Explore
The landscape in Southeast Wyoming is incredibly diverse. Within 100 miles of Cheyenne, the elevation alone can range from 3,000 feet above sea level to almost 13,000 feet above sea level. The history of the earth is estimated at 4.6 billion years and Vedauwoo recreation area 40 miles west of Cheyenne contains Sherman Granite rock formations which are dated at about 4 billion years old. A trip across the two major interstates that cross in Cheyenne, (I-25 which runs North and South, and I-80 which runs East and West) suggest a flat and barren landscape. However, once you get off the beaten path you’ll find a country rich in geological history and a unique mosaic of people and landscape.
The itineraries posted on our site represent easy day trips through Laramie and Albany counties that will get you out and about so you can explore the region. Most do not require four-wheel drive and can easily be done by passenger car. If you follow our recommendations in Prepare we are sure you will have a pleasurable trip in the area. Please feel free to contact us at explore@woodhousecompany.com if you need assistance with any of the following itineraries. A member of our staff may be available to take you along on an adventure.
For information on camping and fishing in the area stop in at the Wyoming Division of Tourism located at I-25 and College Drive. Located on the west side of the road, the Visitors Center has great information on the state and you will find an enthusiastic staff ready to help you make the most of your trip.
Prepare
The following list will help you get the most out of your excursion into the countryside of Southeast Wyoming. Many of the roads you will travel will take you through State and private property and a region in which the weather can change dramatically within minutes. Yes, it snows in July from time to time.
Respect
Local ranchers and farmers work hard to maintain fences, gates and livestock. Please be respectful of all posted signs and closed gates. If a gate is closed, please do not access these areas. You’ll see cows, horses, antelope and other animals as you explore. It’s okay to photograph and view these domesticated and wild animals but please do not feed or approach them as any harm you incur will be at your own risk. This applies to your pets as well. There are many areas to let your dog run free but do not allow them to approach livestock.
Safety
The itineraries featured here are mostly on well maintained gravel or paved roads. However, before you go let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Cellular phone service is good throughout the region but you will find yourself without service from time to time. It is best to travel during daylight hours not only for the magnificent views along the way but also for your safety. Always check the weather forecast before you hit the road.
Take along
Make sure you take along a trash bag so that you can avoid litter. Our motto here is to leave a place better than you found it. Be sure to leave with a full tank of gas as service stations are in major cities and towns. Water is important for you and your pets because of the dry arid environment. Dress in layers since the weather can change quickly and temperatures drop quickly as you travel into higher elevations.
Itineraries
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Vedauwoo to Happy Jack Road
Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours
Vehicle Recommendation: Passenger Car acceptable. Paved roads to grated dirt road.
Trip highlights: This itinerary will take you west of town, through the eerie and unique rock formations known as Vedauwoo (Earth Born Spirit). The rock formations are believed to be Sherman Granite and dated as old as the earth itself and possibly the oldest rock formations in North America.
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From Cheyenne, head west I-80 until you see the Vedauwoo exit( Exit 329). You will leaved paved road and begin travel on well maintained dirt road. On your left you will see the main parking area for Vedauwoo, also known as the Central Areas. Stop in and get out to stretch your legs. On the weekends you will see a variety of hard-core mountain climbers making their ascent up the fierce rock faces that are famous within the climbing community. Serious climbers come from all over the world to enjoy the unique rock formations which are good for beginners as well. WARNING! If you are not an experienced climber please use caution when climbing in the area.
Return to the dirt road and continue heading along Rt. 700, as marked by small green signs on metal posts. This dirt road will take you through a variety of interesting rock formations. You will also see a variety of wildlife, Redtailed hawk, Golden eagles, Elk, Deer, Antelope and Moose. Please do not approach wildlife and keep your pets under control.
There are a variety of roads and trails that you can follow to beaver ponds and creeks. However, return to Rt. 700 as your main path toward Happy Jack Road (State Highway 210).
At the end of your trail, you will be on Happy Jack Road. A left will take you to Laramie and a right will return you to Cheyenne. About 10 miles along Happy Jack Road east, you will see the Bunkhouse Bar on your left. It’s a great place to stop in and grab a cool beverage on a hot day. Be sure to tell Rob, the proprietor hello. The rustic ambiance and unique charm of the place is something you won’t want to miss. On weekends, you will find a great cross section of the unique mosaic of people in the region. Harley riders stop in for a social drink, local ranchers will ride up on horseback for lunch or dinner and outdoor-lovers are often found out on the front deck recounting the adventures of the day. We suggest ordering their famous Prime Rib dinner. Best in the area!
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The John and Annie Woodhouse Wildlife Preservation and Recreation Area.
Approximate Travel Time: 2 hours
Vehicle Recommendation: Passenger Car acceptable to main areas. Four wheel drive suggested for travel to the interior of the area. Grated dirt road.
Trip highlights: This itinerary will take you to the original homestead of The Woodhouse Family which is not a wildlife habitat area.
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From Cheyenne, head east on Happy jack Road (State Highway 210). Approximately 15 miles from Cheyenne you will see signs for the John and Annie Woodhouse Wildlife Habitat and Recreation area. Just past the Bunkhouse Bar you will take a right onto a dirt road. Follow this road for about 5 miles and look for directional signs. You will make a left on to Valley View road. On your right you will notice a small gray house that was the original schoolhouse for children in the area. Continue on Valley View and make a right onto Crow Creek Road.
Continue along this road until you cross a cattle guard with signs marking entry into the area. You will see a pond on your right that serves as the watershed for the city. There is a restroom facility there and you can park and walk along the trails in the area. You can also continue by car back farther in the area. There are two well-marked parking areas along Crow Creek. On your right you will see high red rock cliffs that are known as Table Mountain. The area is full of deer, elk and a variety of other wildlife. Once you continue to the second parking area you can hike along a road (marked with Road Closed sign) that will take you to the end of the area. At the end of this trail you will see the remains of the original homestead house. These houses were built into the hillside to protect them from the winds and harsh weather that comes through the valley. You can return to Cheyenne the way you came. However, if you return to the old gray schoolhouse and turn left you will be headed toward the historic town of Federal, Wyoming. This town served as the central post office and railway station for the original homesteaders in the region. Certainly a long way to go just to get the mail!
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Fisher Canyon to Rogers Canyon
Approximate Travel Time: 4 hours
Vehicle Recommendation: Passenger Car acceptable on dirt county roads.
Trip highlights: This itinerary will take you through high plains and into large boulder canyons for great hiking, mountain biking and photography.
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From Cheyenne, go north on I-25 to the Horse Creek exit (Exit 16). At the top of the exit, turn left and head west on Horse Creek Road (State Road 211). Continue along this road for approximately 14 miles. You will see a variety of homes that represent country living in the county. Many of the original families make Horse Creek Road their home. You will pass the historic town of Federal, Wyoming on your left. This town was once a focal point for pioneering families as it served as the main post office and railway station.
You will continue along Horse Creek Road until you see the Horse Creek Post office. Just before the post office you will see a sign for CR228 (County Road 228). You will take a left on this road and begin the dirt road portion of your trip. This road meanders through working ranches, high plains and meadows. The views from this vantage point allow you to see for at least 100 miles. This is a good place to get your bike out and pedal along flat open spaces and some hills.
The area is full of wildlife and you will certainly see the fastest mammal in North America—the Pronghorn, also known as the Antelope. Herds will migrate from south to Northwest and cross these high plains.
Continue along this county road through Fisher Canyon. You will begin to see signs marking the beginning of Rogers Canyon. The road will be paved from here to Laramie. The massive boulder formations on the sides of the road are great to see. This road will take you to 9the Street in Laramie.
Once in Laramie, be sure to check out Old Town. There is a nice variety of shops along the railway on 1st Street. For those who enjoy top-notch Vegetarian fare, we suggest a lunch or dinner at Sweet Melissa’s on 1st Street.
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Remount Road to Highway 287
Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours
Vehicle Recommendation: Passenger Car acceptable on dirt country roads.
Trip highlights: This itinerary will take you working cattle ranches, historic ranches and the site for Mary O-Hara’s novels “My Friend Flicka” and “Green Grass of Wyoming” both of which were famous books that were made into movies in the 1050’s.
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From Cheyenne, take I-80 west to the Remount Road exit (Exit 339). At the base of the exit, turn left and head south under the interstate. Continue along this road and under the railroad overpass until you see a row of mailboxes on your right. Turn right here and you will be on the Remount Road. About a half a mile along this road you will see the picturesque entry to the famous Remount Ranch. Feel free to stop and take a photo but please do not venture along the ranch entry road. Please respect the privacy of the people who live and work this ranch.
This ranch was the setting for Mary O’Hara’s famous books “My Friend Flicka” and “Green Grass of Wyoming”.
Again, this ranch is private so please do not let your dog run loose or attempt to drive into the main area of the ranch. Continue along the road and watch your speed. The road can get fairly washboard and even worse after a summer thunderstorm. You will cross a cattleguard and enter a wide open range where Antelope abound. This road will wind around very beautiful countryside for about 10 miles.
You will reach a fork in the road marked by a green sign “Pumpkin Vine Road”.
Take a left and head toward the rolling hills. Please drive with care along this road because you are now into the primary migration route of Elk, Moose and Deer that come from Rocky Mountain National Park to the south on their way north to Laramie Peak wilderness area which is approximately 100 miles to your north.
You will come to a tunnel that sits under the railroad tracks. Continue through the tunnel and along the road. You will see a sign for the XXX Ranch (Triple X Ranch). This ranch owns the majority of the land that you are now touring. Please remain on the county road and be respectful of the ranchers and their property. At the end of the country road you will reach Highway 287 which runs between Laramie and Fort Collins, Colorado. Turn right and you will return to Laramie, Wyoming.
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Snowy Range Brooklyn Lake
Approximate Travel Time: 6 hours
Vehicle Recommendation: Passenger Car acceptable on paved roads. Four-wheel drive recommended for any off road travel.
Trip Highlights: This itinerary will take you from the plains high into the Snowy Range. You will travel through the historic town of Centennial, Wyoming and into wonderful mountain scenery.
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From Cheyenne, take I-80 west to Laramie. You can also take Happy Jack Road (Highway 130) to the Lincoln Monument at the Summit and then I-80 into Laramie. Once in Laramie, take the Snowy Range exit (Exit XXX). At the base of the exit turn left into West Laramie. If you plan to fish and need gear or advice, feel free to stop at one of two great places in West Laramie located on the right side of the road. The West Laramie Fly store is a famous stop for fishing licenses, gas and snacks. Just up the road a bit is the Four Seasons Anglers which offers more fly fishing gear and guided trips.
Continue west until you see a sign for Centennial and veer right. You will pass the Laramie airport and begin your climb from the plains up into the mountains. As you approach Centennial you will see signs for the town. Don’t blink as you may miss it!
Centennial is a small eclectic town of 100 unique people and the police car on the road causes a lot of head turning but is probably not a big issuer of traffic violations. Please watch your speed as you come to town.
Continue on up the mountain. You will see a sign for Wintercreek Condos on your right. Feel free to take a right and follow the signs to the basecamp. Brent and Mira Gates are the proprietors of the area and you will find them to be friendly and very knowledgeable about activities in the area—hiking, camping and snowmobiling.
Once back on the highway you will enter the National Forest. There is an information center on your right. Here you can find maps of trails and get information on weather conditions. The highway will take you through amazing switchbacks with breathtaking views. Open the window and smell the wonderful mountain air. Look for a sign that says, “Mountain Meadows Cabins” with road marker 317.
Turn right on Road 317 and it will take you to Little Brooklyn Lake. It will be the first lake on your left. The next landmark is the St. Albans Chapel with the larger Brooklyn Lake.
The area is great for hiking and biking trails. Be sure to pack along a jacket because even on the hottest summer day temperatures at 10,000 feet can be chilly.
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