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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

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

With spring just around the corner, it's time to start planning a hiking excursion so you can enjoy the warmer weather and beautiful scenery of Casper, Wyoming. Here are five excellent hiking spots in the Casper area. 1. Platte River Trail Platte River Trail is the jewel of Casper's community trail system. It stretches along 11 miles of the North Platte River Corridor. The trail is suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. The trail also accommodates cycling, rollerblading, disc golf, nature viewing, as well as fishing and boating access. While hiking the trail, be sure to keep an eye out for area wildlife, including mule deer, beaver, and geese. Another highlight is the Tate Pumphouse, a beautiful place to stop and have a picnic. 2. Rotary Park Inside Rotary Park, you'll find the gorgeous Garden Creek Falls and the Bridle Trail trailhead. The trail has two loops. The main loop is 5 miles long and rises 1,200 feet up Casper Mountain. It features a tunnel called "split rock." While intermediate hikers can tackle the main loop in just under three hours, it is not suitable for anyone with health issues or low stamina. There is a shorter loop on the west side of Rotary park ideal for inexperienced hikers. 3. Eadsville Trail Although the Eadsville Trail is a 3-mile trek at the top of Casper Mountain, it has a moderate rating due to minimal elevation gain. The trail starts at Skunk Hollow and traverses through beautiful pine forests. There are also stunning mountain views. You also might see a mule deer or two. 4. Pathfinder Dam Interpretive Trail The 1.7-mile Pathfinder Dam Interpretative Trail travels up, down, and around Pathfinder Dam. As you hike along the trail, you'll see rock formations of igneous and granite. Area wildlife includes golden eagles, hawks, and Canada geese. Keep an eye out for lizards, chipmunks, and snakes. A swinging bridge was built in the early 1900s to connect the dam with the engineer's camp. It was rebuilt in 1995 and is one of the more fascinating stretches of the trail. After you cross the bridge, you'll notice foundations marking where the engineering offices and residences once stood. There is one building still standing on the site, which historians believe once served as a jail. Once you've passed the camp, be sure to take the 0.2-mile overlook trail to the canyon rim. 5. Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area The Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area features a 2-mile interpretative nature trail connecting the Lodgepole and Rim campgrounds. The trail is handicap accessible and is limited to hiking. Two overlooks provide incredible views of Muddy Mountain Valley. The trail traverses through forest, sagebrush, and grasslands that serve as a habitat for fox, antelope, and elk. Another trail, located inside a 700-acre nature area, is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and those traveling by horseback. These are just some of the fantastic hiking spots around Casper. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to have a wonderful time. Image via Pixabay.com