Wyoming may only have a dozen state parks to its name, but we pack an unbelievable amount of beauty and recreation opportunities into each of them! Add to that our national parks, protected areas, historic sites, and the expansive beauty that stretches for miles in between, and it’s clear that the wild and magnificent landscape of our incredible state is something to be treasured.
Of course, some of Wyoming’s most jaw-dropping places have already made names for themselves as must-sees, like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. Thanks to their beautiful waterfalls, dramatic vistas, impressive geologic features, and more, it’s no surprise that these parks are popular. But there is plenty of other little-known state and city parks in Wyoming that are worthy of some love… like Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge! Though it’s one of our state’s most overlooked park areas, Pathfinder is overflowing with natural beauty, wildlife, and – best of all – crowd-free peace and quiet. Here’s why this little-known park is the perfect place for your next adventure in the heart of Wyoming:
Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge is a small park near Alcova, Wyoming, about 45 miles south of Casper. The park is surprisingly large, covering almost 17,000 acres at the headwaters of the North Platte River and Pathfinder Reservoir.
Uniquely, this natural haven consists of four smaller units: Sweetwater Arm, Goose Bay, DeWeese Creek, and Sage Creek, each with its own mixture of habitats and vibrant scenery.
Pathfinder was established in 1909 to overlay portions of the reservoir and protect and rehabilitate the area impacted by Pathfinder Dam, providing shelter for multitudes of wildlife - birds, in particular.
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Here you'll find lush, open water wetlands made up of ponds, playas, and the deep waters of the main reservoir. These marshy regions are important feeding and resting areas for waterfowl during migration season.
However, since the reservoir water levels fluctuate dozens of feet per year, it's difficult to provide proper cover for waterfowl nesting. So you won't see many baby birds here! Only full-grown adults.
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The diversity of the wetlands allows for over 40 species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and more to use the area regularly, with over 150 potentially occurring species!
It's literally a bird's paradise. Keep your eyes open for massive raptors, like the golden eagle, circling up above! You'll also find quiet beauties like the white-faced ibis.
This is also one of the park's best vantage points for catching Wyoming's magnificent sunsets.
No adventure in our state is complete with snapping a few photos of the sky's epic evening show.
Dense, meadowy grasslands and sweeping, shrub-filled expanses also make up large portions of the park uplands. There's some humble magic to be found here in the gentle rising and falling landscape.
As the seasons change, this stark, but breathtaking, region sees impressive color changes that beautifully contrast the immaculate skies.
This rugged terrain is also where the vast majority of the park's wildlife can be found, munching on grass and embracing the solitude of central Wyoming.
While we all love our state's gorgeous wildlife, be sure to keep a safe, respectful distance and avoid feeding any of the animals. Telephoto lenses are the best way to get "up close and personal" with state residents!
Finally, you'll also find amazing alkali flats. While they don't house much wildlife, they are a sight to behold as they radiate in cool shades of blue and white.
This remote preserve is a true gem, so take care to follow all signage and pack out all trash.
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Of course, there's more than just bird-watching and sightseeing opportunities here. While there is no camping in the main part of the refuge, primitive camping, and overnight parking are allowed in the Bishops Point Campground area via reservation.
Even viewing Pathfinder from a distance is a treat. The Seminoe-Alcova Scenic Byway (also known as the Seminoe-Alcova Backcountry Byway) crosses the south end of the reservoir and offers brilliant glimpses of the beauty from afar.
While this is a stunning drive (especially in fall), it's important to note that there are no amenities along the way. Be sure to come prepared for the drive and for any emergencies.
Finally, once you've explored the refuge to your heart's content, a quick trip outside the park to Pathfinder Dam is a unique side quest that can yield incredible rewards.
Pro Tip: Peak runoff season is our favorite time to stop here!
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Whatever your method of exploration, a visit to Pathfinder is the perfect way to spend a day, and amazing memories are sure to be made and captured here in this quiet haven.
For a visit beyond Wyoming’s infamous crowned jewels and into the untapped and uncrowded gems of our state, we think Pathfinder NWR is the perfect place to explore year-round! If you’ve ever paid a visit, let us know what you thought! Or, if you’re ready to pay a visit, you can find more info on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife website. Pathfinder is typically open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
