Curt Gowdy State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WY

Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy State Park offers diverse recreational opportunities amidst the unique landscape of southeast Wyoming, attracting visitors with its scenic views and outdoor activities.

State Park3,3954+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,395

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy State Park offers diverse recreational opportunities amidst the unique landscape of southeast Wyoming, attracting visitors with its scenic views and outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Curt Gowdy State Park is located between Cheyenne and Laramie in Wyoming, covering 3,395 acres of varied terrain. The park is named after the famous sportscaster Curt Gowdy and is renowned for its expansive network of trails, designed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association for hiking and mountain biking. Visitors can explore geological features like granite formations and enjoy prairies dotted with wildflowers. The park features three reservoirs: Granite, Crystal, and North Crow, offering ideal conditions for various water activities including fishing for trout and kokanee salmon. Established in 1971, Curt Gowdy State Park is a destination that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and natural beauty. It also provides picnicking and camping facilities, catering to families and solo explorers. The park's combination of diverse ecology, recreational facilities, and historical elements, like historical footbridges and ruins, creates a memorable experience for all visitors.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Curt Gowdy State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The stunning Granite Reservoir with panoramic views and excellent fishing opportunities.✦ Unique rock formations providing exciting climbing challenges.✦ The visually captivating Crow Creek Trail known for its scenic waterfalls.✦ The park's impressive trail system, popular for mountain biking enthusiasts nationwide.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Curt Gowdy State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Curt Gowdy State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Curt Gowdy State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Daily entrance fee required, annual passes available.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Curt Gowdy State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Aspen Grove Campground

Located near Granite Reservoir, offering easy access to fishing and water sports.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Curt Gowdy State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Buford, Wyoming
⌖ 7.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Buford, Wyoming

Buford, Wyoming, is a tiny high plains town offering quiet access to expansive hiking, backpacking, and wildlife adventures in Medicine Bow National Forest. Perfect for travelers seeking solitude amid rugged landscapes.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Commissioner’s Gap, Wyoming
⌖ 15.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Commissioner’s Gap, Wyoming

Commissioner’s Gap offers rugged wilderness access in Wyoming’s Absaroka Range, perfect for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor lovers seeking solitude and mountain adventure during late spring to early fall.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Laramie, Wyoming
⌖ 18.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Laramie, Wyoming

Laramie offers adventurers a mix of Western charm with access to the great outdoors. Explore pristine hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and excellent fly fishing spots year-round.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Cheyenne, Wyoming
⌖ 23.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne combines frontier history with outdoor adventure—perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Discover Wyoming's essence through its landscapes and cowboy spirit.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Teton, Wyoming
⌖ 25.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Teton, Wyoming

Teton, Wyoming is a rugged mountain gateway where hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and ski touring collide amidst the dramatic Tetons. With world-class trails and pristine lakes, it's an alpine adventure hub that draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for ski touring
Explore Town
Livermore, Colorado
⌖ 26.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Livermore, Colorado

Livermore is a peaceful mountain town east of Rocky Mountain National Park, ideal for hiking, fishing, and backpacking. Its quiet trails and alpine lakes offer solitude and scenic beauty away from crowds.

June through September for hiking and fishing; December through March for snowshoeing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Curt Gowdy State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Lake-Edge RVing at Monument Lake Resort: Site #62, Weston
ADVEXPEDITION
Weston, Colorado
LodgingADV Bookable

Lake-Edge RVing at Monument Lake Resort: Site #62, Weston

Partial-service RV campsite at Monument Lake Resort offering water and 20‑amp electrical hookups, a fire pit and picnic table—set within walking distance of the lake, lodge and on-site amenities for nightly or weekly stays.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip