Explore Wyoming: Garden Creek Falls Near Casper An Easy Spring Hike — And Excuse For A Picnic

A bluebird day in early May in Casper is something of a puzzle for visitors.

The mountains in the distance beckon, but there’s generally not enough snow for typical winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. And there’s too much snow and mud for a casual hike to the top.

But that’s OK, because a quick chat with locals reveals there is still a cool adventure not 5 minutes from town.

It’s called the Bridle Trail at Rotary Park, and one of its jackpots happens to be at the beginning of the trail, instead of the end. That payoff is a cascading waterfall framed with pretty ponderosa pines.

In mid May, when all the snow is beginning to melt, the waterfall is at beautiful strength. And it’s a popular photo spot for prom-goers and celebrating graduates.

First A Side Trip

For best results, don’t head straight to the mountain. Stop off at Grant Street Grocery first for picnic fare. It has a wide selection of cheeses and cured meats for a choose-your-own charcuterie tray that will hold up well to a bit of hiking and poking around.

Or take along one of the market’s many sandwiches, such as the Italian grinder. It’s a generous portion of pepperoni, ham, salami and provolone cheese stuffed into a holdable hoagie with all the fixings.

There’s a wide selection of cool beverages, including a unique fermented drink from Mexico called Tepache. Pineapple spice will do nicely.

And don’t forget a few candies to finish out the meal. There are chocolates and brown butter caramels, just to name a couple.

While there, check out the dinnertime pastas and the wagyu beef from Snake River Farms or the ground lamb from GK Meats. Lots of dinner ideas here, too.

Defies Gravity

The drive to waterfall park comes with fluffy white clouds scudding by, as if leading would-be explorers on, straight to Rotary Park.

Just after the turnoff to Rotary Park from Casper Road Mountain, locals tell of a spot known as Gravity Hill. There’s supposed to be a large tree to the left if you’re in the right spot. The story is that a car will roll uphill if you’re in that magic spot, after being brought to a complete stop and put into neutral. 

These little gravity “busters” are found in other areas as well, like New Paris in Pennsylvania or the Magic Hill in the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland. 

But generally, what’s at work is an optical illusion caused by an obstructed horizon and an arrangement of trees and/or signs that make a slight downhill slope appear to be going uphill.

Try it if there are no cars, though. It’s still cool — at least until you start to get hungry. 

Escape The Modern World

The Bridle Trail at Rotary Park was built in 1939. It’s a 5-mile trail that rises 1,200 feet in elevation, according to the Natrona County website, and photos of the trek by various bloggers show it offers beauty in all seasons. 

There will be signs at various points along the way explaining where a hiker is and just how high. These signs also point out interesting landmarks ahead, like Split Rock and the West or the East Overlook.

In early May, much of the trail is muddy and snowy, making the climb a little slippery for casual hikers. But the trek to the waterfall is short and only has a little snow at the very beginning on what is mostly flat ground. 

The chattering sound of the waterfall keeps away all the sounds of the modern world, even though it’s really just 5 minutes from town.

With only wind and water talking through the trees, and an occasional “woof! woof!” from hikers and their dogs, it doesn’t take long for all that to work a little magic. It feels a bit like being carried away from all the cares and worries of life.

The Rotary Club has continued to maintain this popular waterfall spot through the years and has added several nice amenities. These include a pavilion near the parking lot and pretty blue benches near the waterfall, as well as along the trail. There’s also a couple of higher elevation decks that offer a killer view of Casper, spread out like a storybook below.

Or pick a flat rock on higher ground if the deck is already occupied. It’s all picnic perfect either way.

Wire railings help define the trail and provide a little something to grab onto at any slippery spots, once you’re ready to return to the everyday world. 

Where To Watch The Sunset

Rotary Park closes at dusk, so the elevation decks at Garden Creek Falls are not necessarily the best place in Casper to watch the sun go down. Plus, climbing down occasionally slippery patches in the dark is no fun.

For sunsets, many locals head to Gruner Brothers Brewery which, as the name implies, is two brothers, Daron and Ben Gruner, crafting unique Wyoming beers.

Their North Platte is a nice, malty concoction with just a hint of citrus. It’s a nice finish for a basket of fish and chips with malted vinegar. Or try the PB&J burger with jalapeño jelly for something a little more substantial.

The Gruner Brothers microbrewery is located in what was the Casper Petroleum Club once upon a time. But its claim to fame for many locals is simply an amazing view of the mountains. The mountainside wall of the brewery are all windows all the time, offering unobstructed views. 

In summertime, the glass windows are lifted, a bit like a garage door, extending the dining area to the outside balcony where mountainside tables await.

It’s a great spot any time of year to chill and watch the sun going down over Casper, after a bluebird day full of successful adventures. 

Contact Renée Jean at Renee@CowboyStateDaily.com