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Curt Gowdy State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WY

Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy State Park offers diverse recreational opportunities amidst the unique landscape of southeast Wyoming, attracting visitors with its scenic views and outdoor activities.

State Park3,3954+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,395

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy State Park offers diverse recreational opportunities amidst the unique landscape of southeast Wyoming, attracting visitors with its scenic views and outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Curt Gowdy State Park is located between Cheyenne and Laramie in Wyoming, covering 3,395 acres of varied terrain. The park is named after the famous sportscaster Curt Gowdy and is renowned for its expansive network of trails, designed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association for hiking and mountain biking. Visitors can explore geological features like granite formations and enjoy prairies dotted with wildflowers. The park features three reservoirs: Granite, Crystal, and North Crow, offering ideal conditions for various water activities including fishing for trout and kokanee salmon. Established in 1971, Curt Gowdy State Park is a destination that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and natural beauty. It also provides picnicking and camping facilities, catering to families and solo explorers. The park's combination of diverse ecology, recreational facilities, and historical elements, like historical footbridges and ruins, creates a memorable experience for all visitors.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Curt Gowdy State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Vedauwoo Climbing Adventure★ 8.1⌖ 6 miClimbing
Vedauwoo Climbing Area

Vedauwoo Climbing Adventure

Explore Vedauwoo Climbing Area in Buford, Wyoming. Known for its unique Sherman granite rock formations, this area is perfect for climbers and hikers. A quieter destination ideal from late spring to early fall, offering moderate challenges with opportunities to spot mule deer.

Rock Formations & Camping at Vedauwoo Campground, Wyoming★ 7.5⌖ 6 miCamping
Vedauwoo Campground

Rock Formations & Camping at Vedauwoo Campground, Wyoming

Vedauwoo Campground, about 25 minutes north of Buford, WY, offers a quiet primitive camping experience amid unique granite rock formations. Popular for camping, hiking, and rock climbing, the site is best visited in spring and fall with basic facilities and opportunities to enjoy wildlife and rugged scenery.

Exploring Red Mountain Open Space and Near Soapstone Prairie★ 7.5⌖ 17 miHiking
Red Canyon Road

Exploring Red Mountain Open Space and Near Soapstone Prairie

Explore the stunning 4.2-mile Bent Rock Trail in Red Mountain Open Space near Fort Collins, Colorado. With moderate difficulty, it's perfect for hiking and trail running, offering striking views of red rock formations and chances to spot wildlife like mule deer and raptors.

Exploring Soapstone Prairie in the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area★ 7.5⌖ 18 miHiking
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

Exploring Soapstone Prairie in the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

Explore Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, a picturesque wildlife viewing destination near Fort Collins. This moderate hiking area features diverse wildlife, historical sites, and scenic vistas over 28 square miles. Best visited in spring and fall for a serene experience.

Laramie's Unique Charm★ 0.7⌖ 19 miHiking
Laramie

Laramie's Unique Charm

Explore Laramie's attractions, from the Medicine Bow Peak's challenging hikes to Vedauwoo's unique rock formations. Enjoy fishing in the Laramie River and immerse in the western history of this Wyoming town.

Fishing along Halligan Reservoir★ 7.0⌖ 21 miFishing
Meadow Creek Road

Fishing along Halligan Reservoir

Located 30 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Halligan Reservoir offers tranquil and rewarding fishing experiences. Popular for rainbow and brown trout, it's best visited during spring and fall. Quiet setting ensures peaceful exploration throughout the year.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The stunning Granite Reservoir with panoramic views and excellent fishing opportunities.✦ Unique rock formations providing exciting climbing challenges.✦ The visually captivating Crow Creek Trail known for its scenic waterfalls.✦ The park's impressive trail system, popular for mountain biking enthusiasts nationwide.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Curt Gowdy State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Curt Gowdy State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Daily entrance fee required, annual passes available.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Curt Gowdy State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Aspen Grove Campground

Located near Granite Reservoir, offering easy access to fishing and water sports.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Curt Gowdy State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Buford
⌖ 7.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Buford, Wyoming

A remote, small high plains stop surrounded by expansive rugged landscapes, offering quiet access to Wyoming’s vast outdoor adventures.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Commissioner’s Gap
⌖ 15.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Commissioner’s Gap, Wyoming

A rugged gateway to remote wilderness offering solitude and multi-season outdoor challenges in Wyoming’s high country.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Laramie
⌖ 18.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Laramie, Wyoming

A blend of Western heritage with access to pristine outdoor landscapes, offering year-round activities from hiking to skiing.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Cheyenne
⌖ 23.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cheyenne, Wyoming

A historic western town offering a mix of plains adventure and unique cowboy culture.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Teton
⌖ 25.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Teton, Wyoming

A rugged gateway to some of the most iconic alpine adventure in the American West, blending high mountain thrills with deep wilderness and pristine waterways.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for ski touringExplore Town
Livermore
⌖ 26.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Livermore, Colorado

A quiet high-altitude town offering rustic charm and access to alpine hiking, biking, and fishing in Colorado’s Northern Rockies.

June through September for hiking and fishing; December through March for snowshoeingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Curt Gowdy State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.