In the last bastion of the West, outdoor adventure is always in season. Whether that means relaxing in the healing waters of Hot Springs State Park, marveling at the frozen falls in Sinks Canyon or cheering on the heart-pounding action at the Boysen Ice Races, winter in Wyoming’s state parks is an experience unlike any other.
Wyoming State Parks Open in the Winter
Wyoming is home to a dozen state parks spanning more than 100,000 acres of rugged, unspoiled landscape—including several that are open year-round. Popular winter park activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking, sledding, hiking, wildlife watching and much more. Wyoming state parks open in the winter include:
- Bear River State Park near Evanston in Uinta County
- Boysen State Park near Shoshoni in Fremont County,
- Buffalo Bill State Park near Cody in Park County,
- Curt Gowdy State Park between Cheyenne and Laramie in Albany County,
- Edness K. Wilkins State Park near Casper in Natrona County,
- Glendo State Park near Glendo in Platte and Converse counties,
- Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis in Hot Springs County,
- Keyhole State Park near Moorcroft in Crook County, and
- Sinks Canyon State Park near Lander in Fremont County.
Read on to explore some of the most popular ways to enjoy Wyoming’s state parks during the snowy season.
Day Hikes
From snow-dusted granite outcroppings to spectacular thermal features steaming in the crisp, cold air, winter in Wyoming’s parks must be experienced to be believed. Our state parks are home to many scenic hiking trails open year-round, including many beginner-friendly trails perfect for a day hike.
In Curt Gowdy State Park, the Crow Creek Trail to Hidden Falls is incredible at any time of year, but especially so in winter when visitors are often pleased to find they have the spectacular landscape all to themselves. The Falls Trail in Sinks Canyon State Park may be popular in summer, but those who venture out in the colder months are rewarded with breathtaking views. A three-mile round trip, this moderately challenging hike takes you along a series of frozen waterfalls and cascades at Middle Fork Falls—and like the Hidden Falls, they’re all the more spectacular in the winter months.
Ice Fishing
Around here, our intrepid anglers don’t pack it in once the temperature starts to drop. From January through March, ice fishing is a popular activity in many of Wyoming’s state parks, with options for folks of just about any skill or experience level.
With 14,000 acres of ice, a wide variety of fish and great lakeside amenities, Keyhole Reservoir (located within Keyhole State Park) is a prime spot to catch everything from northern pike to smallmouth bass. At Glendo State Park, walleye are the primary target, but the lake also has crappie, perch and catfish. And if you’d like to see how your skills stack up against Wyoming’s most accomplished anglers, then grab your augur and check out the Wyoming Fishing Tournament at Curt Gowdy State Park or the Boysen Ice Fishing Derby at Boysen Reservoir, both of which take place in January.
Ice Racing & Ice Sailing
Looking for a truly unique way to embrace the Wyoming winter? Rev up for outdoor fun at the Boysen Ice Races in Boysen State Park. Held annually in January and February when ice conditions are favorable, it’s a fantastic opportunity to take in all the excitement as daredevil motorcycle riders go head-to-head on a frozen racetrack on Fremont Bay.
Another one-of-a-kind Wyoming winter park activity, ice sailing involves using windsurfing sails and masts to harness the power of the wind. The Granite Reservoir at Curt Gowdy State Park is a popular spot for this thrilling winter pastime.
Mountain Biking & Fat Biking
For those who like to explore on two wheels, Wyoming is a true four-season destination. Summer, winter, spring or fall, you’re never too far from a good mountain biking trail here in the Cowboy State. Once the Wyoming winter snow descends, it’s time to break out the fat-tire bikes for a winter biking experience like no other.
Nestled between Cheyenne and Laramie, Curt Gowdy State Park is a popular place for mountain and fat biking thanks to its 35 miles of bike trails, including many rugged and technically challenging segments. At picturesque Glendo State Park, warm westerly winds limit snow-based outdoor pursuits—bad news for nordic skiers, perhaps, but the comparatively mild conditions make for an extended mountain-biking season. In fact, riders here have been known to find open trails in the middle of winter during milder years.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
When it comes to savoring the stillness and seclusion of winter in Wyoming’s state parks, nothing beats a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing excursion. A favorite pastime among locals and visitors alike, you can glide effortlessly over snowy landscapes as you immerse yourself fully in the untamed wilderness.
Trek through three miles of incredible scenery in Dry Fork Canyon at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site. In Bear River State Park near Evanston, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of bison, elk and other local wildlife—easier to spot on a snowshoeing adventure thanks to the relative quiet and backdrop of gleaming white snow. Or take in spectacular views of the frozen North Platte River as you make your way along the unforgettable Edness Kimball Wilkins Loop, a beginner-friendly, 3.4-mile route within Edness K. Wilkins State Park.
Camping
In the Cowboy State, sleeping bags, s’mores and campfire stories aren’t only reserved for the summer months. One of Wyoming’s favorite cold-weather activities, winter camping offers the perfect way to experience the breathtaking beauty and unmatched seclusion of the “secret season” when deep snow and crisp air transform Wyoming’s state parks into a wonderland of white.
Camping is available year-round in many Wyoming state parks, with options ranging from bare-bones backcountry campsites to rustic off-grid rentals. Reserve a heated camping cabin at Keyhole State Park, Boysen State Park or Curt Gowdy State Park. Stay overnight in a cozy yurt at Sinks Canyon State Park or Glendo State Park. For a truly unique winter camping experience, Keyhole State Park also offers a treehouse rental, complete with two bedrooms and an elevated deck with unparalleled views.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is one of our most popular (and spectacular) winter park activities—and for good reason. Exploring Wyoming parks by sled is a great way to unlock some of the state’s most beautiful vistas that would otherwise be inaccessible in the deep winter snowpack. Recognized among the best in the country by the Coalition of Recreational Trails, Wyoming is home to more than 2,500 miles of snowmobile trails ranging from meticulously groomed and beginner-friendly to rugged and challenging.
Trail maintenance is overseen by the Wyoming State Trails Program, with grooming typically taking place from mid-December to early April, depending on snowfall. As with any outdoor pursuit, be sure to WY Responsibly: pack the right gear, plan ahead and always check the weather and avalanche reports online before venturing out.
Hot Springs
Looking to take the chill out of your winter adventure? Make the most of Wyoming’s iconic hydrothermal features with a visit to Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis. A warm and indulgent complement to classic Wyoming winter activities, the park is home to the State Bath House, where you can soak for free in spring-fed mineral pools maintained to a cozy 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cherished for generations by the Shoshone and Arapaho peoples, these healing waters are especially pleasant during the winter months, ideal for warming up and soothing sore muscles after an unforgettable adventure in Wyoming’s winter wilderness. If you’re visiting with kids, Hellie’s Tepee Pools is well worth the entrance fee to take advantage of their indoor pool and water slide—plus a hot tub, dry sauna and steam room for the grown-ups to enjoy.
Plan a Winter Adventure in Wyoming State Parks
If post-holiday hibernation is starting to get old, why not shake things up with an epic winter adventure? From ice fishing and winter camping to snowshoeing and fat biking, the possibilities for epic outdoor adventure in Wyoming state parks are truly endless—start planning yours today.
