, you already know it’s a great base camp. But what about when you want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and explore a little farther?
Here are
that take you into nearby parts of Wyoming and Colorado. Each one is an easy day trip (or relaxed overnighter) into:
No stops in Albany County itself—these ideas are all about what lies beyond your “home turf.”
1. Cheyenne, WY – Western History, Trains, and Big-Sky Vibes (Laramie County)
Cheyenne is about a 50–60 mile drive from Laramie, depending on your route, and it feels like a step straight into Old West history.
Why go: It’s the state capital, packed with western charm, rail history, and wide-open views.
Things to do in Cheyenne:
- Cheyenne Depot Museum: Explore the old Union Pacific depot and learn how the railroad shaped the region.
- Big Boy Steam Engine: Check out one of the world’s largest steam locomotives in Holliday Park.
- Downtown murals & western shops: Stroll around, pop into local boutiques, grab a coffee or ice cream.
This is a great first road trip from Laramie if you want a
low-stress drive with plenty of easy parking and walkable attractions.
2. Curt Gowdy State Park – Lakes, Trails, and Granite Cliffs (Laramie & Albany County Border)
Curt Gowdy sits right on the line between Albany and Laramie counties, but the main entrance and facilities are in
Laramie County, so it fits our out-of-county rule.
It’s roughly 30–40 minutes east of Laramie, making it one of the quickest getaways on this list.
What to do:
- Hiking & mountain biking: Popular trails like Crow Creek and Granite Ridge weave around rock formations and pine forest.
- Fishing & paddling: Crystal Reservoir and Granite Springs Reservoir are perfect for kayaks, SUPs, and shore fishing.
- Picnics with a view: There are plenty of picnic tables and shelters with lake and rock views.
If you’ve got just half a day free, this is an easy “escape the city” option. Think of it as Laramie’s adventure playground—just across the county line.
3. Vedauwoo’s Quieter Cousins – Eastern Rock Formations Near Cheyenne (Laramie County)
Everyone talks about
Vedauwoo in Albany County, but the crazy granite doesn’t just stop at a line on a map. Head farther east into
Laramie County and you’ll find lesser-known rock gardens and rolling high plains.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- Fewer people than the main Vedauwoo area.
- Wide-open roads and big scenery.
- Perfect for photography and “let’s just see where this road goes” drives.
Take a day to wander the backroads between Cheyenne and the summit area. Pull over at safe turnouts, stretch your legs, and enjoy the views. This is one of those trips where the
journey really is the destination.
4. Wheatland & Grayrocks Reservoir – Small-Town Charm and Lake Time (Platte County)
Head about 90 miles northeast from Laramie and you’ll reach
Wheatland in
Platte County. It’s a laid-back town surrounded by ranch land, with a bonus: easy access to
Grayrocks Reservoir.
Top things to do:
- Explore downtown Wheatland: Walk around, grab lunch at a local café, and browse small shops.
- Grayrocks Reservoir: Enjoy boating, shoreline fishing, or just relaxing by the water.
- Scenic drives: The countryside north and west of Wheatland is classic Wyoming: big sky, rolling hills, and cattle.
If Cheyenne feels too busy, Wheatland offers a slower pace and that “everyone waves when you drive by” vibe.
5. Guernsey & Oregon Trail History – Step Back in Time (Platte County)
About 2 hours from Laramie, near the town of
Guernsey, you’ll find some of the most vivid
Oregon Trail history anywhere in the West.
Don’t miss:
- Guernsey State Park: Huge stone structures built by the CCC, plus dramatic cliffs and lake views.
- Oregon Trail Ruts: Deep wagon ruts carved into solid rock—yes, the real thing.
- Register Cliff: Pioneers carved their names into this sandstone cliff in the 1800s.
Standing at the Oregon Trail Ruts, it’s hard not to picture wagons creaking over the rock where you’re standing. It’s a powerful, quiet spot that’s great for history lovers and families.
6. Douglas, WY & Ayres Natural Bridge – A Hidden Gem Off I‑25 (Converse County)
Drive northeast about 2–2.5 hours from Laramie into
Converse County, and you’ll reach
Douglas, home of the “
Jackalope” and some underrated scenery.
Main highlights:
- Ayres Natural Bridge Park: One of the few natural rock bridges in North America with water flowing beneath it.
- Jackalope Square in Douglas: Pose with the famous jackalope statue for a fun road trip photo.
- River relaxation: Walk along LaPrele Creek in Ayres Natural Bridge Park and enjoy the shade and cool water.
Ayres Natural Bridge sits in a quiet little canyon. If you pack a picnic and folding chairs, you can make a full lazy day of it.
7. Medicine Bow & Saratoga – Wild West Towns and Hot Springs (Carbon County)
Head west from Laramie into
Carbon County and you’ll find a string of small towns with big character—especially
Medicine Bow and
Saratoga.
In Medicine Bow:
- Walk past historic buildings and imagine life in the early railroad days.
- Check out western-style architecture and old-school signage.
In Saratoga:
- Saratoga Hobo Hot Springs: Soak in free public hot springs along the river (check current conditions and hours).
- Stroll along the North Platte River and watch for birds and wildlife.
If you’ve been craving a soak after a long Laramie winter, Saratoga’s hot springs feel like a reward at the end of the road.
8. Encampment & Riverside – Scenic Drives Toward the Snowy Range South (Carbon County)
Farther south in
Carbon County, near the Colorado border, sit the tiny communities of
Encampment and
Riverside. The drive itself is half the fun, with mountain views and winding roads.
Things to enjoy:
- Scenic Byways: Drive the highways leading toward the Sierra Madre Range for sweeping views.
- Local museums and history: Learn about the area’s copper mining and timber past.
- Fishing & camping: Plenty of nearby creeks and campgrounds for a quiet overnight.
If you like road trips where you don’t see many other cars, this part of Wyoming feels wonderfully remote without being too far from home.
9. Fort Collins, CO – Breweries, Bikes, and College-Town Energy (Larimer County, CO)
Now let’s head south into
Larimer County, Colorado.
Fort Collins is about 75–90 miles from Laramie, depending on your route, and it’s one of the best-known road trip targets from southeastern Wyoming.
Why locals love this trip:
- Old Town Fort Collins: A walkable historic downtown with brick streets and tons of restaurants and shops.
- Breweries: The city is famous for craft beer—many places offer tours, tastings, and outdoor patios.
- Bike-friendly streets: Rent a bike or bring your own and cruise around town or along the Poudre River Trail.
If you’re craving more nightlife, shopping, and dining than Laramie offers, Fort Collins makes a fun, easy weekend escape.
10. Poudre Canyon – Mountain River Escape Near Fort Collins (Larimer County, CO)
Once you’re in Fort Collins, it’s just a short drive west to the
Cache la Poudre River Canyon, one of northern Colorado’s most beautiful drives.
What to do in Poudre Canyon:
- Scenic driving: The road winds along the river with steep canyon walls and pine-covered slopes.
- Pullouts & picnics: Stop at riverside pullouts for photos, a quick hike, or a simple sandwich with a view.
- Water activities: In summer, you’ll see people rafting, kayaking, and fly-fishing.
From fast-moving rapids to quiet pools, the canyon feels a world away from the plains, yet it’s still realistic as a long day trip from Laramie.
Tips for Planning Your Laramie Road Trips
A few quick pointers to make these out-of-county drives smoother:
- Check the weather: High plains and mountain weather can change fast—especially in fall, winter, and early spring.
- Fuel up in town: Some stretches in Carbon, Platte, and Converse counties have long gaps between gas stations.
- Bring layers: Even in summer, evenings near lakes, rivers, and higher elevations can get chilly.
- Carry snacks & water: You’ll have more freedom to explore without worrying about the next stop.
Think of each of these spots as a “spoke” on a wheel, with Laramie at the center. Pick one on a Saturday, another on a long weekend, and pretty soon you’ll know southeast Wyoming and northern Colorado better than most.
Where Will You Drive First?
From Western history in Cheyenne and Guernsey to hot springs in Saratoga and breweries in Fort Collins, there’s a
road trip from Laramie for just about every mood.
Have you visited any of these places already?
Which one would you add to your must-see list?
Share this post with friends and family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here”—and prove them wrong.
And if you have your own favorite out-of-county day trip from Laramie,
drop a comment with your tips, hidden gems, and go-to stops along the way. Your ideas might inspire someone’s next great drive.
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