Source 2026 Wyoming Official Travel Guide - Wyoming Official Travel Guide

Plains & Foothills Road Trip

2025-12-29 04:14:12

Immerse yourself in outdoor pursuits like trout fishing, hiking and stargazing, then dive into Western culture at museums and celebrated sites.

START: Casper END: Rawlins TOTAL DRIVING DISTANCE: Approximately 417 miles

Casper

» National Historic Trails Interpretive Center

Experience the adventurous lives of those who traveled America’s famous pioneer trails in search of a better home.

» Miracle Mile Fishing

Miracle Mile — part of the North Platte River — is a haven for catching brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Boost your chances of reeling in the big one with a knowledgeable local outfitter.

BONUS: Stop for a sea-salt-caramel latte, freshfruit smoothie or iced chai tea at Crooked Creek Coffee Roasters in Casper.

Douglas

» Ayres Natural Bridge

Discover a 100-foot-long natural rock arch spanning La Prele Creek west of Douglas. This oasis features a short trail that leads to a view of the “bridge” from above.

» Jackalope Square

According to legend, the jackalope was born in Douglas. Pose with an 8-foot statue of the creature at Jackalope Square. Don’t forget to tag #ThatsWY!

Glendo

» Glendo State Park & Glendo Reservoir

The sparkling Glendo Reservoir attracts boaters, swimmers and anglers. Keep your eyes peeled for encampment rings from Native American tribes who once inhabited the area.

Guernsey

» Guernsey State Park

Explore historical structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, including a museum located at the top of a cliff that gives way to expansive reservoir views.

» Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site

Follow the deep wagon marks of travelers making their way to a new life in the West on this section of the Oregon–California Trail.

Torrington

» Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Meander the grounds of the “Grand Old Post,” where preserved buildings, living-history volunteers and ranger programs offer insights into the saga of America’s Western expansion.

Cheyenne

» Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Park

Visit the world’s only easily accessible Peacekeeper Missile Alert Facility and get an idea of what life was like for the well-oiled teams that worked here during Cold War times. It’s so cool it’s being designated as a National Historic Landmark.

» Wyoming State Capitol

Stop by and look around Wyoming’s elegant capitol building on a self-guided tour. Admire the Renaissance-style architecture, marvel at stunning stained glass or see the Senate and House chambers.

Laramie

» Vedauwoo Recreation Area

Located in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, this secluded rock formation is an oasis for hikers, campers and climbers and a prime destination for stargazing.

» Ivinson Mansion

Delve into Victorian-era life as you examine three floors of artifacts and local history on a docent-led exploration of this 1892 mansion, part of the Laramie Plains Museum.

BONUS: Hike, pedal or horseback ride across Pilot Hill Recreation Area with miles of meandering trails connecting Laramie’s foothills to Pole Mountain and Happy Jack Recreation Area. Rent bikes from Fast Haus Ski & Bike in nearby Laramie.

Saratoga

» Saratoga Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Soak travel-weary muscles in the natural mineral hot springs, then grab a refreshing brew at the on-site Snowy Mountain Pub.

» Six Mile Gap Fishing

The North Platte River near Saratoga boasts multiple coveted fishing sections, including the Six Mile Gap — known for supplying a bounty of trophy trout. Find local guides and outfitters starting on p. 94.

Rawlins

» Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum

Known as Wyoming’s first state penitentiary, this jail contained many colorful and dangerous characters throughout its history, including 11 women.

GRAND FINALE

Trip Add-On

» Alcova Reservoir & Fremont Canyon

Boat, paddle or cast a line at Alcova Reservoir, boasting endless Wyoming scenery. Tip: Rentals are available at Alcova Resort and Marina and you can camp nearby. Or rock climb and mountain bike at Fremont Canyon with soaring canyon walls as the backdrop.

PLAINS & FOOTHILLS VISITOR CENTERS

Rawlins
Laramie
Saratoga
Casper
Cheyenne
Douglas
Torrington

STATE PARKS & NATIONAL FORESTS

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
Curt Gowdy State Park
Glendo State Park
Guernsey State Park
Hawk Springs State Recreation Area
Seminoe State Park
Edness K. Wilkins State Park

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Learn more about Plains & Foothills road-trip towns — and minimize backtracking with the most natural driving route — as you map out your Wyoming adventure: travelwy.com/plainsandfoothills.

IF YOU LOVE RANCH LIFE …

Vee Bar Guest Ranch | Laramie

4.9

“Vee Bar is such an enjoyable, welcoming guest ranch. Staff and owners feel like family. The location and choice of activities are the best. The horses are well taken care of and horseback rides are fit to your experience and wishes. Always encouraging and supportive. Can’t wait to go back for a fourth time!” — Brenda M.

IF YOU LOVE ROUGHING IT…

Guernsey State Park Campground | Guernsey

4.5

“Wow, I had no idea Guernsey State Park was so beautiful. Lots of private camp sites. Loved the canyons and reservoir. Fun to see the small museum and what the Civilian Conservation Corps built. Awesome views. Quiet. Very helpful and kind state park employees. Very well-kept and clean park. Loved it!” — Alleta B.

IF YOU LOVE HISTORY …

Hotel Wolf | Saratoga

4.1

“This place was a gem! Built in 1893, you check in at the saloon with antlers and taxidermy everywhere. We had our children with us and reserved two suites. It’s extremely affordable and the owner greeted us on the second floor. I read the C.J. Box book before arriving (highly recommend), and she [the owner] gave us a tour of the famous room. The owner was the kindest lady ever and kept telling us to ‘make ourselves at home.’ I loved the history she shared with us.” — Megan A.

IF YOU LOVE COMFORT …

Little America Hotel & Resort | Cheyenne

4.1

“I absolutely loved my stay! A few highlights to note were the fitness center equipped with cables and free weights, a clothes steamer in each room, dimmable lights throughout, new 50-inch flat-screens, huge outdoor pool and nice staff. Luxuriously manicured setting. Private balconies. Two sinks — one in and the other outside of the bathroom. Best water pressure in North America besides Niagara Falls. Updated bathrooms with huge mirrors. Thank you, Little America, for setting the bar so high.” — Byron P.