New Laramie Connector Trail Highlights Growing Interest in Outdoor Recreation

Laramie is set to celebrate the opening of a new trail on October 5 that links the town to nearby outdoor areas, marking a significant step in Wyoming’s expanding outdoor recreation industry, Wyoming Public Media reports.

This new 16.5-mile trail, known as the Pole Mountain Connector, has been in the works since 2019 and reflects the state’s increasing focus on building trail systems that attract residents and visitors alike.

Mike Kusiek, Executive Director of Wyoming Pathways, a nonprofit organization that assists communities in creating trails, explained that the new trail has a long history in the local recreation scene.

“Going back to the ‘90s, people were riding from town through what used to be called Cactus, now Pilot Hill, to access trails at Happy Jack and Vedauwoo,” said Kusiek.

The new trail essentially formalizes that route, connecting Laramie directly to these popular outdoor spots.

The new trail opens up possibilities for significant events, such as long-distance foot or bike races starting in town.

“This sets Laramie up to do 100-mile foot races or bike races from town,” Kusiek noted.

He added that it could potentially revive events like the town’s enduro races.

Wyoming’s outdoor recreation economy is booming, growing at the fourth-fastest rate in the country. Kusiek noted that 40 communities across the state have shown interest in developing trail systems to attract more visitors. Wyoming Pathways is also collaborating with Lovell and the Bureau of Land Management to create a new trail system in that area, with construction planned to begin in 2025.

Other Wyoming towns, including Powell, Worland, and Meeteetse, are looking into trail development to attract tourists who tend to bypass these areas. The focus on outdoor recreation is not only about tourism but also improving residents’ quality of life. Kusiek emphasized that trails contribute to physical and mental well-being and play a role in economic development, noting that they are one of the top factors drawing families and young professionals to communities.

For Laramie residents, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new trail will be held at the Happy Jack Trailhead on Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by a fundraiser in downtown Laramie later in the evening.