Wyoming’s wide-open spaces make it easy to get off-grid and get boots on a trail, into a forest, up a mountain, or down a river. But how about a taste of all of the above on one hike? Skip the national park crowds and head to Curt Gowdy State Park to check out this easy loop hike through trees, rock formations, snowy paths, and everything else your heart could possibly desire. The Crow Creek, Mo’ Rocka, and Foxtail Loop is a lovely little trail series that’s easy enough for the whole family while offering plenty of changing scenery and connecting trails for added adventure along the way.
If you’ve ever visited Cheyenne, Wyoming (and if you haven't, you should!), which sits at over 6,000 feet, you might certainly notice the mountain ranges on every side. The Laramie Mountains, Snowy Range, Sherman Mountains, and Twin Mountains, are all under two hours from downtown.
The park has been a popular day trip destination since it was founded in the 1970s. Here, you'll find seven sections of diverse landscapes from rolling foothills to lush meadows.
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And with nearly 35 miles of trails crisscrossing through this stunning slice of Wyoming, along with fishing, boating, and a bevy of outdoorsy activities across its four sections, Curt Gowdy is a can't-miss family or day trip destination.
Many of the trails here interconnect, allowing visitors and lovers of the great outdoors to truly choose their own adventure. One particularly special loop in Curt Gowdy is the Crow Creek, Mo' Rocka, and Foxtail Loop, which provides the perfect sampler of everything that Curt Gowdy has to offer.
Crow Creek, the trail's opening act, is named for the melodic creek that meanders alongside the alternating dirt and rock path. This is perhaps the loop's most traveled section, as a short detour leads to a hidden waterfall.
This trail has 13 little waterfalls and one large waterfall, which is pretty incredible!
As you venture deeper, Mo' Rocka envelops hikers like a silent guardian. This multi-use segment of trail is packed with unique rock formations and playful obstacles that invite exploration and imagination.
Note that some light scrambling is involved. This segment is particularly epic as a standalone trail if you're a fan of mountain biking!
Finally, the Foxtail segment boasts a taste of everything that makes Wyoming so special. Trees, juniper and sagebrush, rocky crags that beckon to be photographed, and peeks of the water all intermingle - all in one easy stroll that avoids the challenging final portion of the Mo'Rocka trail.
And don't worry - it's all well-marked! While any of these trails are worth a day hike on their own, altogether they capture the diverse beauty of Curt Gowdy State Park. They're sure to leave you wanting to come back here time and time again to explore even more!
Wyoming is so much more than our tallest peaks and national parks. While the short and sweet Crow Creek, Mo’ Rocka, and Foxtail Loop doesn’t always top lists of the best hikes in Wyoming (although it should!), it’s certainly a loop that’s worthy of rediscovering in every season – even if you’ve already hiked one of the individual segments before. It will continue to delight and enchant no matter how often you visit!
What’s your favorite thing to do in or around Curt Gowdy State Park?
Pro Tip: while you’re in the area, Vedauwoo is calling!
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