5 Outdoor Spots to Experience The Wild Side of Casper, WY

As the local experts for Casper and Natrona County, we’re here to help you make the most of the outdoors as you explore the best of our corner of Wyoming, no matter the time of year.

Here’s a look at five of our favorite spots to get outside in Wyoming.

• Casper Mountain: One of the best places to hike, mountain bike and see Wyoming’s wildlife.

• The North Platte River: A blue-ribbon trout stream, the place to catch trophy trout.

• Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park: Miles of paved trails for exploring on foot or bicycle.

• Fremont Canyon: Ideal for rock climbers, fly-fishermen, kayakers and photographers.

• Garden Creek Falls: One of Casper’s most insta-worthy spots any time of year.

Overlooking Casper and central Wyoming is Casper Mountain. At an elevation of over 8,000 feet, Casper Mountain is one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. Keeping watch over Wyoming’s high plains, Casper Mountain is a year-round destination for everything from sightseeing to photography and outdoor recreation. The hub of winter activities in Casper, the mountain is home to downhill skiing and snowboarding at Hogadon Basin Ski Area, as well as Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Casper Mountain Trails Center. It’s also the prime place for fat biking and snowmobiling. From spring to fall, additional on-mountain outdoor activities include hiking (the mountain has some epic trails with jaw-dropping views of Casper and on clear days you can even see the Bighorn Mountains) and mountain biking on 50+ miles of trail. And while it’s not talked about a lot, wildlife tend to frequent the various habitats found on the mountain. Keep your eyes open for elk, mule deer, moose, mountain lions and more.

Insider tip: no matter when you visit, take a drive up the mountain to Lookout Point. This is a great place to see the sights below, catch the sunset or watch the Balloon Roundup Festival held each July.

Carving its way through Casper proper is the North Platte River. One of the country’s premier blue-ribbon rivers and a well-known fly-fishing destination, the North Platte River is on most fishermen’s bucket lists. While many folks tend to think of fly-fishing as a warm season activity, here in Casper it’s something we do all four seasons. Plus, we have lots of experienced outfitters and guides to make the most of your time on the river, all but guaranteeing you’ll land a gorgeous trout. Beyond fishing, the North Platte is also a great place to float and raft. Off the water, enjoy the Platte River Trails System’s 11 paved miles. There’s plenty to see and do on and around the trail as well, including a visit to Amoco Park and picnic spots along the way.

Insider tip: pick up lunch from a local restaurant (like Grant Street Grocery or The Branding Iron) and head to The Tate Pumphouse to enjoy a picnic lunch.

One of Natrona County’s best-kept secrets is Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park. A quick 15-minute drive from downtown Casper, the park is located on the North Platte River, has a universally accessible fishing pier (the only one like it in Wyoming) and 3 miles of paths and trails. It’s also one of the best birding spots in Wyoming. You can see yellow warblers, cedar waxwings, downy woodpeckers and dozens of other species.

Insider tip: if you’re visiting Casper in the fall, be sure to add Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park to your must-visit list. The fall colors here are spectacular.

Meet one of Wyoming’s best-kept secrets, Fremont Canyon. An easy 35-minute drive from Casper, Fremont Canyon is tucked off the main road, making a visit to this geological stunner even more special. There are many places to see and experience Fremont Canyon. Cast a fishing line in the meadow (swing into one of our local fly shops for specific insider info on what fly to cast), try your hand at rock climbing or access the canyon via the water at Alcova Reservoir. Rent a kayak, canoe or boat at Alcova Resort and head upstream to see the rising rose-colored cliffs of the canyon. One of the best ways to experience the canyon is by booking a canyon kayak excursion with Alcova Resort.

Locals know: Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail is located near Alcova Reservoir and includes interpretive signage, as well as amazing dinosaur fossils that remain in their natural setting.

At the base of Casper Mountain sits Garden Creek Falls in Rotary Park. Accessible year-round and located 15 minutes from downtown, Garden Creek Falls is a waterfall that flows off Casper Mountain, creating an idyllic setting for an easy walk, picnic lunch and photo opportunity. This is also where many of the best hiking trails on the mountain start.

Insider tip: it’s easy to walk/hike to Garden Creek Falls most of the year. With heavy snowfall, it may be harder to get to; snowboots or snowshoes are advised.