Blog

Now that Wyoming's weather is warming up, it's a terrific time to start exploring. Whether you're a beginner, touring the city with the kids, or you have some expertise on two-wheels, turn your next bike ride into an adventure. Discover new terrain along Casper's community trail systems. It offers bikers and their families plenty of safe pathways and facilities that are designed for everyone. From secluded mountain trails to urban routes,  Casper's miles of paths are calling. Start with these three picks for the best bike trails in the area. 1. Casper Mountain Casper Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor lovers of all ages. One of the area's most iconic landmarks, this biker's paradise boasts a  spectacular trail system through forests with abundant wildlife and atop stunning vistas. This park is home to a variety of trails of varying lengths and difficulty ranging from flat spots to steep inclines. more With 26 miles of groomed and lighted trails, including the North 40 and Maze Loop, it's the perfect place to explore Casper's exciting up-and-coming mountain bike scene. Relax and rejuvenate after your ride with a bite from the concessions counter inside the trail center. 2. Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park If you're a rider on the lookout for a paved trail, head to Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park. With miles of concrete paths, this park sits just 6 miles outside of Casper and offers plenty to see and do while you visit. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy during your ride with 40 different tables and spots to eat, then spend a few minutes with the kids frolicking on the playground. It's easy to access and is one of the best places to spend a leisurely afternoon on your bike. The park's amenities include 2.8 miles of paved trails, a swimming pond for cooling off after your ride, and so much more. Its scenic location along the North Platte River touts an abundance of mature cottonwood trees that are an ideal natural habitat for a variety of wildlife. A popular bird-watching spot, the Wyoming Audubon Society designated Edness Kimball Wilkins park as an important bird area and a focal point for local conservation efforts. 3. Platte River Trails On your next bike ride, why not go with the flow along the legendary North Platte River? Spend a quiet moment meandering through the Casper community in this peaceful setting. An 11-mile paved system, The Platte River Trails are an undisputed paradise with towering trees, plentiful wildlife, and untamed beauty. A community thread between Casper's urban and natural landscapes, these trails offer river, city, and mountain views, interpretive signage, mile markers, and public art displays along the way, plus it's free to use year-round. Picking the best bike trail in Wyoming is all about heading outdoors and enjoying yourself. Use our handy guide to find the one that suits you the best. Whether you're new to the trails or you're bored with the same route you've been sticking to for years, get out there for a fun, unforgettable ride. Image via Pixabay.com

Casper, Wyoming is a beautiful place full of all kinds of outdoor activities for people of all ages and ability levels to enjoy. If you are a mountain bike enthusiast, check out these spots in the area. Each is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face while you get out and enjoy some fresh air away from the demands of daily life. 1. Muddy Mountain Trail Muddy Mountain welcomes outdoor adventure seekers of all ages and ability levels. It is about 45 minutes from town and lets you completely disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with your bike and the outdoors. To get to the trail, you have to drive off the paved road onto a dirt road that can be tricky if the weather has been less than ideal. more There are two sections to the trail. The descent is all single track for speed and fun for inexperienced riders. However, the return trip up the mountain is a rocky fire road that takes some technical knowledge to enjoy. There are logs to ride over. As you make the return climb, take a moment to enjoy the view. A technical rock climb greets you near the top of the trail. 2. Crossroads Park Trail If you are looking for a ride in the city that is easily accessible, check out the Crossroads Park Trail. You can reach the trail from the Platte River Parkway. The single-track trail is based on the flat bottom of the North Platte River. For those that enjoy the sand, it dominates the sub straight but is pretty firm throughout the track. Stay aware as you ride because the track runs into a rustic disk golf course. It also passes a good fishing spot if you want to combine two passions into one fun day. If you are trying to choose a bike for this ride, consider a drop bar gravel bike or cross country mountain bike. 3. Eadsville Trail The Eadsville Trail is perfect for the mountain biker looking for an extreme cardio workout. The Eadsville Trail is the flagship trail for the Casper Mountain Nordic Center. It was the first trail built by the Casper, Wyoming Trails Alliance, and named after the old Eadsville mining town. The trail is a single track Nordic loop with intermediate difficulty. It is approximately 3.5 miles long. The trail is well marked and features a variety of terrain. You can reach the trail from the lower parking lot of the Nordic Center. Follow the blue trail markers that leave the parking lot between "Strube's Loop" and the warming hut. As always, when biking, remember to wear proper safety gear. Nothing ruins a good trip like a bad injury. Bring a friend with you to enjoy the location together. If you are planning on going alone, make sure someone knows where you are going and roughly what time you plan on returning. Keep your cellphone charged not just for pictures, but in case an emergency arises. Image via Pixabay.com

Trails are in abundance in Casper, Wyoming. But if you've already hiked and biked enough green-circle, family-friendly trails, you should try some of the great challenging adventures in the area. Explore Wyoming's natural beauty and get in a solid workout at these challenging trails you should try near Casper. 1. Casper Mountain If you're looking for the most trails in one location, head to Casper Mountain. Go to the Casper Mountain Trails Center for a quick lunch before exploring the nearly 26 miles of trails nearby. Whether you're into cross-country skiing, trail-running, mountain-biking, snow-shoeing, or plain-old hiking, this is the headquarters for those looking for trails. Every visit to Casper Mountain can be as new as you want to be. Try a new trail, or find your new repeatable favorite. more 2. Bridle Trail Bridle Trail at Rotary Park, which is almost 5 miles long and sees a 1,200-foot elevation change, is one of the most challenging mountain bike trails you'll find in the area. The ride lasts from an hour to 90 minutes and covers many types of terrains. The trail is well-marked, so you can focus on getting through the challenging course without getting lost. Take on the thrilling declines as fast as your skill level allows, and get in a serious workout as you travel up 1,300 feet over 1.6 miles. This trail is open to hikers and joggers, so make sure you give them a safe space or watch for oncoming cyclists if you're in the first group. Enjoy a beautiful day with views of Casper and Garden Creek Falls at this top-level trail. 3. Eadsville Trail Looking for something less challenging than the Bridle Trail? Check out the Eadsville Trail. It's a moderate-level path that runs for 2.9 miles and has a 321-foot elevation gain. You can start hiking this trail at the Nordic Center or Skunk Hollow. It's open to hikers, bikers, snowshoers, and trail runners. It's a loop trail and is open year-round. 4. Twin Peaks Trail If you want to get the blood pumping, head to the nearby Twin Peaks Trail. It's 5.9 miles long, has a 1,778-foot elevation gain, and is perfect if you're looking for a challenging trail. This out-and-back-style trail is mainly occupied by hikers. It offers some great opportunities to see some wildlife, including antelope, chipmunks, and birds. 5. Glendo State Park For a challenging trip, try Glendo State Park. It has over 45 miles of single-track mountain bike trails for you to explore. The difficulties range from moderate to expert, so you can find a trail that suits your skill level or pushes your boundaries. These trails are also open to hikers who want to spend some time outside. One of the best parts of the Casper area is the huge number of outdoor experiences available nearby. Get outside and enjoy nature at these trails, or explore to find your own. No matter how you like to take on the trail, the possibilities are endless. Image via Flickr by markturnerimages