Weekend Adventures in Cheyenne, Wyoming: A Place for Outdoors Lovers
As someone who lives in Denver and loves adventuring to beautiful outdoors destinations in our bordering states, I have naturally driven through Wyoming on multiple occasions. But, en route to Yellowstone or the Tetons, I never thought to pull over and explore a little town called Cheyenne. I was excited to explore this charming town further and find all of the incredible outdoors adventures it has to offer!
From stunning hikes to unique local experiences, my husband, our pup Nigel, and I packed our bags and set off on a short road trip from Denver for a weekend of hiking, exploring museums, horseback riding, and eating great food.
Here’s a peek into our trip and how we made the most of our time in one of Wyoming’s hidden gems!
Day 1: Arrival
Checking into Little America Hotel & Resort
We kicked off our trip by checking into the Little America Hotel & Resort on a Friday afternoon. We loved that this hotel was dog friendly and had tons of green spaces to take him for his morning walks.
The Little America boasts a range of amenities that enhanced our stay:
Spacious Rooms and Suites: Our room was really lovely, with modern furnishings, double-sink bathroom, and a large flat-screen TV. It was also nice and quiet, which was great given our early mornings and long days of exploring.
On-Site Dining: The hotel features a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast each morning. While we didn’t eat on the property (too many exciting spots to check out around Cheynne) it was nice to know that you could enjoy a meal without having to leave the property.
Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub: Near our building, there was an outdoor swimming pool and even a hot tub. Surrounded by lush gardens, it was a relaxing spot to enjoy a swim and soak after a busy day.
Fitness Center: The fitness center was well-equipped with modern exercise machines and free weights.
Beautiful Grounds: The resort's expansive grounds included meticulously landscaped gardens, walking paths, and a picturesque pond. It was lovely to walk Nigel around the property and enjoy the serene environment. It even has a golf course!
Dinner at The Albany
After checking into our hotel, we went over to The Albany. Established in 1930, The Albany is a beloved landmark in Cheyenne, offering a taste of both history and culinary delight. Originally known as "The Albany Hotel," it was a popular stop for travelers along the transcontinental highway. Over the decades, it has evolved from a hotel dining room into a renowned restaurant known for its classic American fare.
The Albany's historical ambiance is reflected in its timeless décor, which combines traditional elements with modern touches. The restaurant's walls are adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia that celebrate its storied past. Dining there felt like stepping back in time, enjoying hearty meals in a setting that has been cherished by generations.
I ordered the clam chowder as an appetizer and the Prime Rib, which is their specialty, and it did not disappoint! Tim had the lamb special and it was equally delicious. I’m not always big on eating steaks and red meat like that but I figured hey, when in Wyoming right?!
Day 2: Horseback Riding and History
Breakfast at The Bread Basket
The next morning, we started our day with coffee and breakfast burritos at The Bread Basket. I’d highly recommend grabbing some freshly baked breads and pastries when visiting! It was the perfect way to fuel up for our day of adventure.
Exploring Terry Bison Ranch
One of the coolest and most unique experiences during our trip was exploring Terry Bison Ranch, which was about a 20-minute drive from Little America. This expansive 27,000-acre ranch offered us an immersive Western experience that we won’t soon forget!
The ranch is renowned for its interactive and educational experiences centered around its bison herd. We started with a leisurely horseback ride, strolling along picturesque landscapes and enjoying the freedom of the open range. We watched the prairie dogs scurry across the field and then rode right past the bison herd! Our guide, Sarah, was amazing and shared so many awesome stories and insights about horses and what it’s like to work with them in Wyoming.
There are so many other activities to do at Terry Bison Ranch! You can check them out on their website for specific times and prices, but here’s a run down of all the options:
Bison Train Tour: This tour takes you on a ride through the ranch’s grazing lands to see bison up close. You’ll also have the chance to feed the bison!
Fishing: The ranch offers fishing in its stocked ponds. A fishing license is required, and rental equipment is available.
Self-guided Ranch Tour: Walk around the ranch and check out the various animals like the alpacas, goats, ostriches, pigs, turkeys, peacocks and more. The amount of animals we got to see was so cool.
Pony Rides: If you’re traveling with kids, they would absolutely love this. Each ride is about 5-15 minutes long and they also have birthday party packages available.
Finally, Terry Bison Ranch also offers cabins as well as RV and tent camping sites. So if you’re looking for a super unique place to stay, this would definitely be it!
Lunch at The Office
After our morning of adventure, we were ready for lunch. We chose The Office, known for its casual atmosphere and satisfying menu. Tim ordered a Greek Salad and I had the Thai Peanut Bowl, which gave us the energy to continue exploring.
Exploring the History of Cheyenne
The afternoon was dedicated to exploring downtown Cheyenne as well as several museums and gardens, and we found so much to see:
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum: We were fascinated by the history of Cheyenne’s iconic Frontier Days event. The museum’s collection of rodeo memorabilia, historic carriages, and Western artifacts offered a deep dive into cowboy culture and the evolution of this legendary rodeo. Mark your calendars for July 18-27, 2025 – this seems like an event that can’t be missed!
Cheyenne Depot Museum: We stepped right back in time when entering this museum, which is a National HIstorical Landmark built in 1886 by the Union Pacific Railroad. We learned all about the transcontinental railroad and how the modern rail industry evolved.
Big Boy Steam Engine 4004: Just on the outskirts of town in Holliday Park stands the largest steam locomotive in the world – definitely stop by here, especially after touring the Depot Museum!
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens: We ended our afternoon with a peaceful stroll through the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. The themed gardens, including a Japanese garden and a children’s village, provided a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Plus, it was free!
Walk Around Sloan Lake
As the day began to wind down, we picked up Nigel from our hotel and headed to Sloan Lake for a late afternoon walk. The lake provided a perfect backdrop for our stroll and I was again delighted by how many lovely green spaces can be found in Cheyenne. I recommend renting a kayak or paddleboard to enjoy the calm waters from a different perspective. It was the ideal way to unwind and take in the beauty of the area.
Dinner at Wyoming’s Rib and Chop House
For dinner, we made our way to Wyoming’s Rib and Chop House where I had one of my FAVORITE meals during our trip! We ordered the hot honey goat cheese as an appetizer, and then I had the chicken masala for dinner. Tim was in the mood for some seafood and ordered the Louisiana pasta jambalaya. It was a satisfying end to the day, and we couldn’t have asked for a better meal after a day full of adventures.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Breakfast at The Paramount Cafe
We started our last day in Cheyenne with breakfast at The Paramount Cafe. We were doing lots of hiking today, so we wanted to fuel up on caffeine and quick bites before hitting the trails and this was the perfect spot.The Paramount Cafe has been a beloved local establishment since it first opened its doors in 1931. Originally operating as a Paramount Pictures theater, the building was later transformed into a café that became a central gathering place for locals and travelers alike. This is a perfect spot with great vibes and incredible coffee with quick grab-and-go bagels, breakfast cakes and more.
Hiking the Turtle Rock Trail in Vedauwoo Recreation Area / Medicine Bow National Forest
Our first hike took us to the Turtle Rock Trail in Vedauwoo Recreation Area, located about 30 minutes from Cheyenne. The 3.3-mile loop was absolutely stunning. The unique rock formations, including the massive Turtle Rock, were incredible. The trail offered a good challenge with its rocky sections and elevation changes, but the panoramic views were more than worth the effort. We took plenty of photos to capture the dramatic scenery.
Hiking the Hidden Falls Trail in Curt Gowdy State Park
Next up was a visit to Curt Gowdy State Park, which is not too far from Vedauwoo and therefore perfect to do both in one day. To enter the park, the fee is $7 (Wyoming resident) or $12 (non-resident) per vehicle.
We were hiking the Hidden Falls trail, a 4.2-mile hike which was a highlight of our trip! The trail led us through scenic forests and meadows to the picturesque Hidden Falls. The gentle climbs and descents were manageable, and the sight and sound of the waterfall provided a refreshing reward. This is also a great place to go mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping.
Lunch at Bunkhouse Bar & Grill (Drive Along Happy Jack)
After our morning hikes, we drove along Happy Jack Road to the Bunkhouse for lunch. There were horses standing out front of the building which gave it such a cool, Western vibe – can you imagine riding up to lunch on your own horse?! Indoors, there were a few folks playing guitar and singing – they have a live acoustic jam session starting at 1:30pm every Sunday! We sat outdoors on the dog friendly patio and the rustic setting and comforting food were just what we needed.
Head Back to Denver
As our Cheyenne adventure came to a close, we prepared for the drive back to Denver. The scenic route took us through picturesque landscapes, offering one last glimpse of Wyoming’s beauty. The drive was smooth and gave us ample time to reflect on our memorable trip. We left Cheyenne feeling rejuvenated and grateful for the incredible experiences we had.
If you’re looking for a blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration, Cheyenne is an exceptional destination that truly has something for everyone!
