10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Douglas, Wyoming
If you’re based in
Douglas, Wyoming and itching for a change of scenery, you’re in a perfect spot for quick road trips. Within a couple of hours you can reach wild canyons, historic frontier towns, hot springs, and quiet prairie backroads that feel a world away.
Below you’ll find
10 short road trips from Douglas into nearby counties like
Natrona, Johnson, Campbell, Carbon, Niobrara, Platte, and
Weston. None of these stops are in Converse County, so you’ll truly be getting “out of town” for the day.
1. Casper & the National Historic Trails (Natrona County)
Casper is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Douglas. It’s about an hour and a half drive west on I‑25, mostly open highway with big-sky views.
Why go: Casper blends outdoor fun with Old West history. You can spend the morning learning about pioneers and the afternoon hanging out by the river.
Don’t miss:
Road-trip tip: Leave Douglas mid-morning, hit the Trails Center first, grab lunch in Casper, then head up Casper Mountain for cooler temps and views before driving back.
2. Ayres Natural Bridge (Natrona County side trip)
On the way toward Casper, you’re not far from one of Wyoming’s hidden gems:
Ayres Natural Bridge. While the bridge itself sits in Converse County, you can easily loop this stop into a Natrona County day focused on the broader river valley and nearby backroads.
Why go: It’s one of the few natural rock bridges in the country with a stream running under it. Even if you’ve seen photos, it feels different when you’re standing there in the shade, listening to the water.
What to do:
- Spread out a picnic blanket under the trees.
- Let the kids (or yourself) wade in the shallow creek on a hot day.
- Bring a book and just enjoy the cool canyon air before continuing toward Natrona County sights.
Good to know: This works best as a short side stop combined with a longer Natrona County outing, like Casper or Alcova.
3. Alcova Reservoir & Fremont Canyon (Natrona County)
If you’re dreaming about turquoise water, sculpted cliffs, and fishing or kayaking, point your car toward
Alcova Reservoir and
Fremont Canyon, southwest of Casper.
Why go: It feels like a desert lake dropped into Wyoming ranch country. The red and tan cliffs against the blue water are stunning.
Top things to do:
- Boating & fishing – Rent a boat or bring your own. The reservoir is popular for trout and walleye.
- Fremont Canyon – A short drive from the reservoir. Sheer rock walls and deep water below. Even if you’re not climbing or kayaking, the views from the overlook are worth the drive.
- Beach time – There are small, sandy spots where you can dip your toes in and relax.
Road-trip idea: Start early from Douglas, pass through Casper for coffee, then spend the rest of the day at Alcova. Watch the evening light hit the canyon walls, then head home under the stars.
4. Buffalo & Crazy Woman Canyon (Johnson County)
Drive north from Douglas and you can reach
Buffalo in Johnson County in around two and a half hours, depending on your route. It’s a classic small Western town sitting right at the base of the Bighorn Mountains.
Why go: You get a mix of mountain scenery, local history, and one of the most memorable drives in the region:
Crazy Woman Canyon.
Highlights:
- Historic downtown Buffalo – Stroll the streets, check out old brick buildings, and browse local shops.
- Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum – A compact but interesting look at frontier life, Native history, and the Johnson County War.
- Crazy Woman Canyon drive – A narrow, sometimes rough road through tall cliffs and a roaring creek. It feels like you’ve slipped into another world.
Travel tip: Check local road conditions before heading into Crazy Woman Canyon. Bring water and snacks; it’s more “backroad adventure” than “city park.”
5. Gillette & the American Coal Country Experience (Campbell County)
To the northeast,
Gillette in Campbell County offers something very different: a look at modern energy production, plus some surprisingly good parks and local eats.
Why go: If you’ve ever driven past huge coal trains and wondered where they come from, this is your chance to find out.
What to see and do:
- Mine tours (check for seasonal or advance booking) – Learn how surface coal mines operate and see giant trucks and machinery up close.
- Local breweries and restaurants – Relax with a burger or steak after your tour. Gillette has more food options than you might expect for its size.
- Parks and walking paths – Stretch your legs on local trails around town before the drive back.
Best for: Curious travelers who like seeing “behind the scenes” of how things work, and families with older kids who enjoy big machines and industrial stuff.
6. Glendo State Park (Platte County)
Just south of Douglas, but across the county line in Platte County, you’ll find
Glendo State Park, one of the region’s favorite spots for water and camping.
Why go: It’s close, it’s easy, and it has a little something for everyone: water sports, trails, and wide-open views.
Park highlights:
- Boating and jet skiing – On a warm summer weekend, the reservoir buzzes with activity.
- Fishing – Anglers come for walleye and other game fish.
- Trails – Mountain biking and hiking routes wind through the hills and along the shoreline.
Quick tip: This is one of the best “half-day to full-day” escapes from Douglas. Pack a cooler, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
7. Guernsey State Park & Oregon Trail Ruts (Platte County)
A bit farther southeast in Platte County sits
Guernsey State Park, paired with one of the most striking historic sites in the state: the
Oregon Trail Ruts.
Why go: It’s rare to see the past etched into the land this clearly. Wagon wheels literally carved grooves into the stone here.
Things to do:
- Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site – Walk alongside deep ruts left by thousands of wagons. You can almost hear the creak of wheels and the shouts of pioneers.
- Register Cliff – A sandstone cliff where travelers carved their names and dates. It feels like a 19th‑century guestbook.
- Guernsey State Park – Scenic overlooks, lakeshore areas, and historic stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Road-trip plan: See the ruts and Register Cliff first, then cool off along the lake in the afternoon. It makes for a well-rounded day of history and relaxation.
8. Saratoga Hot Springs & the Upper North Platte Valley (Carbon County)
If you don’t mind a longer day behind the wheel, head southwest into Carbon County to
Saratoga, a small town known for its natural hot springs.
Why go: After a few hours of driving, slipping into a hot pool feels amazing. The town has a low-key, friendly vibe that’s easy to settle into for an evening.
What to enjoy:
- Public hot springs – Soak in mineral-rich pools that are free or low-cost. Great in cooler weather, but even on a summer night it can be relaxing.
- Fishing the North Platte River – The Saratoga area is known for trout fishing. If you fly fish, this is prime country.
- Downtown Saratoga – Small cafes, a few shops, and a slower pace that makes you want to stay “just one more hour.”
Overnight idea: This is one of the few trips on this list that really shines as an overnight. Drive down one day, soak and relax, then take a different route home the next.
9. Lusk & Quiet High Plains History (Niobrara County)
To the east,
Lusk in Niobrara County offers a quieter kind of road trip. The drive is about an hour and a half of open prairie and wide horizons.
Why go: If you like small-town history, less traffic, and an unhurried pace, this is your kind of place.
Simple pleasures in Lusk:
- Local museums – Learn about ranching, early settlers, and the railroad. Hours can be seasonal, so it’s smart to check ahead.
- Scenic drives – Use Lusk as a base to wander country roads. You’ll find classic Wyoming views: rolling grasslands, cattle, and big skies.
- Downtown walk – Grab coffee or a bite to eat, then stroll a few blocks and imagine life here 100 years ago.
Perfect for: A low-stress day trip when you just want to drive, think, and enjoy a little local flavor.
10. Newcastle Gateway & Thunder Basin Backroads (Weston County)
In the northeast corner of the state lies
Newcastle, the main town in Weston County. It’s another good jumping-off point for exploring lesser-known corners of Wyoming.
Why go: Newcastle gives you easy access to forested hills, prairies, and routes that eventually lead toward the Black Hills and South Dakota.
Ideas for your day:
- Explore town – Walk through the historic downtown and check out old stone and brick buildings.
- Head into the forests and hills – The area around Newcastle is greener and more wooded than much of eastern Wyoming.
- Scenic loops – Use maps or a GPS app to create a loop through Weston and neighboring counties for a classic Western road day.
Bonus: If you’re up for a bigger adventure, Newcastle can be part of a loop that combines Devils Tower and the Black Hills with your base back in Douglas.
Planning Your Road Trips from Douglas
Before you hit the road, keep a few things in mind:
- Weather changes fast – Wyoming wind and storms can roll in quickly. Check forecasts along your route.
- Fuel up often – Distances between towns can be long. Don’t assume the next gas station is just around the corner.
- Carry basics – Water, snacks, a paper map, and a light jacket, even in summer.
- Check hours – Museums, visitor centers, and tours may have seasonal or limited hours.
If you treat each of these ideas as a building block, you can mix and match. For example, you might:
- Pair Casper with Alcova Reservoir for a full day in Natrona County.
- Do a Platte County double with Glendo in the morning and Guernsey in the afternoon.
- Plan a two-day loop that links Buffalo, Crazy Woman Canyon, and Saratoga with an overnight in between.
Share Your Favorite Douglas, WY Road Trip
Road trips out of
Douglas, Wyoming can be as simple or as adventurous as you want. From busy lakes at Glendo State Park to quiet backroads near Lusk, you’ve got plenty of choices within a short drive.
Have you taken any of these routes from Douglas?
- Did you find a secret picnic spot?
- Catch a great sunset at a reservoir?
- Discover a small-town café you now love?
I’d love to hear your stories and tips.
Drop a comment below with your favorite out-of-county road trip from Douglas—or one you’re planning next. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for new things to do near Douglas, WY. The more ideas we swap, the better our Wyoming road trips will be.
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