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
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