Oregon Trail Ruts Loop

Who doesn't love natural bridge formations?! I know I do! I always try to seek them out every time I hit the road for one of my photography road trips. ...Ayers Natural Bridge Park is a very well maintained and beautiful public park at the bottom of a red-rock canyon. It's about 15 minutes from Douglas, and is about 5 miles off the I-25. When entering the park, you'll pass an old power house...

North Overlook Trail is a quick 0.6 mile loop hike at Scotts Bluff National Monument near Gering, Nebraska. The loop is paved, making it good for the whole family, but make sure to keep an eye on the kiddos due to drop-offs and some crumbly footing. There are also spots to grab a seat on the benches and to read up on the history and geology of this prairie location. Leashed pets are allowed on ...

Take some time to visit the visitor center and walk around the grounds. You can take a good look at the ruts of the Oregon Trail. You can take several small hikes (be sure to bring your camera) to get to the top of the Bluff, which provide very good views of the North Plate River plain. You can also take a quick side trip to the Chimney.National Park Service provides a helpful map of the area o...

Curt Gowdy State Park, one of the few southeast Wyoming hot spots, has a couple of hidden gems. One of the best is the “Chameleon,” ruler of Curt Gowdy State Park. To reach the Chameleon, head out on Crow Creek Trail, then loop back on Mo’ Rocka Trail. The trailhead is near the entrance of Curt Gowdy State Park – park at the dirt lot on your righthand side, just before the inlet of the reservoi...

This trail system is somewhat of a hidden gem to mountain bikers south of the Wyoming border. Those who know their way around the best trail systems, though, hail Curt Gowdy as one of the best. If you've got some energy to burn, try the IMBA Epic suggested route, which loops together the 20 miles of trails in one awesome day's ride. The terrain shifts from Rocky Mountain-esque to Great Plains a...

Directions: From Laramie, take I-80 east to exit 323 and continue on HWY 210 east for approximately 15 miles. From there the entrance to Curt Gowdy State Park will be clearly marked on the right side of the road. Then drive south for 1.4 miles until you reach a large parking area on the right side. Don't forget to pay your daily parking fee! The Trail: The trail can be as long or short as you ...