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Wyoming Wanderers; F.E. Warren’s own backyard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sarah Post
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

Just a short trip outside the gates of F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, there are so many opportunities for outdoor adventures I cannot even count them on one hand.

Just outside gate two there is a road called Happy Jack Rd, which will take you from Cheyenne to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument rest area off Interstate 80. Along the road there is beautiful scenery, wild life and even the Bunkhouse Bar and Grill restaurant.

The first stop out on Happy Jack Rd. is about 20 miles out, and that is Curt Gowdy State Park. The park does charge a fee, but it is only a few dollars for military or residents, and worth it if you plan on spending the day in the park. And there are certainly enough activities to be done in the park to spend a whole day there.

The park has a visitor center, an archery range, mountain biking and horseback riding trails, hunting areas and many hiking trails. The park also has multiple campgrounds, for tents or campers, as well as two reservoirs for boating, floating, kayaking or paddleboarding.

My favorite way to spend my time at Curt Gowdy is going hiking. There are over 35 miles of trails in the park, so I still have not been able to hike it all. My favorite trail is Crow Creek to Mo Rocka and ending at Hidden Falls, but another favorite of mine is Crow Creek to Pinball to Stone Temple Circuit, ending at the Aspen Grove Trailhead. There are many other trails, ranging from easy to expert, to be explored.

Shortly after the state park entrance on Happy Jack Rd., travelers will enter Medicine Bow National Forest land. Through the forest land there are more campgrounds, horseback riding trails, mountain biking trails and hiking trails.

Recently, I ventured out to the Medicine Bow area and did a nice hike of Vedauwoo Glen Rd. About three to three and a half miles off the main road is the trailhead for Reynolds Hill Loop, just a short 4.2-miles. The trail weaved through the trees, tall rock structures and over a little stream.

There are a ton more trails out off Happy Jack Rd, perfect for day trips or weekend camping trips, but they are all waiting to be explored by you!