Skip Town on These Day Trips from Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne, Wyoming, doesn’t get as much attention as the big sites around the state, like Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park outside of Jackson Hole. 

Some of that is deserved. It wasn’t our favorite place in the country. That said, Cheyenne is still a great base for exploring this corner of the state.

The day trips from Cheyenne that I get into below were all tested by us. We got quite a bit done as we had a full month there and didn’t love hanging out in the town itself. We even found our new favorite city in Colorado as part of our escape plans.

As you make decisions on what to prioritize while you’re here, use the mileage and drive times as an estimate. Wildlife traffic jams and weather delays are a big deal here.

Curt Gowdy State Park

Distance: 26 miles
Drive Time: 30 minutes

This state park is in Cheyenne proper, but as you’d need to hit the road to visit, I’m including it here. Drive the Happy Jack Rock, the scenic road between Cheyenne and Laramie, to get yourself to lovely Curt Cowdy State Park.

We were here to hit the trails, but you can also spend a full day at the park if you love outdoor pursuits like hiking, fishing, or boating. Everything is very dog-friendly. 

If you’re here in the summertime, it does get busy, especially if you’re here to stay overnight. You’ll pay either fee at the visitor center, so build some time in for standing in line if it’s a warm weekend in the summer.

Our favorite hike in the park was the Crow Creek Trail to Hidden Falls. The scenery along the way was more impressive than the falls, but that’s just giving kudos to this trail.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

Distance: 30 miles
Drive Time: 35 minutes

Cheyenne is about a half-hour drive from the mountains if you visit the Pole Mountain section of Medicine Bow National Forest. This national recreation area includes that forest, Routt National Forest, and Thunder Basin National Grassland.

It covers 2.9 million acres of adventuring. Our favorite spot within the forests was the Vedauwoo Recreation Area and its impressive granite rocks.

We’re not bouldering people, but if you are, this is a popular spot for that activity. We were here to hike the Turtle Rock Trail. This loop trail is just under three miles with little elevation gain. It was a little muddy during our spring trek, but otherwise fairly breezy.

You’ll get views of Turtle Rock for the entirety of the hike. Keep your eyes on the trail, though. This is moose country, and you don’t want to surprise one of those.

If you’re here in the winter, the forest is home to the Snowy Range Ski Area, the closest ski area to Cheyenne. Alongside Happy Jack Road, the Snowy Range Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic drives near Cheyenne.

READ MORE: Why am I such a hater? I get into some of my gripes on Cheyenne, including the Terry Bison Ranch, in our detailed guide.

Tree in the Rock

Distance: 32 miles
Drive Time: 35 minutes

This pull-off in the middle of Interstate 80 in Buford, Wyoming, is just what you’d expect. It’s a tree that appears to be growing out of a rock.

This pine tree comes with a little more historical significance than that. It’s been in this very spot since the Union Pacific started laying tracks here in 1867. 

The rail workers worked around the tree because they were so impressed by its ingenuity. Can you imagine folks caring as much back then, or even today? It’s a fun stop on your way to Laramie or the recreational areas just west.

Ames Monument

Distance: 40 miles
Drive Time: 40 minutes

If you’ve always wanted to go to Egypt but are afraid of flying, you can take a Wyoming road trip to Ames Monument. This large pyramid near Laramie was placed here to mark the highest point on the transcontinental railroad.

It’s named after brothers Oakes and Oliver Ames, two businessmen with connections to the railroad industry. You’ll see the profile of Abe Lincoln on one of the sides in honor of a big proponent of the rail industry.

There isn’t a ton to see here after you’ve read the interpretive signs in front of the pyramid. Keep your eyes peeled for prairie dogs that like to scurry around these parts. 

Note: You will need to drive off-road for about two miles to get to the monument. We made the drive in our SUV without incident, but you’d need to take things slowly in a sedan or smaller vehicle.

Fort Collins, Colorado

Distance: 49 miles
Drive Time: 50 minutes

We absolutely loved Fort Collins. We loved it enough that we fled Cheyenne a total of five different times during our stay there just to see more of Fort Collins. It’s certainly on our short list of places that would warrant a longer stay.

I get into all of our favorite things in my detailed guide to Fort Collins. In one day there, I’d recommend the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, lunch at The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm, and an afternoon in downtown Fort Collins.

Fort Collins is also Colorado’s brewing capital. If you love beer, you’ll want to prioritize this one. Just make sure you have a designated driver with you.

Windsor, Colorado

Distance: 54 miles
Drive Time: 50 minutes

Windsor is home to RainDance National Resort & Golf, the longest golf course in North America.

The setup is one of the most interesting setups I’ve seen at a golf course, or at least a clubhouse. I only dropped Brian off, but it was set up in an old-timey way with swinging benches and trailers as bathrooms for the Fillies. (That’s their label, not mine.)

There’s quite a bit of remodeling that’s happening, though, so it may look different during your visit or on a repeat visit for us. Check out Brian’s guide as to whether the golf itself was worth the trip.

Lory State Park

Distance: 53 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour

This scenic park in Bellvue, Colorado, doesn’t get as much love as Horsetooth Mountain Open Space in Fort Collins. While I’d agree with that sentiment if you’ve already been to see the Horsetooth Reservoir, this state park offers beautiful views with fewer people.

It was super green during my visit, which is always fun to see when you’ve lived in drought conditions. Pay at the visitor’s center upon arrival and you’re good to go from there. To see the best of the park, hike the Arthur’s Rock Trail if you’re able. 

Greeley, Colorado

Distance: 53 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Greeley is about half an hour from Loveland, so it’s easy to combine the two if you want to see more of this side of Colorado.

For a day in Greeley itself, Lincoln Park is where you should start. The park has been here since the city’s founding. It’s also just a good spot to get yourself situated in downtown Greeley and explore the public art, like the popular Albert Einstein mural.

Fun fact: The mural’s official name is Imagination is More Important than Knowledge. I feel like you need both, but it’s a great piece of art nonetheless.

Greeley is also a great stop for a nip. WeldWerks Brewing Co. and 477 Distilling are both delicious. It just depends on what you’re after.

Laramie, Wyoming

Distance: 54 miles
Drive Time: 55 minutes

Laramie and Cheyenne are just over 50 miles apart, which makes Laramie one of the most popular day trips from Cheyenne.

Start at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument. This is the highest point on Interstate 80, and you’ll pass by it on your way into Laramie proper anyway.

There’s a rest area here for all of your road-tripping needs along with some interpretive signage.  

From there, head to the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, a former federal penitentiary that housed Butch Cassidy.

I have more on that and more in my guide to Laramie from Cheyenne, but you’ll want to prioritize The Sugar Mouse Cupcake House. It’s one of the cutest places I’ve ever seen, with delicious cupcakes to boot.

Loveland, Colorado

Distance: 54 miles
Drive Time: 50 minutes

I found Loveland to be a miniature version of Fort Collins, which is already one of my favorite places in the country. As such, it’s easy to combine Loveland with time in nearby Fort Collins, but it’s still worth a day trip of its own.

On a quick visit, you won’t want to miss the two love-lock sculptures in town and the city’s three sculpture parks. 

Finish off an artsy day with a pour at Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, the oldest brewery in town, or a wine-tasting flight at the scenic Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center. They have chocolate boards at the winery, an experience I’d highly recommend. 

Great Stupa of Dharmakaya

Distance: 69 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya is a Buddhist site in Colorado that was built to inter the ashes of Chogham Trungpa, a well-regarded meditation master. It can be quite an adventure to get up here, but once you make it, it delivers on the promise of tranquility. 

I had to navigate my first highway cattle drive on the road to get here from Cheyenne, and the last five miles or so were all crumbly dirt and gravel.

You have to park at the bottom of the hill and walk the last bit up to the stupa, but that may be for the spiritual aspects of visits here.

The stupa itself is stunning. It comes into view and disappears as you curve your way around it. On the first approach, it dominates the landscape. Hearing birds chirping in the distance makes it a very peaceful experience.

There’s an on-site visitor center if you’d like to learn more information. You can also get some tea while you’re here.

Estes Park, Colorado

Distance: 91 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Estes Park is a popular base for adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it’s a charming Colorado stop even if you focus on the town itself. 

If you love all of the spooky things, start at The Stanley Hotel. This is one of the most haunted hotels in the United States and the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in The Shining. If you’re not feeling that brave, stick to the stunning scenery. 

While the Estes Park Aerial Tramway is permanently closed, the town is a gateway to some of the best hiking in the state.

Start with the Lake Estes Trail if you’re not able to make it to Rocky Mountain. The four-mile loop with little elevation is super family-friendly.

Boulder, Colorado

Distance: 92 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Boulder is a fairly easy add-on to trips to Denver, but since you’re already driving from Cheyenne, it’s worth its own day trip.

Outdoor enthusiasts should start with hiking the Flatirons. The five rock formations are numbered for your convenience, so choose one at your skill level.

We went with Flatiron #1, the most iconic of the five. (That’s what I hear, at least.) It’s also one of the most popular, as it starts from Chautauqua Park.

If you’re not here to hike, check out the events calendar at the University of Colorado Boulder, eat your way through Pearl Street Mall, or plan a float trip along Boulder Creek. That last one is obviously a summertime excursion, but it’s quite popular with locals.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Distance: 95 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

At nearly two hours of drive time to the edge of the park, this may be a big ask for a day trip from Cheyenne. I’d say a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park from Cheyenne is still worth it if you’re not able to make a separate trip.

I love the mountains. Give me some alpine lakes and it’s a recipe for my favorite national park in Colorado. If you visit in the summertime, one long day here means you’ll have time to drive the Trail Ridge Road and hike one of the park’s trails.

Note: The Trail Ridge Road is a high-elevation road that isn’t accessible outside of the summer and early fall. If you’re able to time your visit right, though, it’s one of the most impressive driving tours in the United States.

If you’d like to hike, any of the trails that start from the Bear Lake Trailhead are perfect for the day. This is where you’ll access Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, and the wonderful Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake trails.

For those visiting Rocky Mountain for a longer stay, consider the hike to Sky Pond. It’s one of the toughest hikes I’ve ever done, but you forget about all about that once you’re at the main vista point. You also hike inside a waterfall, people!

Guernsey, Wyoming

Distance: 95 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

This small Wyoming town is home to two important Oregon Trail historic sites: Register Cliff Historic Site and the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site.

We are from a generation that was very much into The Oregon Trail game. There was definitely excitement in the air as we bopped around the real trail within a short drive of Cheyenne.

The Register Cliff Historic Site was supposedly one of the main checkpoints along the trail where emigrants and pioneers carved their names into the soft sandstone.

The thing is, it’s become overrun by modern-day “pioneers” doing the same, so it’s basically impossible to know which (if any) are verified as 19th-century carvings. Signage at the site suggests only two signatures have been verified so far. 

Here’s a little more evidence to be skeptical here. If you visit the wagon ruts I’ll describe next, you’ll see that there weren’t many mentions of the carvings in Oregon Trail diaries.

It’s a big “meh” for me on this one.

It’s just a bummer to see that it’s essentially become a graffiti site vs. such a fascinating part of history. I did appreciate that the signage gave a shoutout to the Native Americans here before the white pioneers. To them, the cliffside was a point of sadness and loss.

The Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site was an improvement. This site shows where the Oregon Trail was pushed away from the nearby river. You’ll see ridges worn into the soft sandstone, some as deep as five feet.

There’s a half-mile paved trail around the site with some minimal elevation gain on the way up. It was wild to think about how many people crossed the country in this spot.

If you want to linger in Guernsey, the town is also home to Guernsey State Park where you can enjoy water activities and hikes around the Guernsey Reservoir.

Denver, Colorado

Distance: 100 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

It’s less than two hours from Denver to Cheyenne, if you have a hankering for a city break, Colorado’s capital is a great option. Stroll historic Larimer Square, explore the Denver Botanic Gardens, or get your art fix at the Denver Art Museum.

If you don’t mind a little more time on the road, Denver is a great base for driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. The scenic drive climbed over 7,000 feet to a total altitude of over 14,000 feet. Yes, you can feel the thin air up there.

Fun fact: The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America. That’s why it’s a preferred hangout for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots. You’re likely to see them all on your own visit there.

If you time things right, you could find yourself at the best beer fest in the United States. Denver is home to the annual Great American Beer Festival. Yes, I’ve been multiple times.

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Distance: 100 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Our day trip to Nebraska’s Scotts Bluff was a pleasant surprise. We started with a drive up to the top for views of the surrounding landscape and the North Platte River. You can make the drive up as we did to save time or hike up there as a more aggressive option.

If you hike, the national park site is completely pet-friendly, but we were warned about rattlesnake activity. Keep those pups on a short leash.

Back at the bottom, have some fun at the Oregon Trial display, complete with oxen pulling the carts. There are additional exhibits in the visitor center inside and an informational film that we skipped because we had Kimmy with us.

This park is all free, by the way. If that doesn’t entice you further I’m not sure what would.

Fort Laramie, Wyoming

Distance: 114 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

This Western town is home to the Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Visit the free site to experience the story of a fur trading post-turned-military post that has operated in some form since 1834.

We had our dog with us, so we took turns checking out the officers’ quarters, barracks, and other historic buildings open to tourists.

There is a nice riverside path that passes by the old jail. This is where drunk military men would sober up after squandering the week’s wages on booze.

That’s what the signs said, by the way. I don’t make up most things on this site.

Check for ticks if you take any walks along the river. Kimmy came home with one that transferred itself to me. Her flea and tick treatment worked, but it was definitely a harrowing experience for those not on monthly pest medications.

We spent a little over an hour at this historic site, but you can spend more time if you want to watch the video in the visitor’s center and explore the surrounding trails.

Morrison, Colorado

Distance: 114 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Morrison and Denver are just 25 minutes apart, so you can plan both on a day trip from Cheyenne. I’m highlighting them separately in case you want to linger at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Also known as the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, this natural events space is known for its acoustics at live music shows and breathtaking views. There are a number of hiking trails to explore here or enjoy a scenic drive in nearby Bear Creek Canyon.

Morrison is also home to the Morrison Natural History Museum, a must-see for fans of dinosaur fossils. 

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Distance: 117 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

This was a super quick stop for us. We had our dog with us to make it a combo trip with Scotts Bluff.

The trail that takes you closer to the rock also wasn’t open when we visited. It was still neat to see the rock from afar, with signage on the approach where you can read more about it.

Back in the pioneer days, Chimney Rock was the most noted landmark for emigrants along the Oregon, Mormon, and California trails. It’s certainly one of the most noted landmarks in this region of Nebraska today.

To learn more, visit the on-site museum. We didn’t partake because we had the dog with us. There’s a fee for admission, too.

Carhenge

Distance: 151 miles
Drive Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

If you don’t have the time or resources for the real deal, this piece of public art in Alliance, Nebraska, may be the next best thing.

I’m kidding. This does not compare to Stonehenge.

It’s still a fun, quirky stop as Nebraska’s answer to the prehistoric site. We made this stop on our drive north after our trip to Cheyenne, and I’d recommend the same if you’re on a longer road trip. Otherwise, you’re driving quite a bit to see some roadside car art. 

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Distance: 170 miles
Drive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

With less than a full day here, choose one or two of the big attractions in town. Hiking Garden of the Gods is where I’d suggest starting, especially if you want to stretch your legs. It gets very busy the later it gets in the day, even on warm summer days.

Red Rocks Canyon is a good alternative if you don’t want to battle the crowds. For a fancier time, plan a trip to see The Broadmoor, the city’s destination resort. I have more on all of this in my guide to Colorado Springs.

Frisco, Colorado

Distance: 172 miles
Drive Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

You can combine Frisco with Breckenridge or spend a day in Frisco hiking Rainbow Lake or the Dillon Reservoir. History buffs should tour the Frisco Historic Park and Museum.

No matter how you spend the bulk of your day, spend the bulk of your eating at Outer Range Brewing Company.

They host food inside their brewery from Bird Craft, and you really need to try their Thai-inspired fried chicken. It was honestly one of the best bites of food we’ve had in our travels throughout Colorado. 

The mountain views at this place are excellent, too.

READ MORE: Love the idea of exploring more of Colorado? Start with my state guide.

Manitou Springs, Colorado

Distance: 175 miles
Drive Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Manitou Springs is easily combined with a day trip to Colorado Springs, especially if you’re here to see the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. 

These are a reconstruction of the real thing at Mesa Verde National Park. As we got a sickness that shall not be named during a trip that was to include Mesa Verde, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings were an OK compromise. 

If you want to work up a sweat before heading back to Cheyenne, the challenging Manitou Springs Incline, or just the Manitou Incline, will do the job. Just make a free reservation online before you get to steppin’. 

Breckenridge, Colorado

Distance: 179 miles
Drive Time: 3 hours

Adorable Breckenridge was our first choice for a month-long stay in Colorado that landed us in the alternative town I’ll get into next, but it was too expensive. That makes it the perfect day trip.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time here in both the summer and winter months, so check out my Breck guide for more on that.

On a short trip, wander Main Street, nibble on treats at  Breckenridge Cheese & Chocolate, and meet the woodland troll Isak Heartstone.

Fairplay, Colorado

Distance: 184 miles
Drive Time: 3 hours

We spent a full month in Fairplay, a Colorado mountain town that offers the scenic views you’d expect with a big side of quirk. Locals have embraced their town’s place in pop culture history as the inspiration for the cartoon series South Park.

This is a long day trip from Cheyenne, but I’ll include it here because I loved this town so much. Check out my Fairplay guide for my favorite things to do.

The South Park City Museum, Millonzi’s Restaurant, and the town’s access to hiking trails are all worth your time. 

More Day Trips from Cheyenne

Despite my feelings about Cheyenne, there is a lot to do within a few hours of town. Three hours remain the max on these, so I won’t include places like Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis despite what you may have read elsewhere.

Here are a few more trips we didn’t make this time around, but would certainly revisit on repeat trips to both Wyoming and Colorado:

• Golden, Colorado (109 miles/1 hour 45 minutes): Golden Gate Canyon State Park looks darn pretty. The 3.4-mile Raccoon Trail appears to be a great introduction.
• Nederland, Colorado (112 miles/2 hours 5 minutes): This town is known for Frozen Dead Guy Days, a festival for one of their cryogenically frozen residents.
• Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (135 miles/2 hours 15 minutes): This paleontological site in western Nebraska is known for its Miocene fossils.
• Casper, Wyoming (177 miles/2 hours 30 minutes): This central Wyoming city is known as the home of the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.
• Vail, Colorado (193 miles/3 hours): Vail is known as a ski destination, but there’s plenty to do here no matter when you plan a visit.

Cheyenne has excellent day-trip potential.

While I didn’t love the town, I loved all the things to do near Cheyenne that got me out of the city. It’s also a decent stop on longer Wyoming road trips that include Rapid City, the massive Devils Tower, and other major tourist sites in the Dakotas.

If I had to do it again, I’d much rather base myself in Fort Collins just over the border in Colorado. If you’ve never been to Cheyenne, there are a few bright spots like the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and its Asian food scene. I won’t stop you!

Traveling elsewhere on your road trip? Check these out:

• Is a Trip to the Royal Gorge Bridge Worth the Drive?
• Check Out the Historic Florissant Fossil Beds
• My Honest Thoughts on Deadwood Trips
• Plan a Visit to the Eerie Bonneville Salt Flats
• Short Trips to Take From Salt Lake City, Utah

Love national parks? Check out these guides:

• Where to Stay When You’re Visiting Yellowstone
• A Planning Guide for Your 3-Day Yellowstone Vacay
• The Most Impressive Hikes at Grand Teton
• Where to Overnight on Trips to Yosemite
• Plan an Epic Road Trip to Utah’s Best Parks

Want to see more?