6 Must Ride ATV and UTV Trails in Wyoming for Adventure Seekers

Honda Rancher May 11, 2026

Rider sitting on modified Honda ATV with mud tires and LED lights, overlooking scenic forest view at sunset, ready for off-road adventure.

Wyoming is one of the most jaw-dropping off-road destinations in the country. From sweeping high-desert plains to rugged mountain terrain, the Cowboy State offers a riding experience that's hard to match anywhere else. According to the Wyoming State Parks Trails Program (2026), Wyoming has over 640 miles of ORV trails managed by a variety of agencies, with the BLM alone enrolling 100% of its existing roads and trails — estimated to exceed 40,000 miles — for off-road vehicle use.

Whether you're out solo on a Honda Recon or loaded up with the crew in a Honda Pioneer 1000, Wyoming's state parks deliver unforgettable trail experiences for every rider. Here are six must-ride destinations worth adding to your 2026 bucket list.

1. Curt Gowdy State Park

Rider on Honda Rancher ATV climbing rocky desert slope, wearing helmet and gear, showcasing traction, stability, and off-road performance.

Situated just 24 miles west of Cheyenne along Happy Jack Road, Curt Gowdy State Park packs seven sections of dramatically varied landscape into one accessible destination. Rocky granite outcroppings, open meadows, and three scenic reservoirs frame a trail network that keeps riders engaged from start to finish. The terrain here rewards riders on nimble machines, and a Honda Rancher fits right in — threading through the park's forested sections and granite-studded ridgelines with confidence.

Best For: All skill levels | Highlights: Granite terrain, reservoir views, proximity to Cheyenne

2. Bear River State Park

Located right off I-80 on the western edge of Wyoming near Evanston, Bear River State Park is a gem for riders looking for scenic trail access without a long drive into the backcountry. The park traces the Bear River corridor that winds through landscapes with open vistas and good paths. A Honda Foreman easily manages the combination of dirt and gravel roads here, so this place makes a nice warm-up spot for the beginning of the season. Besides, the park doubles as a handy base for more extended excursions into the nearby Bear River Valley.

Best For: Beginners to intermediate | Highlights: River corridor scenery, easy interstate access, early-season riding

3. Edness K. Wilkins State Park

Edness K. Wilkins State Park sits along the North Platte River just east of Casper and offers a relaxed but rewarding riding environment that's perfect for families and newer riders. The flat to gently rolling terrain runs alongside lush river-bottom habitat, giving the whole experience a peaceful, scenic quality that many more technical trails can't match. A Honda Pioneer 500 is ideally sized for the park's trails — compact enough to navigate the narrower paths while still offering the comfort of a side-by-side for riders who prefer a UTV setup.

Best For: Beginners and families | Highlights: North Platte River views, flat terrain, great for UTVs

4. Keyhole State Park

Orange and black Honda Pioneer UTV with rugged off-road tires, roll cage, and mesh doors, shown on a clean white background.

Keyhole State Park in northeastern Wyoming is anchored by the sprawling Keyhole Reservoir, and the surrounding terrain delivers a unique high-plains riding experience that feels genuinely remote despite being accessible. The open landscape gives riders room to stretch out and cover ground, making it a strong pick for machines built for speed and versatility. A Honda Pioneer 700 thrives in this environment, offering the power and ground clearance to handle the varied surfaces — from hardpack trails to softer sandy stretches near the reservoir shoreline.

Best For: Intermediate riders | Highlights: Reservoir views, open terrain, northeastern Wyoming scenery

5. Sinks Canyon State Park

Sinks Canyon State Park near Lander is one of Wyoming's most geologically fascinating destinations. The canyon takes its name from the Popo Agie River, which disappears into a limestone cavern at "The Sinks" and resurfaces a quarter mile downstream at "The Rise" — a natural wonder that never gets old. The surrounding trail access is rugged and scenic, with steep canyon walls and forested slopes that challenge riders who want more than a casual cruise. A Honda Rubicon's selectable 4WD system is a genuine asset here, especially on the steeper, rockier sections where terrain changes quickly and unpredictably.

Best For: Intermediate to advanced | Highlights: Geological wonder, canyon terrain, Wind River Range proximity

6. Hot Springs State Park

Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis wraps a great trail riding experience around one of the world's largest mineral hot springs — which makes it, arguably, the most rewarding post-ride stop in all of Wyoming. The terrain around the park is varied and engaging, with options that suit a wide range of machine types and rider abilities. A Honda Talon 1000X handles the more aggressive sections with authority, while the surrounding open areas are perfectly suited to a Honda Pioneer 520 for groups that prefer a more relaxed pace. After the ride, the state bathhouse offers free soaks in the mineral pools — no better way to end a day on the trails.

Best For: All skill levels | Highlights: Mineral hot springs, varied terrain, free post-ride soak

Pack Your Gear and Hit the Trail

Wyoming's state parks offer a riding experience that blends natural beauty with serious off-road adventure — and 2026 is a great year to explore them. From the granite hills of Curt Gowdy to the canyon floors of Sinks Canyon, every destination on this list brings something genuinely unique to the table. Whether you're threading tight trails on a Honda Rancher, navigating rocky terrain on a Honda Rubicon, or opening it up across open plains in a Honda Talon 1000R, the Cowboy State delivers.

Remember to grab your 2026 Wyoming ORV permit at wyotrails.onewyo.gov before you head out, check trail-specific width restrictions, and always ride responsibly. The trails will be there — make sure you are too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to ride ATV or UTV trails in Wyoming state parks?

Yes. A Wyoming ORV permit is required for all enrolled roads, routes, and trails designated for off-road vehicle use. As of 2026, permits are available online at wyotrails.onewyo.gov and apply to both residents and non-residents. There is no reciprocity with out-of-state OHV registrations.

What time of year is best for visiting Wyoming state parks for ATV riding?

The majority of Wyoming state parks start taking reservation from May 1st to May 15th and stay open until the end of September or the first part of October. The period from late June to September is the best time, because the trails will be dry, easy to use, and very beautiful. Spring often results in muddy trails, especially in the parks located at high elevations.

What are the length and width limits of UTVs allowed at Wyoming state parks?

Several designated ORV trails in Wyoming limit off-road vehicles to a maximum width of 50 inches, although enrolled roads and routes generally permit wider vehicles. It is very important to refer to a specific travel management map of the park or contact the local land manager prior to your visit in order to verify any width limitations that apply to your vehicle.

Is camping allowed at these Wyoming state parks?

Absolutely, most of the parks in this article have camping facilities. Curt Gowdy, Keyhole, Sinks Canyon, and Hot Springs State Parks all offer campgrounds that can be booked online through the Wyoming State Parks system, with the opening of the booking window normally being 120 days ahead of the visit. During the season when no reservations are being taken, the sites will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is Hot Springs State Park worth visiting just for the trails?

Absolutely — but the trails are only part of the draw. Hot Springs State Park is home to one of the world's largest mineral hot springs, and the state-run bathhouse offers free soaks to the public year-round. It's genuinely one of the best after-ride experiences in Wyoming, making this park a standout destination that rewards you well beyond the trailhead.

Priyanka Sharma

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