WLM WLM Summer 2018 | Page 22

WLM | explore SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE – By Kati Hime Images by Levi Hime Where To Go? A hh Wyoming, the land of outdoor adventure. How we love thee. The following are just a few of our square state’s outdoor gems to put on your radar. (We know, there are many gems missing. This would be a book if I got it all…) BIKING • Happy Jack, Southeast Wyoming: Kevin Bretting is a pretty rad personal trainer in Laramie. He’s also the coolest cyclist we know, so his recommendation of Happy Jack in Southeast Wyoming came with some weight. Trails exist for all levels of expertise and afford some sweet views at the same time. Easily accessible with a short drive from Laramie, and only a slightly longer time from Cheyenne. Bring a lunch and enjoy nearby Vedauwoo at the same time. • Wilkins Peak Trail System, Southwest Wyoming: With names like Pick Your Poison, TNT and Lunatic Fringe dotting the list of expert singletrack trails, it’s no wonder the Green River area’s Wilkins Peak Trail System has earned “Most Popular Bike Trail in Wyoming” designation from singletracks.com for two years 20 Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Summer 2018 in a row. Other levels exist if you’re a rider like me (I’ll take “Pansy” without shame, thank you very much). Check out tourwyoming.com for Sweetwater County’s excellent overview and map of the system. CLIMBING & BACKPACKING (one or the other – or both!) • Circque of the Towers, Northwest Wyoming: I know, I know. Saying Cirque of the Towers, near Pinedale, and the Wind River Range is the mecca of climbing & backpacking is like saying Disneyland is the mecca of family vacations. Indeed, it is well- known worldwide. However, reputations are earned for a reason, and this beautiful, awe-inspiring area doesn’t disappoint. It is, however, a wilderness, so read up & be prepared. This area is perfect for the adventure-ready soul. • Devils Tower Monument, Northeast Wyoming: See above – another incredible, well-known climb, agreed. But WHAT a climb. The fi rst national monument offers classic crack climbing, rich history and a kickin’ story to take home. Debate while you climb whether you believe the legend of its birth