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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. more 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. 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

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. more 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

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

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. more 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

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