From sprawling prairies to high alpine mountain ranges, there’s no shortage of exceptional trails to ride in Southeast Wyoming. Grab life by the handlebars and cruise through sagebrush prairies, technical and rocky terrain, and throughout rolling high desert hills. Whether you’re a happy wanderer, an enduro racer, or a seasoned stump jumper, a two wheeled foray into Southeast Wyoming’s backcountry will only leave you craving more.
Biking trails through Southeast Wyoming vary widely. Luckily, there are enough flat trails and daring downhill shreds to suit every desire. Start your riding adventure in the southeastern-most corner of the state at Pine Bluffs Nature Trails. Open year-round to the public, these Multi-use Nature Trails are a great place to get out and stretch your legs.
Travelling light and without your own bike? Never fear. Make your way just 45 minutes west of Pine Bluffs to the capital city of Cheyenne, where you can pick up a mountain bike rental from local outfitter Rock on Wheels. Here, visitors can connect with knowledgeable staff to get outfitted with a rental bike that best compliments their experience level and riding style. For riders that come equipped with their own ride, the Bicycle Station is a great place to stop for any pre- or post-ride tuneups. With years of experience in the area, Bicycle Station’s knowledgeable staff can also help direct riders to the best trails in the region and get you trail-ready in no time.
Before embarking on your thrilling backcountry adventure, spend some time exploring Cheyenne’s bustling downtown. Fuel up on everything from bison to sushi at one of the many locally-renowned restaurants. Looking for a nightcap? Be sure to download the Cheyenne Daddy of the Malt savings pass and sample the best of Wyoming’s craft brewing scene. Afterward, be sure to head over to The Lincoln theatre to check out lively local shows before getting a restful night’s sleep in one of Cheyenne’s comfortable hotels.
Once you’re well rested, fed, and properly outfitted, you’re ready to take on the iconic Curt Gowdy State Park. Named an “EPIC'' trail system by the International Mountain Biking Association, this park features over 30 miles of globally renowned, well-maintained, and marked trails. Start with Shoreline, a great warmup ride for beginners and veterans alike. This 2.6-mile trail will lead riders along the southside of the Granite Springs Reservoir, and to all the play areas the park has to offer. Alternatively, for a more advanced ride, take Stone Temple Circuit, a 3.8-mile singletrack loop that includes climbing smooth granite boulders and traversing a gently sloping terrain. Of the many trails available to riders in Curt Gowdy, none are more challenging than Mo’ Rocka. This 1.7-mile trail is jam-packed with technical maneuvers that will test even the most seasoned riders. If Southeast Wyoming’s stunning views don’t take your breath away, then Mo’ Rocka surely will.
Head 20 minutes west from Curt Gowdy State Park, and the terrain begins to change. Pass along I-80 and you’re guaranteed to spot the towering rocks of Vedauwoo Recreation Area. This trail system, which consists largely of Sherman Granite, sits within the Medicine Bow National Forest, and provides outdoor recreation opportunities for riders, hikers, and climbers alike. Completely immerse yourself in the terrain and get your adrenaline pumping on Turtle Rock Trail. This 3.4-mile multi-use path rises and falls in elevation, and offers mountain bikers the opportunity to flex their technical riding skills throughout.
From Vedauwoo, riders can head 20 minutes north toward Laramie and the Happy Jack Recreation Area and Trailhead. For mountain bikers who are new to riding, Happy Jack offers a generous selection of easy and intermediate trails to choose from. Warm-up on Alder Trail, a 0.5-mile, out-and-back ride that gently leads you along a flat path through high alpine forests. From Alder Trail, riders can choose to connect to Pole Creek Trail, a 1.2-mile path that gently slopes through shrouded pines.
After exploring the sweeping prairie and rugged granite hills of the High Plains and Cheyenne-region, a trip into Wyoming’s “Gem City” is a given. Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie invites visitors to unwind from a long day of play. Refuel at Born in a Barn, a local restaurant that specializes in downhome delicious meals like wings and burgers. And don’t forget to quench your thirst at Coal Creek Tap or Bonds Brewing Company with a tall pint of refreshing, locally brewed beer. Finally, cap your time off in Laramie with a sweet treat from Big Dipper Ice Cream.
Fully rested and refueled, now you’re ready to head back out and ride. Connect with Laramie local outfitters like the Pedal House or All Terrain Sports to get up-to-date information on the state of the trails, and which routes best suit your skill level. Tucked between the Snowy Range and the Medicine Bow Mountains, Laramie’s greatest asset is its accessibility to untouched backcountry. With singletrack trails leaving directly from historic downtown Laramie, riders are spoiled for choice.
Head a mere 40 minutes west, and you will encounter the Snowy Range, otherwise known as the “Snowies.” Shaped by glaciers, this high alpine terrain dishes out striking views of looming quartzite peaks and challenging rides. Perhaps among the most challenging of rides is the Little Laramie River, a 1.8-mile trail that delivers a guaranteed thrill for even the most veteran mountain bikers. This black diamond, multi-use, singletrack trail passes through dense forest, felled trees and rocky terrain with sharp turns, and enough variance in seasons to make the ride different every time. Although intense, the trail is steeped with stunning views and triumphant climbs.
If mountain biking the Snowy Range and Albany County wasn’t enough to satiate your craving for adventure, then the trails in Platte County surely will. Located approximately two hours north of both Laramie and Cheyenne, Glendo State Park delivers 45 miles of non-motorized trails to traverse, and over 12,000 acres of water. Here, riders don’t have to stray far to experience firsthand the rural and daring beauty of Wyoming wildlife. For an easy foray into the area, cruise along the 1.8-mile Turkey Spur trail. For a more challenging ride, the 6.9-mile Narrows Bluff Trail filters through large rocks beneath towering pines, with views of the lake below. On Feather Rim, advanced riders can test their chops on this 3.5-mile path and blast through windy, challenging curves and bomb down steep rock drops.
Not wanting to miss out on the action? Drop down 40 minutes south to Guernsey State Park, where visitors can ride nearby the historic Oregon Trail and former Civilian Conservation Corps paths. Corral the spirit of the west for one final ride along the challenging Brimmer Point Loop — a 1-mile, double black diamond, singletrack trail that puts even the most skilled riders to work.
Whether you’re in the market for a downhill bomb along steep granite cliffs or a laidback cruise through High Plains prairies, Southeast Wyoming has a ride suited for every experience level and type of rider. Lay down tracks amongst the immense beauty of the region, and experience firsthand unparalleled treats and trails along the way.
Bike it today