gravel route. The fun trail spans nearly 50 miles from Albany to the Colorado border on what was once an old railroad track. Further south, the little retreat of Woods Landing features a historic bar and dance hall, RV camping, restaurants and outdoor recreation at the base of the Snowy Range.
Outside of Laramie, the rock climbing hotspot Vedauwoo boasts famed crack climbing and plenty of camping. Wait, there’s more. Mountain bikers will appreciate the extensive Happy Jack singletrack network as well as at the Curt Gowdy Trails, which are sandwiched between the mountains and a reservoir.
Ready to explore? Plan your next adventure at visitlaramie.org.
Wind River Country
Take it higher!
Nestled against the east side of the Wind River and Absaroka mountains, and bordered by scenic Wind River Canyon to the north and the vast Red Desert to the south, Wyoming’s Wind River Country brings one word to mind—untamed. This stretch of mountains and glacier-carved valleys boasts endless opportunities to hike, run, ride, climb, fish and see wildlife, with the towns of Fremont County offering convenient jumping off points.
Mountain bikers are sure to enjoy the varied and well-built trail networks. Just check out the high-desert terrain and sun-burnt red rocks of the Johnny Behind the Rocks Trail System. In Dubois, both beginner and advanced riders will appreciate The Overlook Trail, a downhill extravaganza that drops more than 7,061 thrilling feet in just over 4 miles.
Not to leave the skinny tire crowd out, roadies who crank up several of the area’s 7,000- to 9,000-foot passes will also be rewarded with stunning views. Those looking for a more leisurely ride can cruise through several majestic loops.
There’s been a core rock climbing scene near Lander for decades. Local climbers have developed everything from now-famous limestone walls to beginner-friendly sport climbs to world-class granite trad routes. And don’t miss the annual International Climbers Festival in Lander in July. Find out more about hot spots such as Sinks Canyon and Wild Iris by stopping into a local outdoor store for beta.
The impressive Absaroka Range in Wind River Country has been described as “every bit as stunning as the Grand Tetons,” so it’s no surprise the area is home to beautiful hiking opportunities. In the Wind Rivers, Gannett Peak, at 13,904 feet, is Wyoming’s highest, while the Bridger and Popo Agie wilderness areas offer everything from lake trails to epic backpacking treks. No matter your adventure preference or skill level, you’ll find something in Wind River Country.
