10 Picnic Perfect Wyoming Hikes That Will Make Your Spring Complete
When the birds are chirping, winter has faded, and spring is in the air, it proposes the perfect opportunity to get caught up in some outdoorsy adventures. And there’s no better outdoor adventure than packing up a picnic and embarking on one of the spectacularly scenic hikes in Wyoming. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend your time searching online for “hiking trails near me.” We’ve already found them! So, if you’re looking to get out of the house and stretch your legs, check out the picnic-perfect trails below, which are easily some of the best hikes in Wyoming.
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Holiday Park, just off Lincolnway in Cheyenne, is a great place to combine a scenic stroll as well as a picnic. It’s not really a hike per se, but it’s a great way to get out of the house and it isn’t overly strenuous.
Pine Bluffs is a small Wyoming town on the border of Nebraska. The town is named for the bluffs that overlook it. Hiking through the area is a bit more strenuous but it’s still very approachable. You can also stop in at the local A&W, which is worth it just for the novelty factor alone.
This hike is a loop that encircles Jenny Lake inside of the Grand Teton National Park. Because of the park's out-of-the-way location, expect this hiking trip to be a day-long endeavor, though one that will definitely be worth it.
A 1.5-mile hike in Yellowstone National Park, Brink of the Lower Falls Trail features a gorgeous view of the lower falls of the Yellowstone River. This is one of the easiest trails in the park, so it’s not quite as isolated as many of the more difficult ones.
5. Garden Creek Falls
Garden Creek Waterfall, Casper Mountain, WY 82601, USA
A relatively mild 3.4-mile loop just south of Casper, Wyoming, the Garden Creek Falls Trail is a great half-day hike and picnic. Plus, it’s close enough to a populated town that, if you happen to be traveling, you’ll be able to find good accommodations after your hike.
6. Veedauwoo
Vedauwoo Glen Road, Vedauwoo Glen Rd, Wyoming, USA
Hiking in Veedauwoo is as easy or hard as you want to make it. The good thing about the area is that it’s beautiful to look at and, so long as you stay near the park’s entrance, it’ll be an easy hike. The park is located between Cheyenne and Laramie.
Near Jackson Lake Lodge (close to Moran, Wyoming), you'll find a small 3.8-mile loop around Lookout Rock. Lookout Rock is a small outcropping, which overlooks the area. The hike is a fairly common destination inside the state, so depending on the season, you may have to share the trail with your fellow adventurers.
Just 35 miles West of Laramie, Medicine Bow Peak is a 7-mile hike that would be a good fit for anyone looking for a full day hike and picnic. It’s long enough to be a solid workout without requiring a multi-day investment.
This is another hike that isn’t technically a true hike but it’s included for those of you who are looking for a more laid-back experience. The area does have a few "off-road" areas (the trail actually splits and you can follow it down near the shoreline of the lake) without requiring a lot of time or effort to reach. Lion’s Park is also just a quick jog away from the Cheyenne Botanical gardens (pictured above) which is a great destination for families.
So, what’d you think of our ten hikes? Do you think they’re the best hikes in Wyoming? Checked any of them out for yourself? If so, which ones and how were they? Think we missed any? Know of any other scenic hikes in Wyoming? What about picturesque picnic spots? Tell us all about it in the comments!
You don’t have to be a great hiker to enjoy the great outdoors. You’ll find everything from strenuous hikes to kid-friendly hikes around Wyoming. If you’re looking for the latter, you’re sure to love these short, easy hikes in Wyoming.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Wyoming
April 25, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
Are there any other hiking trails near me?
When it comes to the best hikes in Wyoming, Tower Trail definitely fits the bill. The paved 1.3-mile trail leads to the Devil’s Tower National Monument, offering close-up views of the iconic Tower. And while the towering butte is the highlight of the trail, there are plenty of other perks along the way including sweeping landscape vistas, benches, and historical relics.
What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Wyoming?
The Cottonwood Creek Dinosaur Trail is definitely one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Wyoming. Located in Alcova, the trail features lots of fossils, other geologic formations, and interpretive signage, making for an impromptu history lesson like no other. And since the trail is just under 1 mile, it’s perfect for those hiking with younger children.
What other trails are among the best hikes in Wyoming?
There are so many great trails in Wyoming that it’d be easy to overlook a few, and one you don’t want to pass up is Mallard Lake Trail. Located within Yellowstone National Park, the trail, which is just over 7 miles, offers scenery that reflects what the park looked like when it was established back in 1872. Absolutely stunning, hikers can explore pine forests, rocky canyons, and Old Faithful.
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