This Little Known Natural Oasis is Hiding in Wyoming… And You’re Going To Love It

An oasis is a fertile patch in a desert-like area that is able to support vegetation due to its supply of water. Vedauwoo (Vee-dah-voo), known by residents but not as well-known by visitors, is a little oasis located on Pole Mountain in southeastern Wyoming. Located in higher elevations, it rises above the desert-like plains of eastern Wyoming and is made up of interesting rock formations, scattered trees and sources of water. It offers a welcome respite from the surrounding hot plains. Vedauwoo was known to the Arapaho Indians as the "Land of the Earthborn Spirit."

With an altitude of 8,000 feet, Vedauwoo is a secluded rocky oasis surrounded by pine forests and aspen groves.

Vedauwoo is part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and the land is made up of granite rock and sandy soil which produces some hardy vegetation. The rock formations attract climbers, hikers and campers. The rocks are large boulders that are made out of Sherman Granite. The granite towers are formed by stacks of rocks which just so happen to offer some of the best technical climbing in America. Pictured are climbers ascending Fall Wall.

You can find a variety of wildlife in the area. Some of these animals include deer, moose, antelope and small mammals.

Vedauwoo is also made up of an oasis of wildflowers. Early season wildflowers can be viewed in April or May. Peak flowering usually occurs in June and July. Some of the area wildflowers include daisies, biscuitroots, bluebells, locoweeds, phlox and goldenrod. Most of the wildflowers are deep rooted perennials that are acclimated to grow in exposed hillsides such as the flowers pictured.

Vedauwoo is located off of Interstate 80 at Exit #329, 30- miles west of Cheyenne and 20- miles east of Laramie.

Vedauwoo is a beautiful rock and wildflower oasis. Have you ever visited this natural oasis?