The Laramie River Greenbelt maintains the natural character along the river of the same name. A hike-and-bike trail runs from north to south within the greenbelt, affording great views of the river and its surrounding ecosystem. The trail stretches from W. Curtis Street in the north, and mimics the Laramie River's curves and bends, ending in a 1.5-mile loop south of I-80. Diverse wildlife and birdlife can be spotted throughout, including deer, beavers, herons and hawks. Fishing is allowed, with a permit, and brown trout is the common catch. West of the trail stands the historic Wyoming Territorial State Prison, now a museum, which housed notorious criminals of the Old West, including Butch Cassidy.
The best place to start your trail journey if driving is Optimist Park at W. Garfield and Spruce Street, at about the midpoint. The park offers parking, as well as a dog park, playground, picnic tables and grills. From there, users can take the trail downstream (heading north) to W. Curtis Street, or upstream (south) to the Union Pacific trail loop. The loop sits on land owned by the railroad on the former site of UP's railroad tie treatment plant. Following efforts to clean up superfund site, part of the area was carved out for the greenbelt and trail loop.
The Laramie Greenbelt Trail is a wonderful place for a morning jog, a sunset stroll with man's best friend, and everything in between.
Park at Optimist Park (441-533 W Garfield St, Laramie, WY), then take the trail north or south. Other access points without parking include West Curtis Street at the north end. The sidepath along W. Curtis stretches east into the city. Joining the trail at Commerce Drive & Industrial Drive provides access to the southern loop.
It traverses along the river with lots of trees and it’s well maintained. The only reason for four stars is the rough joints. Pretty jarring at times
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