Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rock Climbing
A mecca for rock climbers and nature lovers alike,
Vedauwoo
(off I-80 exit 329, about
20 miles east of Laramie, 307/745-2300,
www.vedauwoo.org
) is an otherworldly jumble
of enormous boulders that offer some of the best wide-crack climbing in the West. More
than 500 sport climbs were documented in the first guidebook for the area, written in 1994
and no longer available. Today there are more than 900 climbs, many of which are detailed
on the Vedauwoo website, and the number continues to grow. For non-climbers, the area is
ideal for hiking, trail running, and even wildlife viewing. Among the animals sighted here
are antelope, deer, moose, and even black bears and cougars. A U.S. Forest Service camp-
ground is available at the site. The elevation here is surprisingly high, at 8,000 feet above
sea level.
Hiking and Biking
In addition to meandering hikes in town along the Laramie River Greenbelt and at nearby
Vedauwoo, the
Pole Mountain Area
(Forest Rd. 705, off I-80 exit 323, 13 miles east
of Laramie) in the Sherman Mountains offers terrific trails for hiking and biking. The
Headquarters National Recreation Trail Loop
can be a four-mile or eight-mile round-trip
loop, depending on your time and energy level. The trail winds through a number of envir-
onments, from sage and grassy meadows to pine forests, and there is plenty of opportunity
for bouldering among the pink granite rocks that are reminiscent of Vedauwoo. A brochure,
“Pole Mountain Summer-Use Trails,” is available at the
Laramie Ranger District
(2468
W. Jackson St., 307/745-2300, 8am-5pm Mon.-Fri.).
You'll have to bring your own bike to Laramie, unless you are a student or faculty
member of University of Wyoming, in which case you can rent from the ingenious Bike
Library through the
Outdoor Program
(307/766-2402), but if you need service, repairs,
or just some good advice, head into the
Pedal House
(207 S. 1st St., 307/742-5533,
Fishing
While Laramie isn't quite the hotbed of fishing that can be found in other parts of the state,
its location makes access to varied waters relatively easy. For lake fishing, options include
Laramie Plains Lakes
(15 miles west of town off Hwy. 230) and
Lake Hattie
(20 miles
southwest of Laramie off Hwy. 230). Nearby rivers filled with trout include the
Big Laram-
ie River
and the
Upper North Platte River.
For fishing gear or guided trips, contact
Four
