Being in southeastern Wyoming, some (and many) individuals can’t help to think that there is nothing to do here, especialy being on the opposite side of the hotspot of the state, Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park.
But they are respectfully wrong.
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Just a few days ago, a work colleague and I were talking about the many things to do around the area including the various outdoor activities to choose from. We joked that if you move here and you aren’t outdoorsy, you’re going to have a hard time appreciating the beauty around you. But really, he was right – there is far more beauty in the depths of the Medicine Bow – Routt National Forest than many know and it’s on both sides of Laramie, despite contrary belief.
The point of my post today is to bring awareness to Laramie locals and guests that they need to get out beyond what they find on Google and TripAdvisor reviews.. Being in an isolated part of the state, let’s be honest, can be very hard on the mental play of anyone. But there is a resource right out your front door that could keep us all entertained (and happy!) for many, many years if we were to just let it!
As you head east of Laramie on Interstate 80, taking the exit to Happy Jack Road is the ticket to a quick camping trip, day hike or climbing sesh. It astonishes me how many southeastern Wyoming residents here do not go beyond the typical Vedauwoo and Curt Gowdy State Park attractions when heading that direction. Well let me please be one of the few to tell you, there is so much beyond the over advertised recreation areas in this region and it is all only a small drives distance away!
As you head east of Laramie on Interstate 80, taking the exit to Happy Jack Road is the ticket to a quick camping trip, day hike or climbing sesh. It astonishes me how many southeastern Wyoming residents here do not go beyond the typical Vedauwoo and Curt Gowdy State Park attractions when heading that direction. Well let me please be one of the few to tell you, there is so much beyond the over advertised recreation areas in this region and it is all only a small drives distance away!
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I'm sure we can all agree that sometimes you just want your own space when getting out for a relaxing weekend camping trip. Sometimes you just want to crank your music up in the morning as you are setting up breakfast. Or sometimes you just want to find that place within the boulders to take a small cat nap under the nice summer sun. Regardless of your mountain adventuring wants and needs, Pole Mountain is the quick escape for anyone traveling to or living in Laramie or the nearby capital city.
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Just north of Vedauwoo and Happy Jack Road on Forest Service Roads 714, 712, and the like, are areas where you will find countless pull offs that can satisfy all types of mountain fun and adventure that an outdoorsy individual may lust for. I’m talking rock climbing and bouldering formations, trails with less people, and finding hidden beaver ponds galore. Camping in this area is mostly dispersed, however, all spots are marked via the Motor Vehicle Pole Mountain Map (below). While the 2018 summer was extremely busy, it always seems the hype of camping in the Pole Mountain area calms as the summertime continues. Finding your favorites spots open on a Friday night becomes more and more common, especially going into the month of August. You will find camp trailers in the “easy” spots to access almost all season, but if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you will be sure to find a hidden spot tucked away from the other campers.
As you view the MV Pole Mountain Map, once you find Happy Jack Road (in blue below), look north and see all the roads waiting for you to explore.
(The Full Map can be found on the USFS website here - look for "Laramie Ranger District - Pole Mountain" )
In my experience, there are many areas you can hike into as well, especially in areas that have been closed off as old 4-wheel drive trails that end at old camping spots. Seriously folks, the Pole Mountain area provides a lower elevation outdoor experience that can provide much more than what we see on Wyoming Toursim phamlets (which is crazy, I know! It DOES get that beautiful around here!).
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For day mountain adventures, you have both established and not so established trails to hike on and endless boulder formations to choose from when you're feeling limber and really adventurous (most formations take at least a few days to explore completely in the sense of day trips). And of course fishing - the countless beaver and small ponds in this area are hidden but are often times stocked by state entities with trout. While most of the catches are small "stocker" fish, sometimes catching a lil brookie 10x over on a spinner can actually be alot of fun.
No matter your style of mountain adventure, this is genuinely an amazing area to explore and if you haven’t taken the time to check it out, please do. Just always remember to prepare for changing weather conditions, go with a friend when possible, and always follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.
Until next time!
-B
Updated December 2018
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