Vedauwoo in Wyoming Is a Picture-Perfect Place for Your First Hike of the New Year

While western Wyoming certainly earns its reputation for being a hiker's paradise, if you know where to look, you can find amazing, unforgettable trails anywhere in the Cowboy State. One of the best places to visit in the winter, the Vedauwoo, is between Cheyenne and Laramie in the town of Buford. After just one visit, you'll leave convinced you've discovered the home to one of the best hikes in Wyoming.

The Vedauwoo Climbing Area is hard to miss — the unique rock formations are easy to spot from I-80, and the picnic area at the foot of the rock towers is a popular road trip rest stop.

The hallmark of this area is the strange rocky outcroppings that seem to rise from the ground out of nowhere! In reality, the 1.4 billion-year-old rocks were stacked by prehistoric volcanic activity.

You'll find miles of trails throughout the area, ranging from easy walks to technical climbs. In the winter, keep an eye out for ice climbers! The Vedauwoo is also a wildlife spotter's dream. Common critters like mule deer, moose, marmots, chipmunks, and pronghorn call this area home — but so do coyotes, prairie dogs, badgers, and mountain lions! Keep your eyes on the skies and you may even see golden and bald eagles soaring overhead. These birds are particularly active in the winter.

Don't forget to bundle up and dress in layers during your cold weather hiking in Wyoming. The exposed rocks are extremely cold and windy if the weather doesn't cooperate with your hiking plans.

It's easy to see why the Vedauwoo is one of the best winter hikes in Wyoming that you can find. It can be tailored to any experience level and offers beautiful and unique views. It's a beautiful place for exploring and adventure. And here, you may find your favorite new hike in the new year.

What are your favorite winter outdoor activities in Wyoming? Do you enjoy winter hiking in Wyoming? Have you spent time at Vedauwoo in Wyoming? Do you agree that this is one of the best places for winter hiking in Wyoming? Let us know about some of your favorite destinations.

If you love discovering these Wyoming hidden gems, read about these beautiful Wyoming destinations and see if there's anything new to add to your bucket list for the new year.