The trails at Curt Gowdy State Park offer excellent riding opportunities for riders from beginner to advanced, and options of 20+ mile rides without riding the same trail twice. The trails pass through 3 distinctive terrain types: high plains grasslands to the east around Crystal Reservoir, small canyons between Crystal and Granite Reservoirs, and forested upper slopes with many rock features. The trail above is Crystal Ridge Trail approaching Canyons trail.
It has been a rather rainy summer in this part of Wyoming so the grass is still green, and wild flowers are prolific. Above is Crystal Ridge Trail close to far eastern end of the park passing through high plains terrain. The trail is rated as moderate; mild climbs with no real obstacles, the trail is as pictured above along most of its length.
You can circumnavigate Crystal Reservoir via a combination of Crystal Ridge Trail, Canyons Trail, and Cliffhanger Trail. In the picture above Cliffhanger Trail follows the ridge to the left while Canyons Trail is visible along the far side of the reservoir at the base of the cliffs.
Cliffhanger gets its name from the side hill nature of the trail along the west end of Crystal Reservoir. This is the only real technical/dangerous feature of the trail. The sign tells you to dismount before curving around the ridge. There is a 40' drop to the lake with a very narrow, loose, descent that would not be difficult at all if not for the severe price of failure to the left. The chain for hand hold is a bit much however as you can safely walk this short section.
This picture more typifies the surface of Cliffhanger Trail, to the right, as it climbs the side of the ridge along Crystal Reservoir. Canyons Trail, to the left, appears sedate, but quickly becomes extremely technical in less than a mile.
Canyons trail climbs, or descends, the rocks to the left before crossing towards the right of this picture. Can you find the trail?
Looking across the small canyon which Canyon's trail crosses. You drop from the top of the ridge down to the valley, and come back up very quickly onto the ridge where this photo was taken. The far side of Canyons is rated as "advanced" and is rideable by some one of my skill level. The section of Canyons from which this picture was take is considered "expert" and requires multiple hike a bike sections with some severe exposure. In this case steep descents on narrow trails, lots of rocks, with sheer drops. Mountain biking is hiking at times.
Looking back the from the north ridge line of Canyons trail from a rideable portion, for me, of the trail.
Moderate rated Stone Temple Circuit ascending gently towards its intersection with Ignoramus trail, an advanced level trail, and Rock 'n Roller. Stone Temple Circuit is a fairly smooth trail throughout its 5 mile course, with great flow, and just enough rocks to keep you honest. Chameleon Rock can be seen towards the middle of the photo.
Stone Temple Circuit with storm approaching.
Pinball Trail connects Stone Temple Circuit with Crow Creek trail. Rated "advanced" due to the numerous rock features along the trail. Chameleon rock in the background.
Easy section of Pinball Trail, terrain getting more rocky.
Typical Pinball Trail with rocks to navigate surrounded by large boulders on all sides.
The last picture is of a unique section of trail along El Alto which takes you through the highest terrain in the park. Trail passes under a boulder that looks to be precariously balanced between two other rock formations. I didn't take pictures of all the trails in the park, but did have the ability to ride all the trails over my 3 day stay. I would have to rate Stone Temple Circuit and Mo' Rocka trails as my favorites. Stone Temple due to flow of the trail, and Mo' Rocka as just technical enough to challenge me without being overly dangerous. The entire trail system is rideable by a mountain biker with an acceptable fitness level as the altitude will hit you, and with moderate to limited technical ability. There is no shame in walking anything that is too intimidating, but for the most part you can challenge yourself in relative safety. The one caveat would be the far eastern "black diamond" section of Canyons trail. It is extremely steep, rocky, with serious exposure, but the views and challenge are well worth it.
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