Overview
Curt Gowdy State Park sits in the Laramie Range of southeastern Wyoming, roughly midway between Cheyenne (about 24 miles east) and Laramie (about 30 miles west). The park covers approximately 35 square miles of rolling granite hills, ponderosa pine forest, and open meadows — terrain that feels surprisingly remote given its proximity to two cities.
The park is named after Curt Gowdy, the celebrated Wyoming-born sportscaster best known for broadcasting major sporting events throughout the mid-20th century. Three reservoirs — Crystal, Granite, and North Crow — anchor the park's geography and provide the backbone for fishing and non-motorized water recreation.
For a state park, Curt Gowdy punches above its weight in trail variety. A dedicated mountain bike trail system has earned regional recognition, and hikers of most fitness levels can find something suitable. Wildlife sightings — mule deer, pronghorn, wild turkey, and various raptors — are common year-round.
Before You Go
Wyoming state parks require a day-use vehicle permit or an annual pass for entry. Fees and pass options change periodically, so verify current rates on the Wyoming State Parks official website or by calling the park directly before your visit.
Camping reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, as the campgrounds fill quickly given the park's popularity with Cheyenne and Laramie residents. Reservations can typically be made through the Wyoming State Parks reservation system — verify availability and lead times online.
What to Pack
- Sun protection: the high-elevation grassland and granite terrain offer little shade
- Layered clothing; temperatures can shift significantly, especially at the park's roughly 7,000–8,000 ft elevation
- Adequate water — potable water is available at some facilities but not trail-side
- Fishing license if you plan to fish (Wyoming Game and Fish Department issues these; verify current requirements and fees)
- Wind layer — sustained wind is common in this part of Wyoming
Cell coverage is limited in parts of the park. Download offline maps before arrival.
Getting There
The park is accessed via Happy Jack Road (Wyoming Highway 210), which connects I-80 near Cheyenne to the east and US-30/I-80 near Laramie to the west. From Cheyenne, take I-80 west to the Happy Jack Road exit and follow signs west into the park. From Laramie, travel east on Happy Jack Road from the edge of the city.
There is no public transit service to Curt Gowdy State Park. A personal vehicle, rental car, or rideshare arrangement is effectively required. The Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS) is the nearest commercial airport; Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) is also close. Both are small airports with limited routes — many visitors fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and drive north approximately 100 miles.
Roads within the park are paved to main facilities but some secondary access roads may be gravel. High-clearance vehicles are not required for standard visits, but check road conditions in winter and early spring, when snow and mud can be factors.
Getting Around
The park's main facilities — campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas, and trailheads — are connected by an internal road network. Most visitors drive between areas and park at trailheads or day-use lots.
The mountain bike trail network is well-signed and can be used to move between some areas of the park on two wheels. Pedestrian trail connections between all major facilities are limited, so plan on returning to your vehicle if you need to move between distant sections of the park.
Boating on the reservoirs is restricted to non-motorized and electric-motor watercraft on most or all of the water bodies — verify current rules with the park, as restrictions can apply seasonally or by reservoir.
Where to Stay
Curt Gowdy State Park has developed campgrounds with a range of site types, including tent sites, RV sites with electrical hookups, and some primitive options. Facilities at developed campgrounds typically include restrooms and water access. Amenities vary by campground loop — confirm specifics when booking.
There are no lodges or hotels within the park itself. Cheyenne (approximately 24 miles east) offers the widest range of hotel, motel, and chain accommodation options. Laramie (approximately 30 miles west) is a university town with a solid selection of lodging. Verify availability and rates directly with properties or through standard booking platforms.
Group shelters and picnic pavilions can sometimes be reserved for day-use events — check with the park office for availability.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
The park maintains several hiking trails ranging from short, easy loops to longer routes through granite outcrops and forested ridges. Trails are generally well-marked. The terrain around the granite formations offers interesting scrambling opportunities for those who want to leave the formal path.
Mountain Biking
Curt Gowdy is one of the better-regarded mountain bike destinations in Wyoming. The trail system includes purpose-built singletrack with varying difficulty levels — from beginner-friendly flow trails to more technical options on the granite. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has recognized the trail network; verify current trail status and maps at the trailhead kiosk or park office.
Fishing
The three reservoirs are stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass, among other species. Wyoming fishing licenses are required for anglers 14 and older; verify current license requirements and regulations with Wyoming Game and Fish before fishing.
Wildlife Watching
Mule deer are commonly seen throughout the park, especially at dusk and dawn. Pronghorn antelope frequent the open meadow areas. Raptors — including golden eagles and various hawk species — are regularly spotted riding thermals above the granite ridges.
Winter Recreation
When snow permits, the park is used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the trail network. No grooming services are guaranteed — conditions are weather-dependent. Confirm winter access with the park before visiting.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants, cafes, or food concessions operating within Curt Gowdy State Park. Visitors should bring all food and beverages with them. Picnic areas are available throughout the park and are well-suited for a packed lunch.
Cheyenne and Laramie both have grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops where you can stock up before entering the park. Plan for your full visit — a return trip to town mid-day adds roughly 30–50 minutes of round-trip driving depending on your location in the park.
Pack out all waste; the park operates on a leave-no-trace ethic and trash facilities may be limited in some areas.
Practical Information
Emergency and Ranger Contact
For emergencies within the park, call 911. For non-emergency park questions, contact the park office directly — verify the current phone number on the Wyoming State Parks official website, as contact details can change.
Restrooms
Flush restrooms and vault toilets are available at developed campgrounds and main day-use areas. Facilities are limited or absent on trails and in backcountry sections.
Pets
Pets are generally permitted in Wyoming state parks but must be kept on a leash at all times. Verify current pet policies with the park, as rules can apply differently to specific areas.
Altitude
The park sits at roughly 7,000–8,000 feet elevation. Visitors arriving from lower elevations may notice mild effects such as increased exertion during activity and faster dehydration. Drink plenty of water and pace yourself on your first day.
Accessibility
Some day-use areas and facilities have accessible parking and restroom features. Trail accessibility varies significantly — contact the park office for specific information if needed.
Safety
Weather in southeastern Wyoming can change rapidly, particularly in spring and fall. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and can bring lightning to exposed granite ridges. Monitor forecasts and be prepared to descend from high ground if storms approach.
Wind is a persistent feature of this landscape. Combined with sun and low humidity, it accelerates dehydration faster than many visitors expect. Carry more water than you think you will need.
Wildlife encounters are generally benign — mule deer and pronghorn pose little threat — but give all animals space and do not feed them. Rattlesnakes are present in the region; watch where you step and place your hands when scrambling on rocks, particularly in warm months.
Cell service is unreliable across much of the park. Let someone know your plans before a hike, and consider a GPS device or downloaded offline maps for longer excursions.