Curt Gowdy State Park Makes Top 5 List of State Parks In U.S.

According to the travel publication, 'Lonely Planet', Curt Gowdy State Park made the list for '5 Stunning State Parks That Rival National Parks'. Curt Gowdy State Park is located in the southwest corner of Wyoming, 11,000 acres are preserved and named for long-time sportscaster, outdoorsman and native son, Curt Gowdy.

Only 25 miles from Cheyenne, Curt Gowdy State Park is nestled in the foothills of the Laramie Mountains with reservoirs and trails. Curt Gowdy State Park has seven sections of richly varied landscape, flora and fauna decorate the foothills of the Laramie Mountains. 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.

However, what sets this state park apart from others is its award-winning mountain bike trails. Designed using a ski-area model, mountain bike enthusiasts can enjoy a range of routes for all abilities including easy (green), intermediate (blue) or advanced (black). The 35 miles of mountain bike trails connect two of the reservoirs and have four designated play areas for riders to perfect skills and technique.

Curt Gowdy State Park is also home to Hidden Falls, which is a 3.6 mile out and back trail that features a beautiful waterfall. The trail is primarily used for hiking and mountain biking and is best used from March until November.

So while Yellowstone National Park may get the most attention and may attract more tourists, we have one of the best state parks in the entire country in our own backyard at Curt Gowdy State Park.