Top 10 Dog-Friendly Biking Trails in Wyoming
If you enjoy riding a bike and your dog enjoys running beside you, Wyoming gives you many good places to go together. You find smooth paths along rivers, gentle loops in the forest, and quiet routes that follow old railroad lines. All of the dog friendly biking trails in Wyoming in this guide welcome dogs on a leash.
This guide walks you through 10 of these easy routes near Cheyenne, Laramie, Casper, Jackson, Rock Springs, and Green River. Most of the trails here offer:
• Manageable distances and gentle slopes
• Surfaces that feel good for relaxed riding
• Simple access from nearby towns
Rules for pets and bikes can change. Always check the current rules for each area before your trip. These trails give you a strong starting list if you want low stress rides that you can share with your dog.
Before You Bike With Your Dog in Wyoming.
A quick safety and etiquette checklist you can reference in the post:
• Leash & control: Most Wyoming parks and city paths tell you to keep your dog on a leash or under very close voice control. Plan to use a leash unless a sign clearly says you may let your dog off.
• Heat, altitude & distance: Many of these trails sit higher than 7,000-8,000 feet. Start with short outings. Watch your dog and your own body for tired steps or signs of getting too hot, especially during summer.
• Paws & surfaces: Sun can heat paved paths. Gravel and rocks can scrape paws. Check your dog’s feet after each ride and avoid riding in the middle of the day when the ground feels hot.
• Water & waste: Carry water for yourself and for your dog, since many routes do not offer safe drinking water. Bag all dog waste and pack it out, even in quiet and remote spots.
• Yield & wildlife: Keep your dog close when you pass walkers, riders, or other dogs. Stay extra alert in places with deer, elk, or moose. Never let your dog chase any wild animal.
Trail rules and access sometimes change, so always read the latest details on official park, forest, or city websites before you visit.
#1 Curt Gowdy State Park (Near Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA)
Quick Facts
• Trail Network: Over 35 miles of marked routes
• Surface: Mix of smooth dirt, grass, and rocky stretches
• Best For: Walking, biking, and horse riding
• Trail Style: Loop trails and linked paths
About the Park
Curt Gowdy State Park sits between Cheyenne and Laramie in Wyoming. You reach the park along Wyoming Highway 210, also called Happy Jack Road, and you see clear signs for the entrance. The park covers a broad area with many trail choices. You and your dog can move as slowly or as quickly as you like and still enjoy the land.
The park stretches across the lower slopes of the Laramie Mountains. The land rolls up and down instead of staying flat. Some paths near the water stay gentle. Other paths climb over rocky hills and small ridges. You do not follow just one main trail. Instead, you choose short loops or link several paths to shape your own outing. Open grass, stands of pine trees, and nearby lakes give the park a friendly and calm feeling for short visits and full days outside.
What to Expect at Curt Gowdy State Park
The Trail Itself:
Trails here cross open grassland, shaded pine forest, and tall granite rock areas. Some paths feel smooth and easy under your feet or bike tires. Other paths cross rougher rock where you slow down and pick your line with care. Many visitors describe the trail system as very mixed, with views that change often so each walk or ride feels fresh and interesting.
Water Views:
Three reservoirs sit inside the park: Granite Springs, Crystal, and North Crow. Many routes curve close to these lakes. You find quiet spots to rest, look at the water, and watch light on the surface. Granite Springs Reservoir is the largest lake in the park and many people visit it.
Wildlife:
Official park information notes that visitors often see deer, elk, birds, and small animals in the area. What you see depends on the season and the time of day. Most of the time you watch animals from a safe distance as they move through the land.
Historic Background:
The state opened this park in 1971. In 1972, the state changed the name to honor Curt Gowdy, a well known sports broadcaster who grew up in Cheyenne. This detail comes from official records for the park.
Accessibility:
Staff care for the park all year, and the park stays open in every season. Some routes stay wide and fairly smooth. Other paths feel rough and uneven. A visitor center close to the main entrance offers maps, restrooms, and basic trip details so you can plan your time on the trails.
Short Walk or Longer Ride:
The large trail network gives you many ways to enjoy the park. You can take a short walk close to the lakes or ride for many hours across hills and open land. Many people come back again and again and still find new paths to explore.
Local Connections and Adventures
After your time on the trails, you can drive back to Cheyenne or Laramie. Both towns offer food, places to sleep, and many spots to relax. This close link between town and park makes Curt Gowdy easy to fit into a weekend or a longer stay.
#2 Medicine Bow Rail Trail (Near Laramie, Wyoming, USA)
Quick Facts
• Length: About 21 miles
• Surface: Packed gravel
• Best For: Easy walks, steady bike rides, and horse riding
• Trail Style: Point to point with several access points
About the Trail
The Medicine Bow Rail Trail runs near Laramie and follows the line of an old railroad through forest land. The route stretches for about 21 miles and gives you a wide and quiet place to enjoy trees, sky, and open air without much noise. You usually reach the trail by driving west from Laramie toward Medicine Bow Routt National Forest on Highway 130 or 230.
You find several marked places to start your walk or ride, including Pelton Creek and Lake Owen. Trains once used this same path, so the ground rises and drops very slowly. The trail does not have sharp climbs. This gentle grade helps you walk or ride at a steady and easy pace. The route works mainly as a point to point trail. You can travel partway and then turn around, or you can plan a longer one way trip between different starting areas. The whole route feels open, quiet, and unhurried.
What to Expect at the Medicine Bow Rail Trail
The Trail Itself:
The path sits on the old railroad base, so it stays wide and firm. Gravel, not pavement, covers most of the surface. The trail passes through forest, open meadows, and long calm stretches far from city sounds. Many visitors talk about a slow, peaceful ride or walk with long straight parts that feel steady, simple, and easy to follow.
Wildlife:
The trail runs through national forest land. People often see deer, elk, moose, birds, and small forest animals along the way. Which animals you see changes with the season and time of day. You usually watch them from a distance while they move freely through the woods and clearings.
Historic Background:
In the early 1900s, trains rolled along this route and carried timber, coal, and other goods. Workers later removed the tracks, but the line of the railroad remains. Today that old line shapes the gentle grade and straight feel of the trail. You sense the history while you move along the wide path.
Accessibility:
Walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders all use this route. The gravel works best if your bike has wider tires and you wear sturdy shoes. Several starting spots offer parking and restrooms. You do not find drinking water along the trail, so you need to bring the water you plan to use.
Short Walk or Longer Ride:
The 21 mile length and the many starting spots give you choices. You can explore only a short section near a parking area or spend most of the day riding or walking deeper into the forest.
Local Connections and Adventures:
After time on the trail, many people go back to Laramie for a meal, rest, and supplies. Laramie offers easy places to unwind and works well as a base for trips on the Medicine Bow Rail Trail.
#3 Casper Rail Trail (Casper, Wyoming, USA)
Quick Facts
• Length: About 9.2 miles
• Surface: Paved
• Best For: Easy walks, relaxed rides, and daily outdoor time
• Trail Style: Point to point with many access points
About the Trail
The Casper Rail Trail runs across the city of Casper and gives you a friendly urban path for steady walking or relaxed biking. The route stretches for about 9.2 miles. You get plenty of room to move at a calm pace.
The trail begins on the west side of the city near Midwest Avenue and Oak Street. It then travels east toward South Poplar Street and South Walsh Drive. You find many cross streets and parks where you can start or end your outing. The path follows an old railroad line, so the ground stays mostly flat and smooth without steep climbs. The trail works as a point to point route. You can ride one way, turn around when you like, or link with other city paths for more distance.
What to Expect at the Casper Rail Trail
The Trail Itself:
The path feels wide and open. Crews paved the full route, so the surface stays smooth for bikes, walkers, runners, and people who use wheels to get around. The even ground helps beginners, families, and anyone who wants a simple ride or walk.
City Scenery:
The trail crosses several parts of Casper. You pass quiet neighborhoods, grassy parks, and busier areas with more traffic and shops. Trees, open lawns, and shared public spaces line many parts of the trail and give you a look at daily life in the city.
Historic Background:
The trail follows the path of a former railroad that once brought trains through Casper. Workers removed the tracks, but the railroad shape remains. This straight and level line now gives you an easy paved route across town.
Accessibility:
Because the trail stays paved and mostly level, people of many ages and abilities can use it. Entry points spread along the full length. The city keeps the path in good shape and adds clear signs to help you stay on route.
Short Walk or Longer Ride:
The main route covers just over nine miles. It also links with other local paths, such as routes near the Platte River Parkway. You can put together a longer ride and explore more of Casper without leaving the trail system.
Local Connections and Adventures:
When you finish your walk or ride, you stand close to parks, museums, cafés, and shops. Many visitors stop downtown, grab a snack, or relax in a nearby park. This makes the Casper Rail Trail easy to fit into a full city day.
#4 Vedauwoo Recreation Area Near Laramie
Quick Facts
• Location: Near Laramie, Wyoming, USA
• Trail Style: Short loops and linked paths
• Popular Loop: Turtle Rock Loop about three miles
• Elevation: More than 8,000 feet above sea level
• Best For: Gentle walks, quiet nature time, flexible visits
About the Trail
Vedauwoo Recreation Area sits a short drive from Laramie and offers a wide outdoor space with many short and medium paths instead of one main long trail. Many people choose the Turtle Rock Loop, which covers about three miles. This loop works well for an easy walk. You can also join it with other paths when you want more time outside.
You find Vedauwoo about ten miles east of Laramie. Drivers reach it on Interstate 80 and follow clear signs that point to the entrance. The land already sits high above sea level, so the air feels thin to some visitors. The paths rise and fall gently around giant rock piles and open ground. You do not face long, steep climbs, which helps the walk feel kind and steady. Many paths form loops or connect together. You can pick a short route or stay out longer and still find your way back without trouble.
What to Expect at Vedauwoo Recreation Area
The Trail Itself:
Visitors walk among huge granite rock formations that lift straight from the ground like natural towers. Paths wind through open grass, thin pine woods, and rocky corridors. The area feels wide, bright, and quiet with big sky views in every direction.
Wildlife:
People often see deer and elk near the trees or crossing the meadows. Small animals also move through the grass and rocks. Bird songs and bird flights show up often, especially during calm mornings and evenings when the area feels most peaceful.
Historic Background:
The rocks in Vedauwoo formed long ago and wind, rain, and ice shaped them into strange and beautiful forms. You do not find many buildings here that tell stories. The stone, the plants, and the open space show the age and character of the land by themselves.
Accessibility:
Vedauwoo sits close to Laramie and right off the highway, so you reach it quickly. Parking areas, picnic tables, and clear paths help families, walkers, and day visitors use the area without stress.
Short Walk or Longer Ride:
Some people stop for a short walk, a picnic, or a quick drive through the rocks. Others stay longer to explore more paths or camp nearby. The area works for quick trips and full days outside.
Local Connections and Adventures:
After your time at Vedauwoo, you can head back to Laramie for meals, rest, and supplies. The town sits near the area, so you can enjoy wild rock formations and still keep simple comforts close at hand.
#5 Cache Creek Trail Jackson
Quick Facts
• Length: About 2 miles
• Trail Style: Loop path
• Elevation Change: Around 150 to 200 feet
• Best For: Easy walks, gentle rides, and quiet nature time
• Location: Near downtown Jackson, Wyoming
About the Trail
Cache Creek Trail near Jackson offers a short and gentle outing that fits well into an easy day outside. The route covers about two miles. Many ages enjoy this path because the distance and slopes stay mild and do not feel too hard.
The trail starts just east of downtown Jackson, so you reach it with a short drive from town. The path climbs and drops slowly with only a small change in height. You do not face sharp or long climbs. Most people follow the route as a loop. You begin and end your walk in the same general area, which keeps planning simple. Overall, the trail gives a calm, friendly way to enjoy trees and fresh air close to town.
What to Expect at the Cache Creek Trail
The Trail Itself:
You move through a mix of forest, small open spaces, and stretches that run near a creek. The path stays clear and many people use it, so you do not feel lost. The setting feels safe and relaxed, which helps beginners and anyone who wants a quiet break from busy streets.
Wildlife:
As you walk, you may see birds and small animals along the route. You often spot signs of nature, such as tracks or sounds in the brush, even if you do not meet larger animals. Most visits stay peaceful and focus on the simple feeling of being outdoors.
Natural Features:
Parts of the trail run beside Cache Creek. The flowing water adds a soft sound and a cool feeling to the outing. Views of nearby hills and open sky help the area feel fresh and open, even though you stay close to town.
Accessibility:
The trail sits near Jackson, so local people and visitors reach it easily. Crews care for the path and add clear signs. Local rules usually allow dogs, but you need to keep control of your pet and follow posted park rules.
Short Walk or Longer Ride:
The short length makes this trail good for a quick walk, a slow bike ride, or part of a longer outdoor day when you join it with nearby paths. It fits both short, simple visits and longer, unhurried time outside.
Local Connections and Adventures:
After you finish your loop, Jackson waits nearby. You can visit restaurants, browse shops, or relax in town parks. The close link between trail and town lets you turn a simple outing into a full day of exploring and relaxing.
#6 Happy Jack Recreation Area Cheyenne
Quick Facts
• Trail Style: Linked paths and loop routes
• Surface: Natural dirt and forest ground
• Best For: Gentle walks, relaxed rides, and quiet nature time
• Location: Near Cheyenne, Wyoming
About the Trail
Happy Jack Recreation Area near Cheyenne gives you a simple and flexible way to enjoy forest and open hills. The area does not offer just one long trail. Instead, many linked paths cross the land. You can choose a short walk or create a longer outing by joining several routes. This setup works for different energy levels and visit styles.
Drivers coming from Cheyenne or Laramie use Interstate 80 and take the exit for Happy Jack Road. This road leads straight into forest country. Clear starting spots include areas named Happy Jack, Tie City, and Yellow Pine. The land sits high above sea level, but the slopes stay gentle. Walks and rides usually feel steady and pleasant instead of hard. Many paths form loops or connect to each other. You can return to your starting point without repeating the same line, which helps even new visitors feel comfortable.
What to Expect at Happy Jack Recreation Area
The Trail Itself:
As you step onto the paths, you notice different types of routes. Some follow wide, smooth forest roads. Others wind along narrower single paths through pine trees and meadows. The ground stays natural dirt and forest floor. The routes stay clear enough to follow without confusion. Trees give shade in many spots. Open areas offer wide views of rolling hills and forest edges.
Scenery and Nature:
While you move along the paths, you pass sunny clearings, seasonal wildflowers, and quiet stands of trees. The look of the area shifts with the seasons. Spring and early summer bring bright green colors. Fall covers hills and trees with warm gold and red tones. Winter snows turn the land white and quiet.
Wildlife:
You may see deer near clearings, birds in the branches, and small animals on logs or along the edges of the path. Happy Jack forms part of the larger Medicine Bow National Forest, so wildlife forms a natural part of any visit.
Accessibility:
Happy Jack sits close to Cheyenne and Laramie, so you reach it easily. Starting areas offer parking and simple facilities. Families, cyclists, and horseback riders all use the paths. The gentle nature of most routes means you do not need special gear for short outings.
Lengthy Ride or Short Walk:
Because many paths link together, you can shape your trip. Take a brief walk that lasts less than an hour. Or join several loops and roads for a long afternoon outside with your dog. The flexible layout supports both quick visits and all day trips.
Local Connections and Adventures:
After your time on the trails, you can drive back to Cheyenne or Laramie for food, rest, or shopping. Happy Jack also sits close to other outdoor spots. Many people plan a larger day that includes visits to Vedauwoo or Curt Gowdy State Park to enjoy even more variety.
#7 Green Belt Pathway – Rock Springs and Green River
Quick Facts
• Length: About 3.5 miles
• Surface: Smooth paved path
• Best For: Easy walks, relaxed bike rides, and family time
• Location: Green River area in Wyoming
About the Trail
The Green Belt Pathway in the Rock Springs and Green River area offers a calm, simple way to spend time outside. The route follows the Green River for about 3.5 miles. This length gives you enough distance to enjoy the outdoors without feeling worn out.
Many visitors start near Expedition Island, a well known park along the river in Green River. From there, the pathway runs close to town streets while it also follows the curves of the river. The ground stays mostly flat, with no steep climbs. This gentle grade helps people of many ages feel at ease. The pathway mainly works as a one way route along the river, but many park access points let you turn around or finish at a different park. First time visitors usually find the path clear, friendly, and easy to understand.
What to Expect on the Green Belt Pathway
The Trail Itself:
The pathway feels wide and smooth underfoot. The paved surface works well for walkers, cyclists, children on bikes, and people pushing strollers. In many places, the trail passes quite close to the river and gives you broad water views while you move.
Wildlife:
As you follow the river, you often see ducks, geese, and other birds along the banks or in the water. These common river birds add gentle sound and motion to your walk or ride.
Natural and Town Views:
The pathway blends the feel of nature with the comfort of town spaces. On one side, you watch the Green River move through the valley. On the other, you see grassy parks, shade trees, open fields, and sometimes nearby homes or streets. Benches and shaded areas along the route give you places to sit, rest, and enjoy the view.
Accessibility:
Because the pathway runs through town and links many parks, you can reach it very easily. Parking lots, rest areas, and nearby roads let you enter or leave the route from several points. This layout helps children, older adults, and casual walkers use the trail with confidence.
Short Walk or Longer Ride:
You can travel the whole length for a longer outing, or you can use one small part for a short walk or quick ride. The many access points make it easy to match your time and energy to the distance.
Local Connections and Adventures:
When you finish your time on the pathway, you stand close to parks, picnic tables, and town services in Green River. Many people sit near the water, relax in grassy areas, or visit nearby places to eat. The setting lets you shape a peaceful day that centers on the river.
#8 Pole Mountain Trails – Medicine Bow National Forest
Quick Facts
• Length: About 5.5 miles
• Surface: Natural dirt and small rocks
• Best For: Calm hikes, steady movement, and forest time
• Location: Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming
About the Trail
The Pole Mountain Trails in Medicine Bow National Forest offer a quiet and comfortable hike for people who enjoy wide views and fresh air. The main loop covers about 5.5 miles. This distance gives you a solid walk without the need to rush.
Most visitors reach the area from Laramie or Cheyenne by driving along Wyoming Highway 210, also known as Happy Jack Road. From the highway, forest roads lead to a signed starting area with parking and clear trail signs. The path rises and falls with a total height change of around 820 feet. These gentle ups and downs keep your body moving while still feeling manageable. Because the route forms a loop, you start and finish in almost the same spot. You see new scenery around each bend and do not need to backtrack. The trail system here feels simple, well marked, and easy to enjoy.
What to Expect at the Pole Mountain Trails
The Trail Itself:
As you follow the loop, you cross open grassy hills, areas with sage and small shrubs, and stretches with scattered trees. The surface changes between firm dirt and short rocky patches. The path feels natural but still stays clear so you can follow it without guesswork.
Scenery:
As you walk higher and then lower again, wide views open across forest ridges and rolling land. Because the loop circles around Pole Mountain, you often look far across parts of the Wyoming plains and forest. These long views add a calm and open feeling to the hike.
Wildlife:
You often hear birds calling and singing during the walk. You may see deer or elk near the edges of the path, especially during quieter times of day. Larger animals usually stay deeper in the forest, but you still sense a living, wild landscape around you.
Trail Condition and Preparation:
Signs mark the route clearly, and most people follow the loop without trouble. Sturdy walking shoes help on soft dirt and small rocks. You do not find drinking water at the parking area or along the loop, so you need to carry water and simple snacks.
Season and Best Time to Visit:
Most visitors come from late spring through early fall. During these seasons, weather often feels mild and the path stays clear of deep snow. In winter, snow can cover the route and make travel harder unless you bring special cold weather gear.
Short Walk or Longer Ride:
The main Pole Mountain loop gives you about 5.5 miles, which fits a half day outing for many people. If you want more time outside, you can join nearby paths or follow other forest roads. This lets you choose between a shorter loop and a longer forest adventure.
Local Connections and Adventures:
After you finish the loop, you can visit nearby forest areas such as Happy Jack or Vedauwoo. These places offer more trails, picnic spots, and camping options. Together, they create many ways to spend a full day surrounded by Wyoming forests and hills.
#9 Owen Bircher Park Trail – Jackson
Quick Facts
• Length: No official long trail mileage listed
• Surface: Grass and simple walking paths
• Best For: Short walks, relaxed strolls, and easy park time
• Location: Jackson and Wilson, Wyoming
About the Trail
Owen Bircher Park Trail in the Wilson area near Jackson offers a quiet and simple place for short walks. The space serves more as a community park than as a long distance trail area.
A visitor coming from Jackson drives west on Highway 22 toward Wilson and reaches the park quickly, since it sits along the main road through town. Inside the park, you do not follow one long measured route. Public sources do not list an exact walking distance. Instead, you find short paths that cross open grass, shaded areas, and basic park grounds. Some of these paths link with nearby town routes outside the park. The land stays mostly flat, without steep slopes, so walking feels easy and calm. No confirmed number describes the total change in height. This park works best for gentle strolls, short breaks, and quick dog walks close to homes and shops.
What to Expect at the Owen Bircher Park Trail
The Trail Itself:
As you walk through Owen Bircher Park, you see wide lawns, short walking loops, benches, and shade trees. The ground feels smooth underfoot and suits slow walking. The park supports quiet, easy movement instead of long or hard workouts.
Wildlife:
Because the park lies near natural lowland and river areas, you may notice birds, insects, and small animals nearby. These wildlife moments feel simple and calm and match the easy nature of the park.
Historic Background:
You do not find known historic buildings or major old structures along the paths inside the park. People value the space mainly as a daily gathering and play area for the community.
Accessibility:
The park sits right inside Wilson, so you reach it quickly from town streets. Short, flat paths and open grass give families, older visitors, and casual walkers an easy place to move around.
Lengthy Ride or Short Visit:
Owen Bircher Park does not serve as a long trail system. It fits quick walks, slow strolls with your dog, and short breaks during the day. If you want more distance, you can follow nearby town routes and paths that lead away from the park.
Local Connections and Adventures:
After a visit to Owen Bircher Park, many people explore Wilson or drive back toward Jackson. You find cafés, small shops, and scenic drives nearby. In this way, a short walk in the park can lead into more time exploring local towns and views.
#10 Edness K. Wilkins State Park – Casper
Quick Facts
• Length: About 2.8 miles
• Surface: Smooth paved paths
• Best For: Easy walks, calm bike rides, and quiet outdoor time
• Location: Casper, Wyoming
About the Trail
Edness K. Wilkins State Park near Casper offers a peaceful outdoor space with about 2.8 miles of smooth paved paths. These routes suit both walkers and cyclists and sit close to the North Platte River.
You reach the park by driving east from Casper on U.S. Highway 20 26 87 toward Evansville. The park sits only a short drive from the city, which makes visits simple. The area lies in a river valley, so the land stays mostly flat. You do not climb steep hills. Movement on the paths feels easy and relaxed. The paved routes form gentle loops and short links. This layout lets you choose a brief walk or join several parts for more time outside. The path system stays simple enough that you do not feel rushed or lost.
What to Expect at Edness K. Wilkins State Park
The Trail Itself:
When you step onto the paths, you notice wide pavement, tall cottonwood trees, and open grassy areas. In many places, the path passes near the river. You enjoy soft water views and shade from the trees during warm months.
Wildlife:
The park’s spot along the North Platte River brings many birds. In spring and fall, you may see large numbers during migration. Some kinds stay all year. If you stand quietly near the water, you often see birds resting, flying above, or feeding along the riverbank.
Historic Background:
The park does not focus on old buildings or ruins. People value it for its river setting and its long role as a public outdoor space for the Casper area.
Accessibility:
The park lies close to Casper and staff keep it in good condition. The paved paths work well for strollers, bikes, and visitors who prefer smooth, even ground. An accessible fishing pier also gives more people a safe way to spend time beside the river.
Short Walk or Longer Ride:
Edness K. Wilkins State Park fits both short and long visits. You can walk a quick loop or ride for a short time. You can also bring a picnic, watch the river, and explore slowly for many hours.
Local Connections and Adventures:
After your time in the park, you can return to Casper for meals, rest, and other activities. Because the park sits so close to the city, you can enjoy nature along the river and still spend part of your day in town.
