We stopped for a couple of nights in Laramie, WY to visit the Snowy Range, but the byway is closed. With the byway closed, we rode over to visit Curt Gowdy State Park. We'd learned of this park back in the summer of 2009, but had yet to visit it. (Remember, our trailer hates I-80. We don't travel this way unless the perceived advantages of traveling I-80 out weight the destruction I-80 does to our trailer.) This park is located midway between Cheyenne and Laramie, WY on Wyoming State Route 210. The visitor center is new, and it appears that there's new (or at least renovated) campsites in some of the loops (some sites with concrete pads for the picnic tables).
What we didn't know until we got here is that this park is a mountain biker's paradise. Trails are rated from novice to advance/expert. There are several cutoffs from the main trails where the bikers can go "play" in rougher terrain. And what's not to love about trails named "Igneoramus" (and that is how it's spelled on the trail sign) or "Pinball"? There's a handicapped accessible, paved trail at the visitor center, too.
We chose to hike the Stone Temple Circuit which takes you through many of the parks more picturesque rock formations, Ponderosa pines and a variant of Aspen trees that were just beginning to bloom. It's a mid-range hike of about 4+ miles. We were passed by or met numerous mountain bikers - some with dogs running with them. I think the dogs were having more fun than the bikers! We quickly found that we're not in shape for these high elevation hikes - no surprise there. We enjoyed our hike though and will be back.
We posted several pictures of the visitor center and our hike. If you have the time, take a look at them. We hope you enjoy them! David
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