Curt Gowdy State Park
Curt Gowdy State Park is Wyoming’s outdoor adventure playground—an IMBA EPIC-designated mountain biking destination with over 35 miles of world-class trails weaving through massive granite formations and around three pristine reservoirs.
Named after legendary sportscaster Curt Gowdy (a Wyoming native), this park sits where the high plains of eastern Wyoming meet the foothills of the Laramie Mountains. At elevations from 6,800 to 7,600 feet, it offers fish for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, hike to Hidden Falls, and camp at any of 178 campsites with stunning mountain views.
Halfway between Cheyenne and Laramie, Curt Gowdy delivers the best of Wyoming’s outdoor experience.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | Between Cheyenne & Laramie, Wyoming |
| 🗺️ Region | Laramie Mountains Foothills |
| 🏔️ Elevation | 6,800 – 7,600 feet |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 35+ miles |
| 🏆 Designation | IMBA EPIC (since 2009) |
| 📞 Phone | (307) 632-7946 |
Mountain Biking
Curt Gowdy’s trails earned IMBA EPIC designation in 2009—one of the highest honors in mountain biking.
| Trail | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🚵 Stone Temple Circuit | Intermediate | Varied terrain, fan favorite |
| 🚵 Mo’ Rocka | Technical | Rock features |
| 🚵 Gold Standard | Advanced | Classic EPIC trail |
| 🚵 Gold Rush | Intermediate | Flowing singletrack |
| 🚵 Middle Kingdom | Moderate | Amazing views, switchbacks |
| 🚵 The Canyons | Intermediate | Crystal Reservoir views |
MTB Facilities
- 🎯 4 Skills Areas – Practice at all levels
- 🚲 Play Areas – Technical features
- 🔗 Connected Trail System – Granite to Crystal Reservoir
The Reservoirs
| Reservoir | Features | Fish Species |
|---|---|---|
| 🌊 Granite Reservoir | Largest, water sports | Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon |
| 🌊 Crystal Reservoir | 15hp limit, shoreline fishing | Brown trout, rainbow, kokanee |
| 🌊 North Crow Reservoir | Day-use only, primitive | Trout fishing |
🎣 Middle Crow Creek flows between Granite and Crystal—great for stream trout fishing!
Hiking Trails
| Trail | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 💦 Crow Creek to Hidden Falls | Intermediate | Waterfall destination! |
| 🪨 Stone Temple Circuit | Moderate | Granite formations |
| 👀 Crystal Ridge Trail | Easy-Moderate | Expansive views |
| ♿ Kate’s Trail | Easy (ADA) | 1-mile concrete, accessible |
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Total Sites | 178 campsites |
| 🏕️ Camping Areas | 12 areas (mostly around Granite) |
| ⚡ Electric Sites | 50-amp hookups available |
| 🏠 Cabins | Sherman Hills (some ADA) |
| 🐴 Equestrian | Aspen Grove (free horse corral) |
| 🚴 Bike-In Sites | Available |
Campground Notes
- 📅 Reservations: Required for most sites (May 1 – Sept 31)
- 🆓 First-Come: 69 sites available
- 🚿 Showers: At visitor center (quarters)
- 💧 Water: Limited spigots—bring your own
- 🚐 Dump Station: None (use Cheyenne or Laramie)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does IMBA EPIC mean?
The IMBA EPIC designation is the highest honor from the International Mountain Bicycling Association, awarded to trail systems offering exceptional riding experiences. Curt Gowdy has held this designation since 2009, recognizing its 35+ miles of world-class trails through granite formations.
Who was Curt Gowdy?
Curt Gowdy (1919-2006) was a legendary sports broadcaster and Wyoming native. Best known for calling Boston Red Sox games and hosting “The American Sportsman,” he was inducted into multiple halls of fame. The park was named in his honor due to his commitment to outdoor recreation.
What fish can I catch at Curt Gowdy?
The three reservoirs offer excellent fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Granite Reservoir is the largest with water sports; Crystal Reservoir (15hp limit) is great for shoreline fishing; North Crow is primitive day-use only.
Do I need a reservation to camp?
Most sites require reservations (available May 1 – Sept 31), but 69 sites are first-come, first-served. The park has 178 total campsites across 12 areas. Cabins at Sherman Hills also require reservations.
Is there a waterfall at Curt Gowdy?
Yes! The Crow Creek Trail to Hidden Falls leads to a waterfall. It’s an intermediate to advanced hike—one of the most rewarding destinations in the park.
Where is Curt Gowdy State Park located?
Curt Gowdy is located between Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming, on Highway 210 (Happy Jack Road). It sits at the transition from high plains to the foothills of the Laramie Mountains, at elevations from 6,800 to 7,600 feet.
🚵 Wyoming’s IMBA EPIC Adventure Awaits
35+ miles of world-class trails, three trout-filled reservoirs, 178 campsites, and dramatic granite formations—Curt Gowdy delivers legendary outdoor adventure where the plains meet the mountains!
Fishing Update
“Local anglers report that Kokanee salmon have not been stocked here since 2007. However, the park remains a popular spot for Tiger Muskie.”
