Summary
The park is situated on 3,395 acres and offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and camping.
Some of the main attractions at Curt Gowdy State Park include the reservoirs, hiking trails, and rock climbing areas. Granite Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and visitors can rent boats, kayaks, and paddleboards from the park. There are several hiking trails that wind through the park, including the Crow Creek Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The park also has several rock climbing areas, including the Turtle Rock area, which is known for its challenging climbs.
Interesting facts about Curt Gowdy State Park include that it was named after Curt Gowdy, a famous sportscaster who grew up in Wyoming, and that the park was once used as a training ground for the U.S. Army during World War II. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, and pronghorn.
The best time of year to visit Curt Gowdy State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Overall, Curt Gowdy State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. With its stunning natural beauty and endless recreational opportunities, it's no wonder that it's become a popular attraction in the state of Wyoming.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Curt Gowdy State Park
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Vedauwoo
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Vedauwoo Campground
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