ROAD TRIPS Plains & Foothills ROAD TRIP Immerse yourself in outdoor pursuits like trout fishing, hiking and stargazing, then dive into Western culture at museums and celebrated sites. = ACCESSIBLE NATURAL AREAS = STARGAZING AREAS START: Casper END: Rawlins TOTAL DRIVING DISTANCE : Approximately 417 miles Casper » National Historic Trails Interpretive Center Cheyenne Experience the adventurous lives of those who traveled America’s famous pioneer trails in search of a better home. 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. Stop for a sea-salt-caramel latte, fresh-fruit smoothie or iced chai tea at Crooked Creek Coffee Roasters in Casper. » Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Park 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. » Miracle Mile Fishing 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. 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. » Wyoming State Capitol BONUS: Douglas » Laramie » 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. 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! Ayres Natural Bridge 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. Vedauwoo Recreation Area Head to a National Park FROM RAWLINS Approx. 253 miles to Yellowstone National Park Approx. 282 miles to Grand Teton National Park W T’ S N EX T? HA » Jackalope Square » 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 . 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. Glendo » BONUS: 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. Glendo State Park & Glendo Reservoir VISITOR CENTERS Rawlins Laramie Saratoga Casper Cheyenne Douglas Plains & Foothills Saratoga Guernsey » » Saratoga Hot Springs Resort & Spa 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. Guernsey State Park Soak travel-weary muscles in the natural mineral hot springs, then grab a refreshing brew at the on-site Snowy Mountain Pub . 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. Torrington » Six Mile Gap Fishing » 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. Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site 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 Rawlins Torring ton » 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. Fort Laramie National Historic Site » 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. 34