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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

Whether you're someone who walks to stay in shape daily or someone who is just starting off, and whether you live in or are traveling to the Casper area, you're in luck. The city is home to many different outdoor experiences that are great for everyone to enjoy. We've gathered a list of some of our favorite places to get out and enjoy a walk in Casper, WY. Rotary Park This picturesque park can be found just south of Casper. Here you'll find many different trails ranging in lengths. One of the more popular trails is the Bridle Trail loop. This particular trail is nearly 5-miles long and takes you to elevations of over 5000 feet. You can also find Garden Creek Falls which provides gorgeous views year-round. This is an easy walk and would even be great to take the kids on to create memories that will last forever. Yesness Park Another park on our list is Yesness. It has plenty of places for you to get out and enjoy a walk while also taking in some beautiful scenery. The views seem to go on for miles in every direction. You'll also enjoy a nice little pond, along with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The park can be accessed all year long for a nice walk, literally, in the park. You can find Yesness Park at 4100 SW Wyoming Blvd. Morad Park This park is great if you're wanting to take your four-legged friend out for a daily walk. Morad Park is extremely dog-friendly and even has a nice water hole for them to splash in on a hot day. The pathway runs in a circle that will lead you back to the parking lot so it's simple and convenient. This is definitely one of the best parks we have been able to find that welcome dogs with open arms and without the restriction of rules. Morad Park is located at 2800 SW Wyoming Blvd. Downtown Area If you're looking for a place to take a walk that also includes some different places to see or areas to visit, then Downtown Casper should be on your list. You can walk from wherever you decide to park your car to the different clothing or book stores to window shop or even pick up some fun gifts for yourself. You can also find different restaurants or coffee shops to visit on your walk. Take a day for just you and visit Downtown Casper for an easy, evenly paved walk. Historical Eadsville Trail If you are wanting to take on a more challenging walk with some off-the-beaten-path trails, visit Eadsville. The loop is about 3-miles long with its highest elevation reaching 8,075 feet. You'll find great views of the mountain and the forest that surrounds it. You may also see some wildlife so don't forget your camera. We hope that on the next beautiful day you get to enjoy one of these places to take a walk. Enjoy your outdoor time and remember to take a few pictures! Image via Pixabay.com

Casper, WY attracts many outdoor enthusiasts because of its proximity to some of the most amazing natural sites in the country. If you're an avid angler, you'll be glad to know that the area offers many excellent fishing opportunities too. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll be able to find a fishing location that suits you. Check out these four great fishing spots around Casper. The North Platte Lodge Located about 30 miles southwest of Casper in Alcova, North Platte Lodge is a favorite spot for fly fishing enthusiasts. It's situated in the Grey Reef area on the banks of the lower part of North Platte River, providing access to 17 miles of privately owned river frontage for fishing. Grey Reef is a tailwater fishery that's known for its exceptionally large trout. While you can do other forms of fishing, it's highly recommended that you fly fish. There are many fly fishing shops around North Platte Lodge offering fishing gear, equipment rental, boat rental, river reports, and licenses. If you're planning to fish there, it's a good idea to book in advance because the lodge can only accommodate eight guests at a time. North Platte River in the City Many anglers who want to catch big fish in the North Platte River make the short trip to the Grey Reef area. What they don't realize is that there's a large number of big fish living in the waters of the river that flows through Casper. There's an abundance of rainbow, brown, and cutbow trout in this part of the river. Water levels and clarity vary depending on the location and time of the year. When the water is clear to lightly stained, fishing in the city can be fantastic. Bryan Stock Trail Pond Situated on Bryan Stock Trail road just north of the North Platte River, Bryan Stock Trail Pond is another great place to fish within city limits. This pond contains a wide variety of fish. It was stocked with rainbow trout in 2017 and catfish in 2015, providing fun and rewarding fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels for many years to come. Bear in mind that gas motors are not permitted on the pond. You can use a motor-less boat, inflatable boat, or float tube instead. Miracle Mile Located about 30 miles southwest of Casper, the Miracle Mile is one of the most popular fishing spots in the area. This 5.5-mile stretch on the North Platte River is situated just below the Seminoe Reservoir dam. With about 4,000 fish per mile, it's a fertile tailwater that gives you an opportunity to catch trophy trout and walleye. While you can fish from a boat, you'll get better results with wade fishing. Fishing is a favorite pastime among the locals in Casper. As such, you can expect to find many fishing shops, amenities, and tour agencies in and around the city. If you're a beginner, it's a good idea to sign up for an instructional fishing tour. https://www.flickr.com/photos/bugeaters/2501399689/sizes/l Image via Flickr by bugeaters