From coast to coast, the U.S. is rich with scenic hiking trails of every size, shape, and difficulty, all winding and switchbacking their way through our country’s diverse landscape. Wyoming is no exception, boasting iconic trails like Paintbrush Canyon and the Grand Teton itself, just to name a few! But while we’re all about gunning our way up a mountain to an alpine lake or spending a few days backpacking off the radar, there’s something to be said for quieter, less-strenuous hikes that allow for actual mid-hike conversation (i.e. sans the huffing, puffing, and broken sentences). For a beautiful, more relaxed hiking experience that offers endless restorative beauty, Sundance White Ranch Park in Wyoming checks all the boxes.
Sundance White Ranch Park is a beautiful, 100-acre natural area and non-profit park located at the foot of Sundance Mountain, just a short jaunt from the town of Sundance.
The park was created in 1993 through the generosity of the park site's original cattle ranch owners, George E. & Betty J. White.
The park is open to the public from dawn to dusk and offers numerous trails and nature experiences for all ages and abilities, ranging from hiking and biking to running, picnicking, and good ol' fashioned strolling. Leashed pets welcome!
Due to the higher altitude of the park, around 5,000 feet, you'll encounter a variety of habitats ranging from grasslands and small riparian zones to meadows, deciduous groves, and pine forests - each boasting spectacular views.
Plus, there are plenty of flora and fauna to ogle along the way! Relax on a bench to enjoy the sights and sounds of the local residents.
Keep an eye out for aspen, juniper, Indian paintbrush (the Wyoming state flower), ponderosa pine, and a multitude of native flowers and grasses. Plus, the sweet buzzing pollinators that keep the region so healthy! Download brochures from the SWRP website so you can mark each species off your list.
Both the Serenity Trail and the Lakota Trail are under or around one mile, making them doable for nearly everyone and the perfect starting point for getting the lay of the land.
What a sweet hidden gem! For a rewarding hiking experience that can be done whenever the mood strikes, Sundance White Ranch Park in Wyoming is the place to be. Visit the SWRP website for detailed trail maps, or head to AllTrails to scope out more photos, recommendations, and more.
While you’re in the area, dive into the history of Sundance itself before heading east to dine with a view and ogle Wyoming’s most recognizable natural wonders from a completely different perspective. Or, if you’re craving a challenging, multi-day hike in Eastern WY, we highly recommend finding a picturesque trail in the Bighorns or the Black Hills. There’s no shortage of epic adventures to discover in Wyoming!
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