Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy State Park spreads across a high-elevation stretch of the Laramie Mountains about 25 miles west of Cheyenne, where granite outcroppings, ponderosa pine, and three reservoirs: Granite, Crystal, and North Crow define the landscape. The park draws visitors from across the region for its nationally recognized mountain biking trails, its reliable trout fishing, and its accessible camping close to Wyoming’s capital city. The elevation hovers around 7,000 feet, which keeps summers mild and makes this one of the more pleasant places to spend a hot July weekend in southeastern Wyoming.

Mountain Biking at Curt Gowdy

The trail system here is the reason many people make the drive. Curt Gowdy contains over 35 miles of purpose-built singletrack, and the International Mountain Bicycling Association has recognized it as one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the country. Trails run through a mix of open meadows, granite slab features, and forested ridges, with options ranging from beginner-friendly loops to technical lines that challenge experienced riders. The rock formations create natural features that skilled riders can work into their lines, and the trail crews have done extensive work to keep surfaces sustainable and well-marked. If mountain biking is the reason you are visiting, plan to spend a full day. The trail network is extensive enough that even frequent visitors find new combinations to ride. Bring plenty of water, as shade can be limited on exposed granite sections.

Reservoir Fishing and Paddling

The park has three reservoirs: Granite, Crystal, and North Crow. Granite is known for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon; Crystal for brown trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon; and North Crow for splake, rainbow trout, brown trout, and grayling. Fishing pressure is moderate, and anglers regularly report good catches along the rocky shorelines and near the inlets. A Wyoming fishing license is required and is not included with park entry. Non-motorized watercraft are welcome on both reservoirs, making them good options for kayaking and canoeing on calm mornings. Stand-up paddleboards are also popular in warmer months. Swimming is not a designated activity at either reservoir, so most water visitors focus on fishing or paddling.

Hiking and Day Use

Several hiking trails wind through the park’s roughly 3,500 acres, connecting viewpoints, reservoir shorelines, and forested benches. The terrain is not as dramatic as Wyoming’s high mountains, but the granite landscape and open ridgelines offer good views and a genuine sense of remoteness for a park this close to a city. Trails are well-suited for families and casual hikers, and the shorter loops near the day-use areas can be covered in an hour or two. Picnic areas with tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, and the day-use areas near the reservoirs fill up on summer weekends.

Camping

Curt Gowdy has multiple campgrounds with a mix of tent sites and sites that accommodate larger RVs. Some sites include electrical hookups, and vault toilets and water are available seasonally throughout the campgrounds. Reservations are required during the May 15 through September 30 reservation season; outside that season, sites are first-come, first-served. The park’s proximity to Cheyenne means it sees heavy local use, so plan accordingly. Dispersed camping is not permitted. Campers should expect cool nights even in midsummer given the elevation.

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome at Curt Gowdy State Park but must remain on a leash no longer than 10 feet at all times. This applies on trails, in picnic areas, and in campgrounds. Pets are prohibited in public buildings and on designated beach areas; swimming is not allowed in Curt Gowdy’s reservoirs. Owners are expected to clean up after their animals throughout the park.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Prairie rattlesnakes are a genuine hazard at this park, particularly during warm months from late spring through early fall. They are most commonly encountered on rocky trails, in sagebrush openings, and along sunny ledges. Stay on marked trails when possible, watch where you place your hands and feet on rocky terrain, and give any snake you encounter plenty of space. If you are biking, slow down on sections where trail edges are brushy or rocky.

Black bears are occasionally sighted in the park, and campers need to take food storage seriously. Keep all food, scented products, and coolers secured when not in use. Do not leave food unattended at picnic tables or outside your tent overnight. If you encounter a bear, make yourself known, give it room to move away, and back out calmly without running.

Mule deer and elk move through the park regularly and are especially active at dawn and dusk. Collisions with large animals are a real risk on park roads during low-light hours, so reduce your speed when driving in the early morning or evening, particularly on winding sections near the reservoirs.

Practical Information

Curt Gowdy State Park is located at 1264 Granite Springs Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009, about 25 miles west of Cheyenne via Happy Jack Road (Wyoming Highway 210). The entrance is well-signed and the road is paved throughout. Entry fees are $7 per resident vehicle and $12 per non-resident vehicle. Annual passes are available and cover day use entry throughout the Wyoming state park system. Camping fees apply separately and vary by site type. Reservations for camping can be made through the Wyoming State Parks reservation system online. The park is open year-round; outside the reservation season, campsites are first-come, first-served, though seasonal services such as water may be shut off in cold weather. Snow can arrive as early as October and linger into April at this elevation. Cell service is limited in parts of the park, so download trail maps in advance if you plan to use your phone for navigation.