Lakeside Camping and Mountain Biking

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 as you whip around the map. You won't find any huge climbs or descents, at least by Front Range standards, but there are several skills areas with jumps and drops for the rider looking to hone his or her technical abilities.

Campsites dot the lake shores, and fishing and boating are allowed. Because of the sweet access to the trails right from the campsites, this is an extremely crowded location in the summer. We went in late October and the weather was temperate and the trails completely empty. Keep in mind there isn't much around this part of Wyoming, so you'll need to pack in all your water, food, bike maintenance tools, and first aid kits—as we unfortunately found out. The ranger is one of the nicest in the business, so stop by the visitor center when you arrive to pay your dues. Out-of-staters, prepare to fork over a little more to enjoy this great park!

Helpful Links:
Curt Gowdy Trails Map
Curt Gowdy Brochure