Half An Hour From Cheyenne Is A Wyoming State Park With Camping, Water Access, And Scenic Trails

To the rest of the country, Yellowstone defines Wyoming, but for Cheyenne residents, it means a 450-mile journey across the state. Luckily for residents of and visitors to the capital city, Wyoming offers a few places to explore for weekend getaways that don't require a seven-hour drive. Located 25 miles west of the city is Curt Gowdy State Park, a 3,395-acre destination where you can get outside. Instead of marveling at impressive geysers, bring your fishing rod to cast a line in several reservoirs. With multiple species to catch, you can move around based on what you're targeting.

Visitors can also enjoy leisurely boating here. Kayaking, paddleboarding, water-skiing — whatever your vessel of choice is, the park allows all kinds of watercraft. Hiking is a popular activity at Curt Gowdy State Park, with a 35-plus-mile trail system catering to both beginners and seasoned hikers. You can end up at a spot with picturesque views of the reservoir, discover a hidden waterfall, or encounter rugged rock formations. The trails aren't only reserved for those trekking on foot — mountain bikers are welcome to pedal along the paths, as are equestrians on specific trails. As one past visitor wrote on Google Reviews: "If you haven't put this on your bucket list, you really need to."

Curt Gowdy State Park also accommodates a variety of campers. You have a wide range of camping options, including standard tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, equestrian camping, or cabin rentals. With more than a dozen campgrounds scattered around the place, you can choose your base depending on which reservoir you prefer. The state park is a 30-minute drive from Cheyenne and Laramie. Those coming from Casper can expect a three-hour drive ahead.

Campers are in for a treat at Curt Gowdy State Park, as there are 178 sites spread across 16 campgrounds. Granite Springs Reservoir alone has 13 camping areas, while the remaining three are at Crystal Reservoir. There's also a small designated area with corrals for equestrian camping near Granite Springs Reservoir. Those heading to the park between mid-May and the end of September can book their campsite in advance. Outside this period, all campsites are first-come, first-served.

The campgrounds accommodate tents and RVs, as well as group sites that hold three camping units. Campers have access to water spigots and restrooms, with running water turned off for the winter starting October 1. Before then, visitors can use the restrooms and showers at the visitor center. Unfortunately, you must plan for off-site waste disposal due to a lack of a dump station — keep that in mind to avoid making a beginner camping mistake. Besides pitching a tent, you can reserve one of the four cabins at the state park. Equipped with a queen-sized bed and two twin bunk bed units (without linens), the cabins also include basic kitchen amenities like a mini fridge and a microwave.

Boating is split across the park's three reservoirs with specific motorized rules. The largest is Granite Springs Reservoir, where you can glide across the water without any horsepower restrictions — the boat ramp is near the visitor center. The reservoir features two ADA-accessible fishing piers, allowing you to catch Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. Crystal Reservoir enforces a 15-horsepower cap, with a boat ramp located on its southern shore. Anglers targeting brown trout can fish from the shoreline. Meanwhile, the remote Upper North Crow Reservoir is limited to kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. This reservoir is teeming with splake, grayling, and trout varieties.

Boasting more than 35 miles of trails, Curt Gowdy State Park offers great paths for hikers and bikers — and the trail system was awarded the designation of "Epic" by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) in 2009. This state park is the first and only one in Wyoming to hold that title. For an easy hike (or moderate cycling), take the Canyons Trail and Mahogany Loop. This 1.6-mile trail is a blend of the two trails and can take anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour to complete on foot. Hikers suggest wearing a hat because the trail is mostly exposed, but the sweeping views of the craggy landscape are worth it. Watch out for snakes while you're at it.

Up the ante by following the Crow Creek Trail to Hidden Falls. This moderately rated trail is just under 4 miles out-and-back and is also open to mountain bikers, so keep your head on a swivel if you hike it. As you climb 370 feet through sagebrush and willows, you'll eventually come across large boulders hiding a small waterfall. Cool off in the pool below — make sure to bring water shoes along. Watch for poison ivy, and check out our park ranger tips to stay safe on your hike to make the most of the experience.

Another moderate hiking and biking route is the Stone Temple Circuit, which takes you to the northwest side of the park. With an average duration of two hours, this trail makes a 3.8-mile loop while ascending 469 feet. Expect to see massive boulders and mountainous backdrops along the way. Contrasting with the rocky landscapes are the verdant fields and forested sections of the trail. After traversing the trails and exploring the reservoirs, drive 30 minutes back to Cheyenne, America's hardest-working city, to check out its iconic parks.