Wyoming doesn’t make you pay much to get moving. A state park day costs $7 a carload for residents [1], one of the best trail systems in the state sits 24 miles from both Cheyenne and Laramie [2], and Cheyenne has built 47 miles of off-street path through town [4]. Here’s where to start.
At a glance
Wyoming state park fees
Wyoming’s state parks charge a day-use fee per vehicle. The 2026 schedule [1]:
| Pass | Wyoming residents | Nonresidents |
|---|---|---|
| State park, per day | $7 per vehicle | $12 per vehicle |
| Historic site, per day | $4 per adult, kids free | $8 per adult, kids free |
| Annual day-use pass, first vehicle | $48 ($42 Dec 1 to Feb 15) | $96 ($89 Dec 1 to Feb 15) |
| Annual day-use pass, additional vehicle | $24 | $48 |
The annual pass is a windshield sticker that covers day-use fees for one vehicle for the calendar year [1]. At the resident price, it pays for itself on the seventh park visit. You can buy one online at Reserve.Wyoming.gov, by phone at 877-WYO-PARK, at a park or through a selling agent; residents have to show proof of residency for the resident rate [1].
Curt Gowdy State Park
Curt Gowdy State Park is 24 miles west of Cheyenne and 24 miles east of Laramie, off State Route 210 (Happy Jack Road) [2]. Wyoming State Parks says it has over 35 miles of trails, running from Granite Reservoir to Crystal Reservoir, open year-round and suitable for any skill level [3].
- Elevation: the trails range from about 6,800 to 7,600 feet [3], so expect to breathe harder than you would at sea level and take it easy on your first visits.
- An easy start: Kate’s Trail is a 1-mile concrete trail that starts and ends at the visitor center, built so people with disabilities can see the park’s natural areas [3].
- Views: the park recommends the El Alto and Slabz! trails for views and the waterfall at the west end of Crow Creek Trail [3].
- Fees: day-use fees apply [3].
The Greater Cheyenne Greenway
The Greenway is a 10-foot-wide concrete path for walkers, runners and cyclists that winds through Cheyenne and parts of Laramie County [4]. The city builds it to keep users away from traffic, with underpasses and overpasses wherever it can [4]. As of 2024, 47 miles had been built, connecting neighborhoods from Sun Valley to Western Hills and from downtown to Laramie County Community College [4]. Many segments follow creek corridors such as Dry Creek, Crow Creek and Allison Draw [4].
The city has an interactive Greenway map on its website [4]. A flat, paved loop close to home makes it easy to get in a brisk walk before or after work.
Laramie Recreation Center
For Wyoming’s cold and windy days, the Laramie Recreation Center sells day passes, and core fitness classes are included with admission [5]:
| Pass | Youth (3 to 17) | Adult (18 to 59) | Senior (60+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily admission | $5.00 | $7.25 | $5.00 |
| 20-visit pass | $89 | $128 | $89 |
| Monthly membership | $24 | $38 | $24 |
| Annual membership | $240 | $380 | $240 |
The center also offers needs-based income discounts, disability discounts and employer wellness discounts on memberships [5]. Paying for an annual membership up front gets you two months free compared with the monthly rate [5].
How much to aim for
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for adults to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week [6]. For example: three 50-minute walks on the Greenway or a Curt Gowdy trail, plus two strength sessions at the rec center or at home, would get you there.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or at a trailhead, and pack into the included carry bag. [7]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [7]
- 12-inch loops [7]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [7]
- Made of latex [7]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor, with a strap for carrying it to the park. [8]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [8]
- About 74 x 24 inches [8]
- Elastic carrying strap [8]
- Hand wash only [8]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Early-morning and evening walks and runs
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on early-morning and evening walks, runs and rides, which matters during Wyoming's short winter days. [9]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [9]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [9]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [9]
- Quick-release buckle [9]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails: Permits & Fees (2026 Wyo Parks Fee Schedule)
- Wyoming State Parks: Curt Gowdy State Park
- Wyoming State Parks: Hiking at Curt Gowdy State Park
- City of Cheyenne: Greater Cheyenne Greenway
- City of Laramie: Recreation Center Memberships & Day Rates
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (health.gov), Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
How much does it cost to get into a Wyoming state park?
For 2026, day use is $7 per vehicle for Wyoming residents and $12 per vehicle for nonresidents. Historic sites charge $4 per adult for residents and $8 for nonresidents, and kids are free. A resident annual day-use pass for one vehicle is $48, or $42 during the December 1 to February 15 early-bird sale.
How many miles of trails does Curt Gowdy State Park have?
Over 35 miles, according to Wyoming State Parks. The trail system runs from Granite Reservoir to Crystal Reservoir, is open year-round, and ranges from about 6,800 to 7,600 feet in elevation. Kate's Trail is a 1-mile concrete loop from the visitor center.
How long is the Cheyenne Greenway?
The City of Cheyenne says 47 miles of Greenway had been built as of 2024. It's a 10-foot-wide concrete path for walkers and cyclists, separated from traffic with underpasses and overpasses wherever possible.
How much exercise should adults get?
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week.