New 7.5-Mile Trail Connector Creates 100-Mile MTB Loop in Wyoming
A new 7.5-mile trail connector in Laramie, Wyoming, known as the Pilot Hill Connector, is set to transform the region’s mountain biking landscape, Singletracks reports.
The connector links the Pilot Hill and Happy Jack trail systems, offering bikers an exciting opportunity to explore a continuous 100-mile singletrack loop without touching pavement. This new route opens up numerous riding possibilities, including bikepacking trips, and provides seamless access to three interconnected trail systems.
The Pilot Hill trail system, located just above downtown Laramie, and the Happy Jack Recreation Area to the east are both home to popular singletrack mountain bike trails. Prior to the construction of the Pilot Hill Connector, there was no efficient way to link these two systems. Additionally, a short dirt road connection leads to the Vedauwoo trail system, creating even more options for bikers looking to expand their rides.
The connector is expected to boost tourism in Laramie, which has long sought more attention for outdoor recreation. While areas like Jackson, Wyoming, attract large numbers of tourists, Laramie has struggled to draw similar crowds. The new trail will allow visitors to leave their cars in town and enjoy the local amenities, including dining and lodging, before heading out for a ride. According to Michael Kusiek, Executive Director of Wyoming Pathways, the new trail is expected to bring a direct economic impact to the community by encouraging visitors to spend more time in Laramie.
In addition to attracting tourists, the Pilot Hill Connector also strengthens the city’s position as a central hub for mountain biking. It has already been noted that some riders are using the new trail for weekend-long bikepacking trips, marking the beginning of a new trend in the area.
Construction of the Pilot Hill Connector began in 2021, with the project officially completed in October 2024. Wyoming Pathways worked in two phases to build the trail at a total cost of around $240,000. The trail is designed to be accessible for various user groups, including hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers, and is considered a “blue trail” with moderate difficulty.
The trail runs through aspen groves and high desert meadows, with riders treated to expansive views of the nearby mountains and Wyoming plains. At an elevation of 8,600 feet, the trail offers riders a unique high desert experience, and it is typically rideable from late May to October, depending on snowfall.
As the project nears completion, future trail developments in Laramie are already in the works. Wyoming Pathways has been focused on rebuilding and enhancing existing trails, particularly in the Happy Jack trail system. Although a recent grant application to further improve Happy Jack was unsuccessful, Kusiek remains optimistic that funding will eventually come through for additional improvements to the area’s trail network.
