Laramie, Cheyenne, Wheatland
The counties and hotspots listed below represent well-known birding areas within the region and are provided for planning and reference. Specific trip locations vary based on season, access, and local conditions.
The Laramie River Greenbelt Trail provides accessible riparian habitat for migrants, waterfowl, and raptors along the river corridor. Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge adds marshes and open water that draw grebes, shorebirds, and wintering ducks. The University of Wyoming campus and Dairy Ponds offer urban ponds and woodlands that attract sparrows, blackbirds, and migrant songbirds. The Laramie Plains Lakes, including Lake Hattie and Twin Buttes, are prime for gulls, loons, and waterfowl across seasons, while Medicine Bow National Forest near Tie City and Happy Jack transitions birders into montane forests and trails. Together, these habitats showcase the meeting of prairie lakes, riparian corridors, and high-elevation forest that defines southeastern Wyoming birding.
The Wyoming Hereford Ranch provides a mix of wetlands, grasslands, and riparian edges that attract sparrows, raptors, and waterbirds. Lions Park and the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens offer urban lakes and groves that host migrating warblers and year-round residents. Mountain reservoirs at Curt Gowdy State Park, including Granite Springs and Crystal Lake, add deep water and forest edges for loons, grebes, and woodpeckers. City parks such as Holliday Park and open spaces around LCCC provide additional winter waterfowl and songbird habitat. Collectively, these sites highlight the blend of prairie, foothill reservoirs, and urban green spaces that makes Cheyenne one of Wyoming’s most accessible birding hubs.
Nearest Airports
Laramie Regional Airport (LAR)
Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Scottsbluff Airport (BFF)
Drive Times
Laramie to Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Centennial): 45–60 minutes
Cheyenne to Curt Gowdy State Park: 30–40 minutes
Cheyenne to Vedauwoo Recreation Area: 20–30 minutes
Denver to Laramie: 2–2.5 hours
Spring (Mar–May): Wetlands draw migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, with early montane arrivals in foothill forests. Snow lingers at higher elevations.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Alpine forests host breeding woodpeckers and songbirds, while prairies fill with longspurs and sparrows. Warm days contrast with cool mountain nights.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Lakes gather loons, grebes, and ducks, while grasslands attract migrating raptors. Cooler weather brings early frosts to valleys and forests.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Open plains host Rough-legged Hawks and Snow Buntings, with waterfowl at ice-free reservoirs. Frigid temperatures dominate across elevations.
