Vedauwoo

Located 10 minutes east of Laramie, along I-80 are the towering rocks of Vedauwoo (pronounced VEE-da-voo). The name is derived from the Arapaho word “bito'o'wu” meaning “earth-born” and has been a popular rendezvous since the native tribes first discovered it. The area sits within the Medicine Bow National Forest and provides picturesque backdrops for picnics, sight-seeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, world-class rock climbing, fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The 1.4 billion-year-old Sherman Granite is ideal for climbers and has some of the best crack climbing in the world.

Vedauwoo Recreation Area is part of one of the first mountain ranges in the Rocky Mountain chain you’ll reach going west and it has its own exit off the interstate  – take Exit 329 off I-80 to start exploring these ancient hoodoos. We recommend taking the Turtle Rock Loop trail, a short three-mile trek around the Turtle Rock formation. Here you may encounter white tail deer, moose, beaver, an occasional black bear, and many more native animals so keep a sharp eye out. For tips on viewing the wildlife visit the how to view wildlife safely page.

The recreation area will have a $5 day-use fee and a $10 camping fee. Electric, sewer, water hook-ups, potable water, and showers are not available, but the campground has picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The nearest potable water is located at the Summit rest area and the nearest gas station in Laramie - be sure to fill up before heading out. Stop into the Laramie Visitor Center year-round for maps and information or visit recreation.gov to make reservations.

 

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