Overview
Trailhead
Turtle Rock trail is located in the Vedauwoo area of the Medicine Bow - Routt National Forest in southeastern Wyoming.
Giant rock formations and rocky outcrops dominate the landscape and give the area an other-worldly feel. The name Vedauwoo comes from the Native American and means "earth-born," and the local Native Americans are said to have believed that playful spirits had piled the boulders here. This is a great place to bring your playful spirit and spin your wheels. While quite short the spectacular scenery makes this an enjoyable trip. It can also be ridden as a warmup for some of the other, longer trails in the area.
This is a popular rock climbing area and if you visit on a weekend you're sure to see some climbers ascending one of the over 900 documented routes on the rocks.
Turtle head popping out?
Rocks pile high along the trail
Besides montain biking and climbing the area offers a day use picnic area and camping.
Trail Description
Turtle Rock is a three mile singletrack loop around the largest rock formation (Turtle Rock) in Vedauwoo. There is very little elevation gain with only a few short steep climbs. The trail is mostly hard packed with some loose dirt and there is only a few technical challenges. It travels through aspen groves and past a couple of beaver ponds. This would be a good place for a beginning mountain biker, although they may have to walk a couple of technical spots that won't be much trouble for anyone with a bit of skill. There are a few sandy sections that a little bit of speed and momentum will carry you through. Clockwise or counter-clockwise are equally fun and you can lengthen your ride by doing it both way. Or do some laps.
Rocks and trees dot the landscape
Getting There
Vedauwoo is just off of I-80 between Laramie and Cheyenne, WY and would make an excellent rest stop for travellers passing through the area in need of some fresh air and exercise.From Laramie, take Interstate 80 east 15.8 miles to Vedauwoo Rd (Exit 329). Take Exit 329 to stop sign and turn left onto Vedauwoo Rd and go 1.2 miles to campground sign. Turn left and pay at the pay station. Continue past the campgrounds and the Turtle Rock Trailhead will be on your left.
From Cheyenne, take Interstate 80 west 30 miles to Vedauwoo Rd (Exit 329). Follow directions above from there.
When to Bike
Summer and fall promise the best weather, with snow likely in the winter. It can also be extremely windy here at times. Weekdays are the best, as this is a popular area on weekends with many hikers, climbers, and picnickers.Fees
There is a $5 day use fee for the area and camping is $10 per night.Web Links
Wikipedia page for Vedauwoo here, with some good info on the geology of the area.Images
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