If you love seeing the beauty of the outdoors - and playing in it - you will quickly discover why the Medicine Bow National Forest near Laramie, WY, could easily become one of your favorite places to go for fun. This part of the Forest has about 400,000 acres in the southeastern part of the state.
Just about anything you want to do can be found in this area of the Medicine Bow National Forest. This area is just one of three areas in the Forest. It really is an outdoorsman's sports paradise. Among the activities you can do here are: rock climbing, fishing, boating and rafting, skiing and other winter sports, biking and hiking, horseback riding, and much more.
Watching wildlife and birds is another favorite activity of many in this area. Looking carefully, you can find a wide variety of wildlife, including black bear, bobcat, mountain lions, elk, moose, and mule deer. You may also see prairie dogs, coyotes, marmots, badgers, and more.
One place that is very popular with hikers and rock climbers is called Vedauwoo Rocks. This is about 17 miles from Laramie, just off Route 80, but it has some very unusual rock formations. These granite rocks are believed to have been left here by glaciers. People come to this unique area to climb these rocks from all over the world because it is considered to be one of the best crack climbs (called "offwidths"). The area is also popular with stargazers because it is not close to a city and is high up.
Right near Laramie is Ryan Park when you want a place to go camping. This is right at the edge of town. It was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. During the War, it was used as a POW camp after 1942 and until the end of World War II. It held both Italian and German prisoners. There are interpretive signs in the Park so that visitors can learn about its history.
Hiking is popular in the area and there are a number of trails available. Some of them are certainly rather strenuous so you will want to look into each one before you get started on them.
One event that is popular in the area is called Butch Cassidy Days, which runs for about three days at the end of June. This takes place at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, which you can find at Exit 311 (Snowy Range Road), on I-80. Events there will include living history exhibits, a tractor parade; a presentation will also be made about Butch Cassidy by a relative, exhibits, barbecue, and more. Special events for the children are also arranged and these include a scavenger hunt, prison bingo, and a stick horse rodeo supervised by Miss Butch Cassidy Days.
Scenic drives are also common since the area has a number of mountain peaks around. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway offers visitors the chance to see snow-covered mountain faces - even in mid-summer. The route follows Route 130 and rises from 8,000 feet to 10,847 feet.
A number of lakes and rivers are also around and will provide many more activities for the whole family, or just a place to get away. Medicine Bow National Forest at Laramie, WY is a very popular vacation spot all year around - depending on which outdoor activities you like most.
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