Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy is located just 24 miles west of Cheyenne, Wyoming and 24 miles east of Laramie, Wyoming. Take State Route 210 (Happy Jack Road) to County Road 106 .

Curt Gowdy State Park has seven sections of richly varied landscape, flora and fauna decorate the foothills of the Laramie Mountains. The beautiful attractions within Curt Gowdy State Park are near the crossroads of two major interstates, I-80 and I-25. There are three reservoirs, Granite, Crystal and North Crow. Granite offers excellent rainbow trout and kokanee salmon fishing as well as space for water sports. Crystal, the smallest of the reservoirs, has shoreline fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Also, enjoy boating while at Crystal (15 horsepower limit). North Crow Reservoir is located 5 miles west of the Headquarters Building. This is an unimproved fishing area. There are no picnic tables, water supply, comfort stations, and is day- use only-very natural. There are a limited number of reservable campsites at the Tumbleweed and Camp Russell campgrounds. Aspen Grove campground is next to a free public horse corral for those visitors who would like to camp with horses.

Within the park is Hynds Lodge, which is listed on the National Register, and an amphitheater available for concerts, theater productions, and many other cultural activities. The area is one of low-lying meadows, gently rolling hills and massive steep granite formations. Wildlife abounds and bird watchers will be treated to a variety of non-native birds.

Activities & Amenities:

Archery Range

Originally developed in the 1960s by the Cheyenne Field Archers, the course meets National Field Archery Association standards as a 28 target field course. The 2 mile archery trail is set in a natural wooded environment. The trail is of moderate difficulty on moderate terrain.

Biking

35 miles of trails connect Granite & Crystal Reservoirs. Specific features include four mountain bike play areas and mountain biking skills areas. The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) awarded the designation of Epic to the Curt Gowdy Trail System in 2009. This designation, the first and only in Wyoming, means the trail system provides a quality ride and quality experience for trail users.

Boating

Camping - RVs

There are a total of 159 campsites; 90 reservation only sites and 69 first come, first served campsites. Reserveable sites can be reserved May 1 - September 30, a maximum of four (4) months before arrival

Camping - Tents

There are a total of 159 campsites; 90 reservation only sites and 69 first come, first served campsites.  Many of the first come, first served sites are suitable for tents.  Reserveable sites can be reserved May 1 - September 30, a maximum of four (4) months before arrival

Fishing

There are three reservoirs: Granite, Crystal and North Crow. Granite offers excellent rainbow trout and kokanee salmon fishing. Crystal, the smallest of the reservoirs, has shoreline fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. North Crow Reservoir is located 5 miles west of the Visitor Center. This reservoir is the only one in the area in which one can catch a splake, rainbow trout, brown trout, and grayling — all in the same day. This is an unimproved day use only area. There are no picnic tables, water supply or comfort stations. Stream fishing opportunities in the park include a walk-in area between Granite and Crystal reservoirs, as well as stream fishing in the inlet to Granite Reservoir and the Upper North Crow Reservoir outlet.

Group Picnic Shelters

There are 7 picnic shelters located throughout the park that are first come, first served.  There are three group shelters that can be reserved May 1-Sept 30

Hiking

Curt Gowdy State Park has over 35 miles of trails for just about any lung powered activity you can think of. The trails are very well designed and suitable for any skill level. El Alto and Slabz! Trails provide some incredible views and don’t miss the waterfall at the west end of Crow Creek Trail. Curt Gowdy Kate’s Trail is a 1 mile concrete trail starting and finishing at the Visitor Center. This trail gives folks with disabilities an opportunity to view natural areas of the park. The trails range in elevation from 6800 to 7600. During certain times of the year, local organizations hold nature walks for viewing birds and wildflowers.

Horseback Riding

A horse corral for public use is located near Aspen Grove Campground. There is also a large fenced pasture area.

Hunting

Archery hunting with a permit is allowed.  There is no hunting with a firearm.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife watching is never disappointing. Native ground squirrels, mule deer, elk, yellow-bellied marmots, and chipmunks abound in this area. The Park has developed a reputation as a prime area for birdwatchers. Beginning in late April and early May, migrating birds spend several days in the park and bird-watchers are afforded the opportunity to see many non‑native birds. There are numerous bluebird houses throughout the park which attract a large population of summer dwellers.