Vedauwoo, which derives from a version of the Arapahoe word, "biito'o'wu" is loosely translated to mean "Land of the Earth-Born-Spirit." If you've been to Vedauwoo it's is easy to see why this place was once sacred to Arapaho, Cheyenne, Sioux, Ute and Shoshone tribes. Exploring there is always a unique and memorable experience.
With huge granite rock formations, abundant wildlife and trail access, Vedauwoo attracts climbers, hikers and explorers from all over the United States.
Here are just a few things to love about Vedauwoo.
1. It's Easy to Access
It's easy to get to Vedauwoo, it's practically just off of Interstate 80 halfway between Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming. There are dozens of places to stop and park, picnic, hike, mountain bike, climb or fish. Its easy access makes it the perfect place when you only have a few hours to explore, like before or after work.
2. The Variety of Terrain
There's a wide variety of terrain at Vedauwoo, from granite bolder formations, to pine forests, to wide open space and stands of aspen trees along the creek. This terrain makes it perfect for any and all types of outdoor adventure, from an easy Sunday afternoon stroll to a lung busting mountain bike ride.
3. It's Magical in the Winter
While Vedauwoo is more of a summer destination, it shouldn't be overlooked in the winter. With deep snow collecting in the low areas, Vedauwoo is magical when it's transformed with a blanket of snow covering the granite rocks. It's a great place to snowshoe off trail and look for elk, moose or deer.
4. It's Unique
I've lived all over the United States and traveled throughout the world, but I've never seen any place quite like Vedauwoo. It's the kind of place that lives up to the hype. It's unique, original and definitely special; just ask anyone who has been there.
5. It's Historic
When you're snowshoeing through a pine forest or scrambling up a bolder, it's easy to think about the Native Americans who once roamed this area searching for game or seeking refuge beneath rocky caves. It's also fun to think about Tie-Hacks logging the area for timber to build the railroad or families picnicking in the area during the roaring '20s.
6. The Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant in Vedauwoo. Even on a crowded Saturday morning it's common to see a cow moose by the pond just off of the popular Turtle Rock trail. Just make sure to give wildlife their distance and observe them from afar.
7. You Can Wander Freely
Vedauwoo offers the perfect place to leave the trail and wander freely. You can take a pre-established trail, like the Turtle Rock trail, or follow a game path wherever it goes. It's fun to choose a new path and a new adventure each time you visit Vedauwoo.
8. The Scenery
Vedauwoo is scenic. It's probably one of the most photographed areas in Southeastern Wyoming. The landscape is beautiful, especially from the top of a rock formation at sunrise and sunset. It's the perfect place to capture outdoor beauty with your camera, or your memory.
9. It Has Something for Everyone
Vedauwoo has a little bit of something for everyone. Spend a few hours there and you'll see all sorts of people, from children scampering down a trail and jumping off boulders, to professional rock climbers testing their skills. You might see retired couples birdwatching, or trail runners building their endurance.
10. It's magical
I visit Vedauwoo at least once a week. No matter how tired or cranky I'm feeling, I always feel renewed and refreshed after a few hours there. Maybe there really is something magical about it's mysterious forests and rough granite rocks. Vedauwoo is a great place to recharge and spend some time thinking and energizing the soul.
Have you visited Vedauwoo? What do you love about it?
