Find Your Next Great Read at One of These 5 Casper Bookstores

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. more 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. 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

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. more 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