Curt Gowdy State Park
Cheyenne, WY
In the spring of 2006, Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails initiated an IMBA trail project at Curt Gowdy State Park. This project began in response to public comment for expanded recreational opportunities and trail development on state lands. After considerable research Wyoming State Parks decided to use Gowdy for a pilot project and to hire IMBA for design and other support services. IMBA Trail Solutions, Arrowhead Trails, Inc., Singletrack Trails, Inc., the Wyoming Conservation Corp, and countless volunteers that have invested long hours in constructing the 25 mile stacked loop trail system, including 4500 volunteer hours valued at over $85,000.
More importantly, the public response to the Gowdy trail system has been outstanding. Visitation and revenue are increasing steadily at the park. There have also been numerous unexpected benefits from developing the trail system. The trail system has received considerable coverage on local TV, in local newspapers and in national magazines. The trails have allowed us Wyoming State Parks to develop partnerships with several local businesses, the University of Wyoming, Laramie County Community College, local churches, and the Overland Mountain Bike Club. Laramie County School District #1 is bringing students to the park. F.E. Warren AFB is using the trails as part of a rehabilitation program for returning soldiers. The American Cancer Society has started an annual charity walk in the park and many other events are planned, including two sanctioned mountain bike races each year.
Latitude/Longitude for Trailhead: -105.250865 and 41.180343 (decimal), 105(deg) 15' 3.096"W and 41(deg) 10' 49.234"N (degrees)
Length: We currently have about 25 miles of trails completed and hope to have the full 32 mile system completed by the end of 2010.
Altitude: 6,700 to almost 8,000
Terrain:Curt Gowdy State Park is located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. The Middle Fork of Crow Creek bisects the area creating three different eco-systems within the park; i.e. high plains, upland montane and riparian. In the western area of the park, overlying Tertiary sandstone and siltstone of the Laramie Range have gradually eroded exposing the Pre-Cambrian granite underneath. The granite makes for excellent mountain biking and is an important part of the trail system. The eastern area of the park is characterized by high plains topography with reservoirs and the large deeply incised canyons of Middle Crow Creek.
Directions: From Cheyenne, Wyoming take Interstate 25 to Exit 10 and travel west 25 miles west on Highway 210, Happy Jack Road. Turn left on Granite Reservoir Road. In about 1 mile you will come to the entrance booth for Curt Gowdy State Park. About a 1/4 mile past the entrance booth turn right on the Aspen Grove Road. The Aspen Grove trailhead will be in about a 1/4 mile.
From Laramie, Wyoming take Interstate 80 east to Exit 323 and travel east 14 miles east on Highway 210, Happy Jack Road. Turn right on Granite Reservoir Road. In about 1 mile you will come to the entrance booth for Curt Gowdy State Park. About a 1/4 mile past the entrance booth turn right on the Aspen Grove Road. The Aspen Grove trailhead will be in about a 1/4 mile.
Map: Go to the Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails website. Once you are to the website click on state parks, click on Curt Gowdy State Park and click on Trail Brochure.
Best Season: Summer. The trails vary in elevation from about 6,700' to almost 8,000'. The western half of the park has good tree cover and plenty of water (i.e. great summer riding).
Camping: 307-632-7946; Go to the Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails website. Once you are to the website click on state parks and then click on Curt Gowdy State Park.
Local Club: Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike Patrol/Overland Mountain Bike Club - http://overlandmtb.org/
Land Managing Agency: Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails - http://wyoparks.state.wy.us
