Wyoming’s history with the railroad runs deep. Even John A. Campbell, the first governor of the territory, gave the credit of its founding to the railroad. Though trains still run through the Cowboy State, many of the historic tracks are now abandoned, but that doesn’t mean that they’re no longer useful. The features of a railway – they’re usually long, flat paths running through charming landscape – make them perfect for hiking or biking. Next time you’re up for an outdoor adventure, considering taking to one Wyoming’s scenic rail trails.
- Yellowstone Rail Trail
niemand und nichts/Flickr
Not many know about the rail trail running through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, down through Jackson, and back up a ways ending in Victor, Idaho.
Google Maps Plan on spending some time on this trail. It’s 151 miles from one end to the other, and you don’t want to miss a mile of it.
Considering the beautiful parks and forest landscape this trail loops through, you’ll see plenty of sights along the way…
Wild Outdoor Living/YouTube
…including the famous geyser attractions…
Al_HikesAZ/Flickr
…and those Grand Tetons.
tiarescott/Flickr You might even spot some elk or moose!
Naturally, the path is flat, though the deeper dips along the way tend to puddle with water in the spring and fall.
Wild Outdoor Living/YouTube
The Yellowstone rail trail isn’t paved…
Wild Outdoor Living/YouTube
…but you’ll find parts of it have been groomed with gravel. It’s one of the longer trails, but so worth the trip.
Wild Outdoor Living/YouTube
- The Heritage Trail
Alleta B/TripAdvisor
Starting in Riverton and running northeast to Shoshone, the Heritage Trail is 22 miles long. It isn’t the longest or the shortest rail trail on the list, but it is probably the easiest.
TrailLink
That’s because the path is well-worn, with the majority of the surfaces being gravel, dirt, ballast, and asphalt.
brucejrbike/TrailLink
There are even a couple of wooden bridges to cross along the way.
brucejrbike/TrailLink
The trail will take you through Wyoming landscape that is both stark in its beauty…
mr.doitt/TrailLink
…as well as lush. You’ll pass through the southern part of Boysen State park…
Whitney/Flickr
…before reaching another paved section at the end of the trail in Shoshone.
brucejrbike/TrailLink
- Medicine Bow Rail Trail
Beth W/TripAdvisor
The Medicine Bow Rail Trail is a shorter trail, just over 20 miles long. It starts at the Dry Park Trailhead near Albany and ends down near the Wyoming/Colorado border.
TrailLink
Much of the path is gravel and easy to ride a bike or hike on.
Nostalgiawest Photography/YouTube
Remember that you are in the Wyoming wilderness, though. Don’t be surprised to see wildlife near or even on the trail.
Mark Gunn/Flickr
In addition to the animals, you’ll be treated to exceptionally gorgeous scenery…
Nostalgiawest Photography/YouTube
…and some remaining relics from Wyoming’s railroad history.
Nostalgiawest Photography/YouTube
Trekking along the Medicine Bow Rail Trail is a delightful way to spend any afternoon.
Nostalgiawest Photography/YouTube
Have you biked or hiked along any of these trails? What other Wyoming rail trails do you recommend for a scenic adventure?
niemand und nichts/Flickr
Google Maps
Plan on spending some time on this trail. It’s 151 miles from one end to the other, and you don’t want to miss a mile of it.
Wild Outdoor Living/YouTube
Al_HikesAZ/Flickr
tiarescott/Flickr
You might even spot some elk or moose!
Alleta B/TripAdvisor
TrailLink
brucejrbike/TrailLink
mr.doitt/TrailLink
Whitney/Flickr
Beth W/TripAdvisor
Nostalgiawest Photography/YouTube
Mark Gunn/Flickr
With Wyoming hiking season coming up, you might want to check out these Incredible Short Hikes Everyone Should Take.
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