Top 8 Things To Do In Laramie For The Adventure Lovers (2024)

Laramie is a famous city in the beautiful state of Wyoming. The town is home to the University of Wyoming, and it has a strong Western culture along with a rich history that is closely associated with rodeo, cattle ranching, and the development of the railroad in Wyoming. The city of Laramie is also known for its unique landscape as it sits at 7165 feet, well over one mile above sea level. The town is nestled between two mountain ranges, which has made Laramie a popular destination for outdoor lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Top 8 Things To Do In Laramie For The Adventure Lovers

Here are the top things to do in Laramie for those who love adventure:

1. Adventure Awaits You At The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Just west of Laramie, stretching all the way into northern Colorado, is the medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, a haven for all adventure lovers. The forest is spread out over 400,000 acres, and there are tons of hiking, mountain biking, camping, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and off-roading opportunities that await visitors.

A factor that is unique to the national forest is that it borders both sides of the Continental Divide. Elevation inside the forest ranges from 6000 to over 12,000 feet, so there are plenty of places for you to explore, with the two adjacent areas varying hugely in landscape and adventure thrills.

2. The Snowy Range

Located inside the Medicine Bow National Forest is the Snowy Range area, popularly known only as the Snowies. This area provides outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.

There is snow present here for most of the year, which has made it a major winter destination. You can take advantage of snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. You can also head to the Snowy Range Ski area to indulge in downhill snowboarding and skiing. One of the things you cannot miss at the Snowy Range is the stunning Snowy Range Scenic Byway, especially in the summer and fall seasons.

3. Fishing on Lake Hattie

Home to the ‘Hattie Fatty,’ Lake Hattie is the largest of the Laramie plains lakes that are spread out over 1500 and 3000 acres depending on the water level. The lake is known for having the perfect pH that helps big fish thrive, and it is also perfect for all levels of fishing – from a beginner to an advanced angler. Some of the most commonly found species found here include perch, brown, and rainbow. You can either fish from the shore, or you can rent a boat. There is also the facility to boondock camp here. Lake Hattie is also one of the few free camping sites in Wyoming.

It is best to come here in the early morning to avoid the infamous Laramie winds. The east shore of the lake is best for fishing.

4. Vedauwoo Recreation Area

Very similar to the Joshua Tree National Park in southern California, Vedauwoo is only 25 minutes southeast of Laramie. There are over 1000 rock formations here that are known as fat crack, or mainly wide. The rock formations are easily accessible, and most are just a short hike from the main road. If you are not into rock climbing, there are plenty of options for biking hiking, as well as many equestrian trails located inside the recreation area as well.

5. Exploring the Historic Site of the Wyoming Territorial Prison

Wyoming is known for its rich history, and the Wyoming Territorial Prison is a site that brings to life the old West, true crime, gunslingers, outlaws, and even ghosts. The building, built-in 1872, is one of the oldest buildings in the state, and it functioned as a prison until 1901. After that, it was handed over to the University of Wyoming and converted into an agricultural research station.

The building finds its name on the National Register of Historic Places in Wyoming. There are many self-guided or guided tours you can be a part of that tell you interesting stories about Old West bandits, including Butch Cassidy, exciting prison breaks, and even some ghostly hauntings.

6. Curt Gowdy State Park

Located just 30 minutes from Laramie, the Curt Gowdy State Park is a mecca for adventure enthusiasts. The state park is perfect for mountain biking, fishing, and boating. There are over 35 miles of single-track mountain biking trails that criss-cross the park, complete with obstacles. The trails have been specifically designed with varying levels of difficulty to make it exciting for adventurers.

Furthermore, Curt Gowdy State Park is also home to three reservoir lakes where most of the enthusiastic anglers find a spot to park themselves throughout the day. In the winter, these lakes open for ice fishing.

7. Hiking Along The Laramie River Greenbelt Trail

This is a renowned six-mile long paved trail that takes you through the city of Laramie. You can enjoy the path on foot or on a bicycle. You can even take your dog for a walk or enjoy fishing along the trail. This is a great spot for bird watching and wildlife spotting as well. The Laramie River Greenbelt Trail takes you through the city parks, and you also get to check out the grounds of the Wyoming Territorial Prison.

The trail is a great idea for those who want to explore Laramie since it winds through most of the town.

8. Grab a Beer at The Library Sports Grill & Brewery

The Library Sports Grill and Brewery is the oldest brewery in Laramie, and you get to choose from a wide variety of craft beer styles. The unique factor of these beers is that none of them contain any fruit syrups, rice sugar, or corn sugar. The location is known for its great casual sports bar atmosphere, and there is a full selection of menu options. During sporting events, it is difficult to find a spot at the brewery as people gather around to watch the event on the many television sets inside.

With so many exciting things to do in Laramie, most people are often surprised after their visit as it is often thought that Laramie is just another rural, cowboy town. The vibrant downtown and rich history of the town have made it a renowned tourist destination in Wyoming.