CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Dec. 22, 2025 – As winter settles across Wyoming, Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department are jointly reminding residents and visitors to prioritize safety while enjoying winter recreation, particularly when it comes to ice conditions. Temperatures have continued to fluctuate and trend warmer than average, making ice stability more unpredictable and potentially dangerous for recreational activities.

Wyoming State Parks rangers and Wyoming Game and Fish game wardens routinely patrol frozen lakes, reservoirs, and access points throughout the winter season, responding to emergencies and educating recreationists about ice safety.

"While winter offers stunning landscapes and exciting recreational activities, it's important to remember that ice is never 100 percent safe," said Mark Caughlan, chief ranger of Wyoming State Parks. "By working closely with Wyoming Game and Fish, we’re able to combine training, patrol presence, and public education to help reduce preventable accidents."

Before venturing onto any ice, it is essential to understand basic safety guidelines. Ice should generally be at least 4 inches thick for foot traffic. Ice measuring 6 inches thick may support one ATV, UTV, or snowmobile. Vehicles such as cars or small trucks typically require 9 to 12 inches of solid ice, while a medium pickup truck requires 13 to 15 inches.

Rangers and game wardens advise remaining alert for pressure ridges, inlets, vegetation, and other areas where ice may be thinner or unstable. “As ice begins to form this winter, drill test holes to determine thickness, and remember thickness is not always uniform,” said Craig Smith, deputy chief game warden of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Weak ice may not support even light foot traffic or motorized vehicles, and if conditions are uncertain, staying off the ice is the safest option.

“Both agencies respond to ice-related incidents every winter,” Caughlan added. “Recreationists should always be prepared to self-rescue and carry safety equipment such as personal flotation devices and ice awls—help can sometimes be far away.”

Monitoring local ice conditions through your nearest parks or recreation areas can significantly enhance your safety and experience.

Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department share a commitment to public safety, responsible recreation, and stewardship of Wyoming’s outdoor resources. Through coordinated patrols, training, and outreach, both agencies work year-round to help ensure safe and enjoyable recreation opportunities statewide.

For more information on winter recreation safety and current ice conditions, contact your local Wyoming State Parks ranger or Wyoming Game and Fish game warden, or visit wyoparks.wyo.gov or wgfd.wyo.gov. 

Contacts: 

Mark Caughlan, Chief Ranger, Wyoming State Parks, (307) 214-9818; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Craig Smith, Deputy Chief, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, (307) 672-7418; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Dec. 1, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026, marks the 15th consecutive year that Wyoming State Parks is offering guided hikes at locations across the state for First Day Hikes.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative launched in 2012 and led by America’s State Parks. First Day Hikes are an opportunity for people to start their year off right, immersed in the outdoors. All First Day Hike offerings are open to the public, including seasoned patrons and first-time visitors. 

“I hope everyone’s New Year's resolutions for 2026 are to spend more time in the outdoors,” stated Frances Schaetz, outreach coordinator for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Participating in one of our statewide offerings for this initiative is a sure way to start the year and your resolution off on the right footing.”

First Day Hikes are offered in all 50 states on New Year's Day. Here in Wyoming, we are offering 19 unique hikes at State Parks and Historic Sites across the state. All hikes are free and open to the public; all day-use fees are waived on Jan. 1 for this initiative.

Participants will have the chance to win a 2026 Annual Day Use Certificate at each participating location and to enter a statewide Grand Prize drawing. Details for the drawings will be available at each site.

Details about hiking locations, difficulty, length, and terrain are as follows:

• Bear River State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • ​ Meet at the Rendezvous Area for a 1.5-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 789-6547.
• Boysen State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Park Headquarters (120 Boysen Drive, Shoshoni, WY) for a 1.5-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 876-2796.
• Buffalo Bill State Park – starting at 9 a.m.
  • Meet at the Park Headquarters (4192 North Fork Highway) for a 1.5-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 587-9227.
• Curt Gowdy State Park – starting at 1:30 p.m.
  • Meet at the Visitor Center to decide whether to take the ¾-mile hike on easy terrain or the 2.25-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 632-7946.
• Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Platte River Shelter for a 1.5-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 577-5150.
• Fort Bridger State Historic Site – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Main Parking Lot for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 870-8811.
• Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site (528 Wagon Box Rd, Banner, WY) for a 1-2 mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 275-6120.
• Guernsey State Park – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Main Boat Dock Parking Area for a 1.75-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 921-2057.
• Glendo State Park – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Two Moon Shelter for a 2-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 735-4433.
• Hot Springs State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the T-Hill Trailhead for a 2-3 mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 864-2176.
• Keyhole State Park – starting at 9 a.m.
  • Meet at Coulter Bay Cliffs Shelter for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 756-3596.
• Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site – starting at 11 a.m.
  • Meet at the Red Barn (4800 County Road 52, Hyattville, WY) for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 469-2234.
• Sinks Canyon State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Visitor Center for a ½ -mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 332-6333.
• Sinks Canyon State Park – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Popo Agie Nature Trail parking area (in the Popo Agie Campground) for a 2-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 332-6333.
• Trail End State Historic Site – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at Trail End State Historic Site (400 Clarendon Ave, Sheridan, WY) for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 275-6120.
• Wyoming Historic Governors' Mansion – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Wyoming Historic Governor’s Mansion (300 East 21st Street; Cheyenne, WY) for a ¾ -mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 777-7878.
• Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum – starting at 10 a.m.
  • ​Meet at the Wyoming Pioneer Museum Lobby, located on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds (400 W. Center Street, Douglas, WY) for a 1-2 mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 359-9288. 
• Wyoming Territorial Prison – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Visitor Center for a 1.5-2 mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 359-4014.

Participants are encouraged to “know before you go” and to prepare for winter weather conditions, including dressing appropriately.  Hot drinks and refreshments will be provided at most locations; however, participants are also encouraged to bring their own water and snacks.

This statewide initiative is brought to you by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Wyoming State Parks, and the Wyoming State Trails Program, all part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR). Learn more about our programs at wyospcr.wyo.gov. 

To learn more about First Day Hike events in your area, please find individual sites on Facebook and/or visit bit.ly/m/FirstDayHikesWY.

 

Contact: Sharie Shada, 307-275-6120; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“The First Home: Unpacking the Crow Tipi” Program Offered at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site

BANNER, Wyo. — July 18, 2025 — Wyoming State Parks invites the public to a special tipi-raising program at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site on Tuesday, July 22, at 6:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cultural and historical significance of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tipi through a live demonstration and interpretive talk.

Macariah Pine, a Native American Student Interpretive Ranger and member of the Crow Tribe, will lead the evening. As the tipi is raised in real time, Pine will share insights into the meaning and construction of the Crow tipi, including its symbolism, its use as a seasonal guide, and its continued significance in Apsáalooke culture.

“[I’ll be] talking about the meaning and history behind the tipi, such as why it is raised a certain way, the meaning behind each pole, and how the tipi was used to tell seasons and time,” Pine said. “This will be a live presentation where the tipi is set up while I talk.”

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and meet near the fort’s historic stockade wall for this engaging outdoor program.

This initiative is part of the American Indian Student Interpretive Ranger Program, now in its third year. A partnership between Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, the Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association, and the U.S. Forest Service, the program provides interpretive training to Native American college students. This summer, three student rangers are alternating between Fort Phil Kearny and the Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark in the Bighorn Mountains, sharing Indigenous perspectives and stories with park visitors.

Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site is located at 528 Wagon Box Road, Banner, WY 82832, and is part of the Wyoming State Parks system.

For more information, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov/fortphilkearny, follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/fortphilkearny, or call 307-684-7629.

Contact: Sharie Shada, 307-275-6120; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.