The Best Trail-to-Tavern Adventures in Wyoming
As anyone who has visited the Cowboy State can tell you, nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of conquering one of Wyoming’s rugged trails—though an ice-cold, locally brewed beer just might be a close second. An undisputed outdoor playground, Wyoming offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, climbing and outdoor exploration. And arguably the best way to cap off a day spent enjoying this vast array of adventures is with a perfectly poured pint.
Here, we’ve rounded up eight of our favorite trail-to-tavern adventures: iconic Wyoming hiking trails, climbing hotspots and the best mountain biking trails in the West, each expertly paired with a nearby brewery where you can toast to your achievements.
1. Black Mountain Lookout, Bighorn National Forest
Type: Hiking trail
Distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Brewery: Black Tooth Brewing Company, Sheridan
Spanning more than a million acres, Bighorn National Forest is a wonderland of plunging canyons, glacial valleys and alpine peaks—and the Black Mountain Lookout Trail is a great way to immerse yourself in its unspoiled landscapes. This moderately challenging, 3.5-mile day hike begins in a forest of lodgepole pine, ascending just over 1,000 feet to an old fire lookout offering stunning views of Cloud Peak, Black Tooth and Steamboat Rock.
Afterward, reward yourself for conquering the trails with a perfectly poured pint from Black Tooth Brewing Company in nearby Sheridan. The town’s most highly awarded brewery, they’re known for creative craft brews, such as the Copper Mule ginger lime cream ale, along with limited-release options like the Barrel-Aged Empress imperial stout and Tour Bus grapefruit ale. Paired with occasional live music sets from local musicians, it’s the ideal place to wrap up a long day on the trail.
2. Moose Ponds Loop, Grand Teton National Park
Type: Hiking trail
Distance: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: Beginner
Brewery: Snake River Brewing, Jackson
No visit to Jackson and the Tetons would be complete without experiencing the alpine forests, scenic overlooks and spectacular wildlife of the Moose Ponds Loop. A lesser-known alternative to the often bustling Jenny Lake Trail, this beginner-friendly day hike can be completed as a two-mile out-and-back or 3.4-mile lollipop loop, depending on your preference. True to its name, it is one of the best spots to witness Wyoming wildlife in their natural habitat. Watch for moose as you pass the wetlands at the foot of Teewinot Mountain; once you reach Lupine Meadows, keep your eyes peeled for pronghorn who are known to frequent the area. (Remember to #WYresponsibly by keeping a safe distance from any wildlife you spot along the trail: at least 100 yards from predators like grizzlies, and 25 yards from other animals like moose, bison and pronghorn.)
Once you’re back in town, head to Snake River Brewing Co., Wyoming’s oldest craft brewery, for an array of on-tap selections. Favorites include the aptly named Earned It, a New England-style IPA packed with hoppy flavor. While you’re at it, grab a bowl of their Wyoming Bison Chili—a fitting way to fuel up after conquering one of the Cowboy State’s best hidden-gem hikes.
3. Slickrock Mountain Bike Trail, Cody
Type: Mountain biking trail
Distance: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Brewery: Cody Craft Brewing, Cody
Not all Wyoming trails were meant to be explored on foot. Located just outside the town of Cody, the Slickrock Mountain Bike Trail is ideal for an outdoor adventure on two wheels. At just 7.5 miles, this short-but-sweet (and deceptively challenging) trail is consistently lauded among the best mountain biking trails in Wyoming. A 1.5-mile climb leads to a fun roller coaster section and some incredible cross-country slickrock sandstone riding. Be sure to keep track of your line—the trails aren’t painted, and newer riders will want to steer clear of big drops.
After a few laps, swing into town for an ice-cold beer at Cody Craft Brewing. Dubbed simply “the Brewery” by locals, this laid-back taproom offers a great selection of craft beer and hard seltzer brewed right on site. Choose from 12 options on tap, including the classic Buffalo Bilsner and refreshing Desert Sunset blood orange blonde ale, with new brews released all the time.
4. Curt Gowdy State Park, Cheyenne
Type: Mountain biking trail
Distance: 25 miles
Difficulty: Varies
Brewery: Freedom’s Edge Brewing Company, Cheyenne
You don’t have to knock out all 25 miles of the mountain biking trail system at Curt Gowdy State Park; there are plenty of options for modified routes and shorter, out-and-back rides. Regardless of skill level, the loop through three different ecosystems is rated as an IMBA Epic—which means it’s considered among the best mountain biking trails and a must-do for avid riders. The variable terrain includes rugged outcroppings, steep climbs and sweeping downhills, offering a riding experience every bit as epic as its rating would suggest.
After busting your quads and lungs, hit up the family-owned Freedom’s Edge Brewing Company in Cheyenne for a refreshing beer in a dog- and kid-friendly environment. While you’re there, why not show your Poke Pride by ordering the Brown and Gold brown ale—a subtle nod to the team colors of the University of Wyoming.
5. Beaver Creek and Sinks Canyon State Park, Lander
Type: Hiking and Nordic skiing trail
Distance: 4 miles (hiking); 5.5 miles (Nordic skiing)
Difficulty: Beginner
Brewery: Lander Brewing Company, Lander
Lander is known as the place where the rails end and the trails begin, so it should come as no surprise that this central Wyoming town is a true four-season destination for outdoor recreation. Winter sees skiers flocking to the Beaver Creek Nordic Ski Area, where a network of classic and skate-style Nordic trails winds its way through open meadows and forests of lodgepole pine. Come summer, when the trails dry out, nearby Sinks Canyon State Park beckons to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering treks ranging from one to four miles that are suitable for all ages and abilities.
After a day of fun in the fresh air, reward your efforts with a refreshing pint from Lander Brewing Company. The town’s only local brewery has been crafting fresh, high quality, “to style” beers since the late 1800s (with a brief hiatus thanks to Prohibition). Local favorites include the easy-drinking Atlantic City Gold, as well as the Rock Chuck Rye, a toasted ruby-red brew with a subtle cocoa flavor.
6. Wilkins Peak Trail System, Rock Springs/Green River
Type: Mountain biking trail
Distance: 20+ miles
Difficulty: Varies
Brewery: Square State Brewing, Rock Springs
When it comes to epic pedal-powered excursions, it doesn’t get much better than the Wilkins Peak Trail System. Voted best mountain biking trails in the Cowboy State, Wilkins Peak boasts multiple loops on varied terrain ranging from beginner to advanced. Switchbacks, bridges, drops and more—this seemingly endless (and endlessly enticing) trail network is extensive enough to warrant multiple days and visits.
When you’ve had your adrenaline fix for the day, recharge with a pint at Square State Brewing in nearby Rock Springs. Known for small-batch beers brewed with big heart, this welcoming taproom offers a rotating selection of creative craft beverages inspired by the flavors of the Mountain West, like their ultra-smooth Nitro Pours or refreshing Huckleberry Hard Seltzer.
7. Ten Sleep Canyon, Ten Sleep
Type: Rock climbing routes
Grades: 5.7-5.12 and up
Difficulty: Intermediate
Brewery: Ten Sleep Brewing Company, Ten Sleep
While iconic destinations like Devils Tower have made Wyoming a mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts, true crag rats won’t want to sleep on lesser-known destinations like Ten Sleep Canyon. These rugged cliffs offer climbs ranging from juggy 5.8s to slabby 5.12s, with a little something for every skill and experience level. Most sport climbs are tightly bolted and accessible, and climbing enthusiasts can easily make it an overnight adventure thanks to an abundance of camping sites nearby.
Once you’ve conquered the limestone cliffs, head to Ten Sleep Brewing Company for a celebratory pint. Nestled within the old Smith Family barn at the base of Signal Cliff, this brewery and taproom boasts a great selection of locally brewed beers, including the malty Outlaw Amber and seasonal Whiskey Barrel Stout. So pull up a chair, pet the resident brewery cat and relax as the pump slowly recedes from your aching forearms.
8. Casper Mountain Trails Center, Casper
Type: Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking trails
Distance: Varies; 26 miles of groomed trails
Difficulty: Varies
Brewery: Frontier Brewing Company, Casper
While hikers and mountain bikers have the run of this place in summer, winter is when the Casper Mountain Trails Center really comes alive. Home to top Wyoming trails, this lively winter sports hub offers more than 26 miles of Nordic trails groomed for skate and classic skiing, with many optimized for fat-tire biking as well. Sections of groomed trail offer lighting for a magical adventure in the crisp winter air after the sun sets.
Whether you opt to explore by day or after nightfall, the Frontier Brewing Company and Taproom is perfect for warming up, post-adventure. Located right in the heart of downtown Casper, this independent microbrewery uses a pour-for-yourself, pay-by-the-ounce system, and its laid-back vibe includes live music every Thursday and food trucks on site.
Plan Your Own Trail-to-Tavern Adventure
In the Cowboy State, all trails lead to adventure—or at the very least, a perfectly poured local beer. Whether you’re exploring on two feet, two wheels or a pair of snowshoes, Wyoming’s scenic trails and vibrant craft brewing scene go together like a cowpoke and a trusty steed. So lace up your hiking boots, pump up your tires and start planning your next great trail-to-tavern adventure in a place where the spirit of the West still lives.
