10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips Near Fox Farm-College, Wyoming
If you live in or near Fox Farm-College in Laramie County, Wyoming and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in a perfect spot. Within a couple of hours, you can cross state lines, cruise wide-open highways, and find fun in some very underrated corners of Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado. The best part? These are all out-of-county ideas. So you’ll be leaving Laramie County behind and exploring nearby counties like Albany, Goshen, Platte (WY), Kimball, Banner (NE), and Weld County, Colorado. Below are 10 short road trips with simple directions, ideas on what to do, and why they’re worth the gas money.
1. Vedauwoo: Giant Rock Playgrounds in Albany County, WY
If you’ve never been to Vedauwoo Recreation Area, you’re missing one of the most unique spots in Wyoming. It’s just west of you in Albany County, off I‑80 toward Laramie. Think huge piles of granite boulders, twisted pine trees, and tons of little nooks to explore. It almost feels like a movie set.- Drive time: About 40–45 minutes west of Fox Farm-College
- County: Albany County, WY
- Great for: Short hikes, picnics, beginner rock scrambling, stargazing
- Walk the easy Turtle Rock Trail (about 3 miles, fairly gentle).
- Bring a picnic and set up under the rocks or among the trees.
- Stay after dark if the weather is clear—the stars here are incredible.
2. Downtown Laramie: College-Town Vibes in Albany County, WY
Looking for something low-key but still fun? Head to Laramie in Albany County. It has a small historic downtown with colorful murals, coffee shops, and local restaurants.- Drive time: About 45–55 minutes west
- County: Albany County, WY
- Great for: Food, coffee, brewery stops, walking, people-watching
- Stroll along downtown and check out the murals and old brick buildings.
- Grab coffee or hot chocolate from a local café.
- Visit a local brewery or diner for lunch or dinner.
3. Curt Gowdy State Park: Trails, Lakes, and Views (Albany County, WY)
On the way to Laramie, just across the Laramie County line, you hit Curt Gowdy State Park in Albany County. If you like lakes, trails, and fresh air, this is your spot.- Drive time: About 30–35 minutes west
- County: Albany County, WY
- Great for: Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, paddling
- Walk an easy lakeside trail for simple scenery.
- Bring a fishing pole and try one of the reservoirs.
- If you’re into biking, the park has well-marked mountain bike trails.
4. Greeley, Colorado: City Day Trip in Weld County
Head south into Weld County, Colorado and you’ll find Greeley, a growing city with a mix of history, culture, and classic “city” conveniences you won’t always find in small Wyoming towns.- Drive time: About 1 hour 45 minutes–2 hours (mostly I‑25 S then east)
- County: Weld County, CO
- Great for: Shopping, museums, dining, weekend wandering
- Walk around downtown Greeley for shops and restaurants.
- Check out local events or markets if you’re there on a weekend.
- Enjoy a sit-down meal you maybe can’t find closer to home.
5. Pawnee National Grassland: Wide-Open Colorado Skies (Weld County, CO)
If you prefer open space over city streets, point your car toward the Pawnee National Grassland in Weld County. This area is all about huge skies, rolling prairie, and a kind of quiet you don’t get everywhere.- Drive time: Around 1.5–2 hours south/southeast
- County: Weld County, CO
- Great for: Scenic drives, birdwatching, photography, solitude
- Take a slow drive along the backroads and watch for hawks, pronghorn, and other wildlife.
- Stop for photos of the open prairie and big clouds.
- Pack a cooler and enjoy a roadside picnic with plenty of space.
6. Kimball, Nebraska: Gateway to the High Plains (Kimball County, NE)
East of you, across the state line, you’ll find Kimball, Nebraska in Kimball County. It’s a small community with that classic High Plains feel—grain elevators, big fields, and long views.- Drive time: About 1.5 hours east along I‑80
- County: Kimball County, NE
- Great for: Small-town exploring, road-trip photos, quiet streets
- Walk or drive through town to see historic buildings and local shops.
- Head out on nearby county roads for wide-open farm and ranch country.
- Use it as a calm break in the middle of a longer Nebraska road trip.
7. Western Nebraska Backroads in Banner County, NE
If you like going “off the beaten path,” Banner County in western Nebraska is an interesting option. It’s south of Scotts Bluff County and just east of the Wyoming line, with winding roads, buttes, and big ranchlands.- Drive time: Around 2–2.5 hours east/northeast (depending on route)
- County: Banner County, NE
- Great for: Scenic drives, photography, quiet escapes
- Drive the backroads and take in the rolling hills and buttes.
- Stop at pullouts or safe shoulders for photos and fresh air.
- Watch for wildlife—deer, antelope, and birds are common.
8. Guernsey, Wyoming: History and River Time (Goshen County, WY)
Head north into Goshen County and you can explore Guernsey, Wyoming, where frontier history and river views come together.- Drive time: About 1.5–1.75 hours north
- County: Goshen County, WY
- Great for: History buffs, families, short hikes, river scenery
- Visit state historic sites tied to the Oregon Trail region.
- Walk short trails and enjoy views of the North Platte River.
- Pack a picnic and make a full afternoon of it.
9. Wheatland, Wyoming: Small-Town Stop in Platte County
Just north of you in Platte County is the town of Wheatland, a good “take-it-easy” kind of road trip. It’s a classic Wyoming town with ranching roots and an easy pace.- Drive time: About 1–1.25 hours north on I‑25
- County: Platte County, WY
- Great for: Casual wandering, coffee, small-town feel
- Walk or drive around town and check out the main streets.
- Stop for coffee or a meal at a local spot.
- Explore nearby country roads for pasture and mountain views in the distance.
10. Glendo Reservoir Area: Water, Cliffs, and Camping Vibes (Platte County, WY)
A bit farther into Platte County, the Glendo Reservoir area is a great pick if you love water and views. Even if you’re not camping, it’s an exciting day trip.- Drive time: About 1.5–2 hours north of Fox Farm-College
- County: Platte County, WY
- Great for: Boating (if you have a boat), shoreline walks, scenic drives
- Drive around the lake area and stop at overlooks.
- Walk short paths near the shore and take in the cliffs and water.
- Pack chairs, snacks, and make it a relaxed day by the lake.
Tips for Planning Your Fox Farm-College Road Trips
To make these short road trips near Fox Farm-College, WY more enjoyable, a little planning goes a long way:- Check the weather: Wind, snow, and storms can move in fast on the High Plains.
- Fuel up early: Towns can be far apart; don’t count on the “next” gas station.
- Bring layers: Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Pack snacks and water: It’s nice not to rush back just because you’re hungry.
- Download maps: Cell service can be spotty once you leave big highways.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Fox Farm-College
If you’ve taken a fun day trip from Fox Farm-College into Weld County, Albany County, Goshen County, Platte County, Kimball County, or Banner County, I’d love to hear about it.- Which of these 10 road trips sounds best to you?
- Do you have a hidden gem you’re willing to share?
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