Wyoming State Parks and Wyoming Game and Fish Urge Safe Winter Recreation Practices

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Category: News & Updates - General

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. 

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Figure 1: Wyoming State Parks rangers, Wyoming Game and Fish Department game wardens, and other local law enforcement officers at Curt Gowdy State Park demonstrating ice safety rescue techniques during a recent annual training. Figure 2: A winter recreationist at Glendo State Park enjoys ice fishing. 
 

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) 672-7418672-7418; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.