I had the opportunity to live in Casper, Wyoming, for about a month in 2018. One of the best trails in the area is the Bridle Trail at Rotary Park. I completed the loop trail a couple times and came frequently to hike in the evening near Garden Creek Falls. This is a spectacular area just outside of Casper at the base of Casper Mountain. For more information: see here and here. The big loop is about 4.5 to 5 miles.
One of the first weekends I was in Casper I decided to hike the loop. The trails around the parking lot are a little confused, but I started on the east side of the loop. The trail climbed up through the forest.
There were big views of Casper.
The trail went beside a rock wall.
I could see up Casper Mountain.
I reached a great viewpoint.
I didn't do the outer portion of the southern part of the loop and went through Split Rock.
The trail was rocky in places.
I crossed Garden Creek.
I could see the view from the other side of the canyon.
I stopped for a break and examined the rocky cliffs below.
I could see the road to the parking lot down below.
The next day I returned in the evening.
I found a view of the Garden Creek Falls.
The following day, I found another view of the falls.
Garden Creek Falls
Later, I decided to do the full loop and the portion that doesn't go through Split Rock.
The clouds were dark that day.
The trail appeared to be an old road.
I found another viewpoint near the high point on the trail. I could see Casper Mountain road to the right.
I went closer to Garden Creek Falls.
On the east side of the creek, there is a short steep trail to an observation platform.
I enjoyed the expansive views across Wyoming.
Garden Creek Falls
Overall, the Bridle Trail is probably the most scenic trail in the Casper area. The trail offers classic Wyoming views, scenic forest, Split Rock, and a beautiful waterfall.
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