If you’re a consistent runner, sometimes deciding where to run in Laramie can get a little redundant, especially if you make your decision on where to run only based on length. But what if you decide to base your run on what you feel like running or seeing instead of length? Rarely do I base my run on length; rather I base it on my mood. If I don’t feel like stopping at every corner to look for cars, then I run on the Greenbelt. If you feel like you just need to get out of town a bit but don’t want to drive to Vedauwoo, head to the Laramie River. Try these great alternatives to running your standard route.

  • Best Close-Out-Of-Town Run: Laramie River

    On Highway 230 a few miles outside of town, there is public access to the Laramie River. While fishermen normally populate this access point, the trails they have created from walking to their favorite fishing spots are also excellent running paths. While there are not extensive paths like those at Happy Jack or Vedauwoo, the trails at the access point are much closer town, making them more accessible for a short afternoon run. From the parking lot, a single-lane trail branches to the north and south following the river. The trail is easy to spot, and runners should consider running out to both ends of the trail to get in a 2-3 mile run. The trails also provide a great, unobstructed view of the Snowy Mountains and the foothills of Vedauwoo.

  • Best No-Cars Run: Laramie Greenbelt

    Sick of waiting for cars or stoplights to cross the street? Then try running on the Laramie Greenbelt. The main entrance to the Greenbelt is in West Laramie on West Garfield Street at Optimist Park. From the parking lot, the trail branches north and south. The northern route turns into a dead head ending at West Curtis St. The southern route follows the river, weaves under I-80, and creates a loop to the south of the interstate. There is also a small branch off the southern route to an industrial park. Unlike the Laramie River trails, the Greenbelt is paved.

  • Best Downhill Run: Harney Street

    Despite the peaks and foothills that surround Laramie, the town itself is surprisingly short on hills. While most time this is feels like a boon for runners, sometimes it just feels great to feel gravity pull you downhill. Regardless of how you get there, the best downhill run in Laramie is running west on Harney Street. To run the whole downhill, begin at the corner of Harney and 30th Street. From this point, you will have a gentle downhill for about a mile, complete with a great view of the Snowy Mountains.

  • Best Non-Pavement Run: Path along Russell/Spring Creek

    Do you joints need a bit of a break? Getting off pavement can often best the best solution to those aching joints without having to take the day off. Along Russell Street and Spring Creek lies a single-track dirt path that has been stomped out by runners. The path ends at the park along Spring Creek, which provides runners an opportunity to make a loop around the park before turning around. In addition, if you not a fan of rerunning the same path, instead of taking the path along Spring Creek/Russell, trying crossing Spring Creek at the park and running along the back alleys that line the other side of the creek. These alleys are also all dirt, so your joints will have a long, soft run to recover on.

  • Best Unique Laramie Run: Train Bridge

    While many towns have trails like the Greenbelt for runners and walkers, few towns have a pedestrian trail bridge for runners. Laramie is one of the last towns in the nation that lets you get as close to moving trains as you can above the train bridge. If you are feeling like you want to celebrate your Laramie pride on your run, the train bridge is where you want to head. From the top of the bridge, you can see all the major elements of Laramie that create its uniqueness: its historic downtown, the tops of McIntyre and White Halls, the Vedauwoo foothills, and the Snowy Mountains. If you time your run right, you will have a good excuse to take a break and watch the train rumble beneath you.

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