10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips Near Ranchettes, Wyoming
If you live in or near
Ranchettes, Wyoming, you already know it’s a peaceful place with big skies and quiet nights. But what if you’re itching to get out for the day, explore a bit, and still make it home by bedtime?
You’re in luck. There are a bunch of fun
short road trips near Ranchettes that take you into nearby counties in Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska—without spending half your day on the highway.
All of these ideas take you
out of Laramie County into:
Most trips are in the 1–2 hour range each way, perfect for a day trip or a relaxed weekend outing.
1. Laramie & Vedauwoo’s Crazy Rock Gardens (Albany County, WY)
Less than 90 minutes west of Ranchettes, the college town of
Laramie and the nearby
Vedauwoo Recreation Area feel like a whole new world.
- What to do in Laramie: Stroll downtown, grab coffee, and check out the murals and local shops. The vibe is laid‑back and artsy, thanks to the University of Wyoming.
- Vedauwoo “rock playground”: Just east of Laramie, Vedauwoo is packed with giant granite rock formations that look like they were stacked by a kid with huge toy blocks.
- Family‑friendly fun: Easy walking trails, picnic areas, and plenty of spots for kids (and adults) to scramble around on the rocks.
If you like short hikes and wide‑open views, this is one of the best
day trips from Ranchettes. Bring layers—at that elevation, the wind can surprise you, even in summer.
2. Hiking, History & Hot Chocolate in Centennial (Albany County, WY)
Drive about 2 hours west from Ranchettes and you’ll reach
Centennial, a tiny old mining town at the base of the Snowy Range.
- Snowy Range Scenic Byway: When it’s open (usually late spring through early fall), this highway delivers classic Wyoming mountain scenery—lakes, peaks, and patches of snow even in July.
- Trail options: Short trails around Mirror Lake and Lake Marie make it easy to stretch your legs without a full‑on backcountry trek.
- Small‑town charm: Grab a burger or hot chocolate, wander around, and soak in that “end of the road” mountain‑town feeling.
If you’re craving alpine air and cool temperatures in summer, this is your spot.
3. Historic Wheatland & Glendo Reservoir Getaway (Platte County, WY)
Head north about 1.5–2 hours and you can combine the small‑town feel of
Wheatland with time on the water at
Glendo Reservoir.
- Explore Wheatland: Walk through downtown, grab lunch at a local cafe, and check out a bit of agricultural history. It’s a classic Wyoming town with friendly faces.
- Glendo Reservoir: Just a bit farther north, Glendo State Park is known for boating, fishing, and laid‑back beach time.
- What to bring: Folding chairs, a cooler, sunblock, and maybe some fishing gear if that’s your thing.
This makes a great warm‑weather road trip if you want to swap prairie winds for lake breezes.
4. Guernsey State Park & Oregon Trail Ruts (Platte County, WY)
Love history and pretty views? Drive about 2 hours north from Ranchettes to
Guernsey State Park and the nearby
Oregon Trail Ruts.
- Oregon Trail Ruts: You can actually see deep grooves carved into the rock by wagon wheels from the 1800s. It’s one of those places that makes history feel very real.
- Guernsey State Park: Built with help from the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this park has stone structures, scenic overlooks, and a peaceful reservoir.
- Perfect for: A picnic, a short hike, or a slow drive with photo stops.
If you like the idea of walking where pioneers once walked, this is one of the most memorable
road trips near Ranchettes.
5. Fort Laramie National Historic Site (Goshen County, WY)
Just over 2 hours north of Ranchettes,
Fort Laramie National Historic Site offers one of the best preserved pieces of Old West history.
- Step back in time: The fort started as a trading post and became a major military outpost on the frontier. You can walk through restored buildings, officers’ quarters, and barracks.
- Ranger talks & exhibits: Learn about soldiers, settlers, Native tribes, and life on the plains in the 1800s.
- Relaxed pace: The site is very walkable, with benches, big shade trees, and plenty of spots to slow down and take it all in.
It’s easy to pair this with Guernsey or the Oregon Trail Ruts for a full historic loop.
6. Torrington: Farm Country, Flea Markets & Fair Vibes (Goshen County, WY)
Around 2 hours north of Ranchettes,
Torrington is a laid‑back agricultural town where life moves at a comfortable pace.
- Local flavor: Depending on the season, you might find farmers’ markets, small fairs, or community events that give you a real taste of rural Wyoming.
- Simple pleasures: Grab a diner breakfast, explore thrift and antique shops, and take a slow drive along backroads lined with fields and irrigation ditches.
- Why it’s worth it: If you like seeing “real life” in small towns instead of just tourist hot spots, Torrington delivers that authentic feel.
Sometimes the best
day trips from Ranchettes are the ones where you just wander and see what you find.
7. Greeley, Colorado: College Town Energy & Events (Weld County, CO)
About 90 minutes south of Ranchettes,
Greeley in Weld County mixes farm country roots with college‑town energy.
- Downtown stroll: Browse boutiques, sip coffee, and check out street art and murals.
- Events & festivals: Greeley is known for fairs, music, and seasonal events. Plan ahead and you can catch rodeos, concerts, or holiday celebrations.
- Food options: You’ll find more variety here—BBQ joints, Mexican restaurants, breweries, and burger spots.
If you’re craving a little more buzz and people‑watching, Greeley is an easy
road trip from Ranchettes without driving into a huge city.
8. Windsor & Poudre River Trails (Weld County, CO)
For a calm day outdoors with a small‑town feel, head about 1.5 hours south to
Windsor, Colorado.
- Lake fun: Windsor Lake has a nice walking path and spots to sit, relax, and enjoy the view.
- Poudre River: Nearby trails follow the river, giving you a gentle place to walk or bike without tackling steep climbs.
- Lunch break: Grab a sandwich or ice cream in town, then head back to the water. It’s a simple recipe for a low‑stress day.
If you want gentle scenery and fresh air instead of a big adventure, this trip is hard to beat.
9. Kimball, Nebraska: High Plains Views & Wind Turbines (Kimball County, NE)
About 90 minutes east of Ranchettes,
Kimball sits in the rolling High Plains of western Nebraska.
- Open‑sky scenery: The drive itself is a big part of the trip—endless skies, gentle hills, and that feeling you can see for miles.
- Wind farms: You’ll likely spot tall wind turbines turning slowly on the ridges. They’re oddly peaceful to watch and make for interesting photos.
- Small‑town stop: Pop into town for a meal, stretch your legs, and chat with locals if you’re feeling social.
If you enjoy quiet drives and minimalist landscapes, this is a great, under‑the‑radar
day trip from Ranchettes, Wyoming.
10. Wildcat Hills & Backroads Through Banner County, Nebraska
For a more off‑the‑beaten‑path adventure, head toward
Banner County, just over 2 hours east of Ranchettes, and explore the rugged
Wildcat Hills area and surrounding backroads.
- Wildcat Hills scenery: Buttes, canyons, and pine‑covered ridges break up the flat plains you might expect in Nebraska.
- Backroad exploring: Many roads here are quiet, with almost no traffic. It’s the kind of place where you can pull over, step out, and just listen to the wind.
- Photography heaven: Sunrise or late‑day light on the cliffs and hills makes for dramatic photos, even if you’re just using a phone.
If you love the feeling of discovering places most tourists never see, Banner County is a rewarding wander.
Tips For Planning Your Ranchettes Road Trips
- Check the weather: Winds, snow, and summer storms can all change plans fast on the plains and in the mountains.
- Fuel up early: Some stretches between these towns don’t have frequent gas stations. Better safe than sorry.
- Pack a “just‑in‑case” bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, phone charger, and a paper map (cell service can be spotty).
- Plan loose: Leave room to pull over at an overlook, stop at that random mom‑and‑pop cafe, or explore a side road that looks interesting.
The best part of living near Ranchettes is how quickly you can go from quiet neighborhood roads to wide‑open country and new towns to explore.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living in or near
Ranchettes, WY puts you in a sweet spot: within a couple of hours you can reach mountain lakes, historic forts, high‑plains backroads, and friendly small towns in three different states.
Which of these
10 short road trips are you thinking about trying first?
- Are you more into history, like Fort Laramie and the Oregon Trail ruts?
- Do you crave lakes and rocks, like Glendo or Vedauwoo?
- Or do you just want a new town to wander, like Greeley, Torrington, or Wheatland?
I'd love to hear from you.
- Drop a comment and share your favorite day trip from Ranchettes—or one you’re planning to try.
- If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near Ranchettes, Wyoming.
The next great drive might be just down the road.
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