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If you're visiting Casper in central Wyoming, you won't want to leave without at least exploring some of the most ruggedly beautiful nature in the West. Here are five easy day hikes near Casper where you can jog or walk the trails within an afternoon. 1. Squaw Creek Trail Squaw Creek Trail is about 2 miles southwest of Casper. It's a 3.5-mile hike from end to end for a round trip of 7 miles. It features biking and hiking trails with dog-friendly tracks. The park also houses a dog run where you can let your dog run leash-free. The park is accessible all year-round, weather permitting, and because of its easy inclines and panoramic views, it offers an easy day hike any time of year. 2. Morad Park Loop Morad Park Loop is a short hiking trail just outside of Casper that circles around to the trailhead in just under a mile. The park is open year-round, and the trail runs right next to a section of the Platte River. You can walk your dog along the trail, and there's a picnic area to relax and enjoy the rugged landscape of Casper. Take your dog for a run in the off-leash dog area, or your family can get out on the trail on your bikes. 3. Fliprock Trail Fliprock Trail is part of Rotary Park and Casper Mountain and sits just south of Casper at the base of the mountain. Fliprock Trail is about 3 miles all the way around the loop, and it's a great trail for all different difficulty levels of hiking. The trail runs through the forest of Casper Mountain, and if you want to explore further, you can make your way to Garden Creek Falls, where you can enjoy the picturesque waterfalls or picnic in the many recreation areas. 4. Bridle Trail Split Rock Loop Bridle Trail is also a part of the Rotary Park trail system. The 5-mile trail features easy and moderate hiking spots with a 1,200-foot rise in elevation, which offers beautiful views of Garden Creek Falls. For more easy-going hiking, you can stay on the short end of the loop on the west side of the park. To hike the whole loop, plan for at least three to four hours. The trailhead is in Rotary Park, so plan for a picnic to make this an all-day event. 5. Muddy Mountain Loop Trail Muddy Mountain is another looped trail system that's situated on the southern side of Casper Mountain. The trail is about 3.5 miles around the loop and is perfect for every skill level of hiking. You can bring your mountain bike for some easy to moderate riding. Camp overnight at Muddy Mountain's camping area where your dog is welcome too, as long as you keep it on a leash. Many of these parks are local to the Casper area and part of the national and state park system. With so many easy day hikes around, you're sure to find some amazing spots for a relaxing stroll or invigorating run wherever you turn. Image via Pixabay.com

When people think of wildlife in Wyoming, it's tough to ignore Yellowstone National Park. However, there are several amazing spots in and around Casper that are teeming with diverse wildlife, from birds and deer to the famous Pronghorn antelope and gray wolves. If you're in the area looking for something to do outdoors, check out these best places to see wildlife near Casper, Wyoming. Casper Mountain Casper Mountain in Central Wyoming boasts amazing nature and wildlife views within its forests, and outdoor enthusiasts can spot myriad native fauna, including bear, elk, red deer, foxes, and countless species of birds. Home to several nature walks, campgrounds, and activity areas, Casper Mountain has plenty to offer. It is also home to Garden Creek Falls and Rotary Park, where visitors can enjoy nature all year round. Platte River Trails Platte River Trails is one of Casper's most-loved central Wyoming spots for birdwatching. On the trails, you can spot several types of birds of pretty, including bald eagles, red-tail and red-shoulder hawks, and owls. Set up a picnic in Platte River's many recreation areas or keep your eye out at one of the designated wildlife viewing spots to catch glimpses of Wyoming's legendary animals. You can also bring your dog on your hike or kayak on the Platte River. Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, just 6 miles from Casper, is one of Audubon Wyoming's designated bird habitats. You can see around 100 different migratory species in a given season, and you can pick a spot from over 40 different picnic areas to relax and watch for Wyoming's native birds. Enjoy your hike along scenic trails and watch for whitetail and mule deer, antelope, prairie dogs, squirrels, and three different fox species. Little Red Creek Little Red Creek is a local nature hub for fishing enthusiasts in Natrona County, Wyoming. With a large variety of native freshwater fish, like river trout and freshwater bass, the stream offers some amazing fly fishing and catch-and-release opportunities. While you're waiting for a catch, keep a lookout for deer species, hares, foxes, bear, moose, and elk. Reshaw Park Reshaw Park in Evansville, Wyoming, is an 8-minute drive from Casper and has a long history spanning back to the days of the Oregon Trail. With historical Fort Clay and the Reshaw Bridge within the park, nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike will fall in love with the beautiful landscape. You can spot a multitude of Wyoming's native and migratory bird species and pronghorn antelope, deer, elk, and even grizzly bears and gray wolves. Martin's Cove Martin's Cove is another awesome historical site for nature and history enthusiasts. With over 933 acres of rugged landscape, you can explore the legend of the Mormon and Oregon Trails. Watch for antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, bears, foxes, and the many bird species flying in Wyoming's open skies. It may be a 55-mile trek outside of Casper's city limits, but Martin's Cove in Natrona County is something you won't want to pass up. Image via Pixabay.com

Finding a good burger is harder than you might think. So many places serve them, but so few actually make them good. Here's a look at three of the best restaurants, and some of their best interpretations of mouthwatering burgers, in Casper, Wyoming. 1. Fire Rock Restaurant Fire Rock Restaurant has two locations, one in Las Vegas and another in Casper, proof that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. Fire Rock Restaurant is located on East Second Street in Casper and features 10 specialty burgers. The Fire Rock burger is your classic ground beef topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and served on a challah bun. For more variety, you can kick up the flavor with the Wyoming Whiskey burger, a juicy patty served with applewood-smoked bacon, provolone, red onion, and a whiskey glaze. The Cowboy Up! Burger is another Fire Rock creation. This delicious burger is smothered in mushrooms, onions, a tri-tip braised peppercorn gravy, and bacon. For even more culinary delight, try this unique burger at Fire Rock Restaurant. The Jalapeno Smash burger is ground beef, smashed together with jalapeno and banana peppers then topped with cheddar cheese, onion strings, and a jalapeno ranch dressing. This is a spicy burger you won't soon forget. 2. Mouthful Gourmet burger lovers love the burgers at Mouthful. This restaurant is located on Wilkins Circle in Casper, Wyoming. In addition to a standard burger and cheeseburger, their menu offers unique burgers like the Jalapeno Cream Cheese Burger topped with fire-roasted jalapenos, cream cheese, and mayo. Also served at Mouthful is the Wyo City burger. This creative take on the burger is covered in sauteed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, bacon, mayo, and a fried egg. 3. J's Pub and Grill If you want a good burger, a friendly atmosphere, and great service you should check out J's Pub and Grill located on Wyoming Boulevard Southwest. All burgers are served with French fries, sweet potato fries, or kettle chips. A popular choice is the J's Cheeseburger. This simple creation is done right: topped with cheddar cheese, shaved red onions, lettuce, tomato, and served on a toasted challah bun. Another great choice is the spicy bacon guacamole burger. This burger kicks it up a notch with pepper-jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and guacamole. If you want a leaner option packed with flavor then the bison burger is the one for you. They start with lean ground bison and grill it to perfection. Then they top it with caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and chipotle mayo smeared on a toasted roll. The barbecue bacon burger is another tasty feature. Underneath all the dripping barbecue sauce is a burger topped with bacon and gouda cheese. Finding a good burger in Casper isn't that hard. After all, there's a lot of beef and bison raised in Wyoming. The next time you're craving a mouthwatering burger you can stop into one of these three restaurants. All serve up delicious, unique versions of this classic American dish. Image via Pixabay.com

If you love the outdoors you're probably always looking for a new place to explore. Here's a look at some great places around Casper, Wyoming, where you can stretch your legs, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer. Casper Mountain This is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Wyoming. It's located just 30 minutes south of Casper and is a cornucopia of outdoor activity. Whether you enjoy a leisurely stroll through the woods, a serious hike in the hills, or a killer mountain bike single track, Casper Mountain has it all. Head to the Casper Mountain Trails Center atop Casper Mountain. From here you can enjoy over 50 miles of trails of various difficulty. Mountain biking, fat biking, and hiking are popular during the warmer months. Winter brings excellent snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trail use is free, except in winter when a trail pass must be purchased. If you're looking for some downhill ski fun you can pop over to Hogadon Basin Ski Area. They offer 27 trails for skiing and snowboarding. You can also enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and fat biking, the latest in mountain biking that uses extra-wide tires to go through the snow. Casper Mountain is also home to the Beartrap Summer Festival. Held atop the mountain in Beartrap Meadow and Park, the festival hosts hundreds of people annually as they enjoy music, food, and fun in the great outdoors. Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park Located along the shores of the North Platte River 15 minutes east of Casper, the Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park is a beautiful outdoor retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The park is home to miles of trails that will take you through stately cottonwood trees, flowery meadows, and by wetland areas, all rich with wildlife. You can ride horses, hike trails, fish in one of several ponds, swim, or enjoy a lazy day in the sun. There are over 40 picnic areas, a fishing pier, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and volleyball courts for everyone to enjoy. Park officials offer geocaching excursions that help you learn about the land. They also offer wildlife viewing trips where you can see deer, antelope, and over 100 species of birds. Rotary Park Located south of Casper at the foot of Casper Mountain you'll find Rotary Park. This park is a favorite destination for picnicking, hiking, and horseback riding. The park is also home to the picturesque Garden Creek Falls. You can spend the day hiking the Bridle Trail or exploring the waterfall and surrounding cliffs. If you like, you can bring your mountain bike and enjoy some of the best mountain biking around. When you're ready for a break you can cool off by the falls, fire up one of the grills, and make lunch. Winter is the perfect time for snowshoeing here. Fire pits are available for when it's time to warm those burgers and brats. There is so much to see and do around Casper, Wyoming. The next time you feel like some outdoor fun you should visit one of these great places. Image via Pixabay.com

What's better than sitting back with a cold one at your favorite local craft brewery? These brewpubs serve their house-made beers alongside guest taps and are a hotspot for beer aficionados of every level. With a menu of tasty food, many brewery restaurants are elevating their offerings of tasty grub that's far beyond classic burgers and pizzas. Check out this list of the three best brewpubs in Casper, Wyoming. 1. Frontier Brewing Company and Tap Room Frontier Brewing Company is a unique microbrewery located in the heart of downtown Casper at 117 E. 2nd St. This come-as-you-are tap room specializes in small-batch, six-barrel specialty beer from around the region brewed fresh each week. Push your ideas of beer to a new frontier with labels that include Frontier's Bella Luna Belgian, Wedding Of The Waters Hazy IPA, Tin Cup Coffee Porter, Speckled Brown Ale, and Strange Days Milkstout. In addition to terrific beer served by way of an innovative self-pour tap system, patrons will also enjoy live entertainment, board games, and delicious eats by Casper's newest food truck sensation "I'Scream 4 Wings." Order up bone-in wings swimming in a variety of delicious sauces with a side of fresh-cut fries. Make a stop at Frontier on Friday, April 17, 2020, when Reckless Rooster takes the stage at 7:00 p.m. for a free, all-ages show featuring your classic country music favorites. It could be the best part of your week. 2. Gruner Brothers Brewing This family-owned brewery and taproom found a home in the old Casper Petroleum Club at 1301 Wilkins Circle. Visit the brewery, take a free tour, sample some craft brew, and learn the illustrious history of this one-of-a-kind building featuring epic views of Casper Mountain from the patio. If you've got a craving for a refreshing light-bodied brew, sample Gruner Brother's American Style Pilsner. It's great taste and quality will make you feel good about drinking light beer again. The Belgian style ale is the ideal choice for any season thanks to it's full, malty body, complex flavors, and hints of fruit. Order a juicy burger with your pint and but that hungry, inner beast to rest. Mouthful Gourmet Burgers onsite is grilling up the Wyo City burger that's piled high with bacon, sauteed mushrooms, and a fried egg. Why not try the hearty Buffalo chicken sandwich or order a plate of cheesy bacon ranch chips from Gruner's appetizer's menu? Rumor has it they're scrumptious. 3. Skull Tree Brewing The brewmaster at Skull Tree Brewing, located at 1530 Burlington Ave., is incredibly talented. With a welcoming vibe, it's a terrific place for beer-lovers to stop by for a refreshing mug of suds. This cozy gem is right off I-80. Try Easy Yolanda or one of the newly released gluten-reduced beers such as Our County 1 and Night Train. They also have homemade root beer for the kids. Next time you've got a thirst that only a mug of craft beer will satisfy, try one of these best brewpubs around Casper. Don't forget to bring your appetite too. Image via GrunerBrewing.com

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. 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