So, what can you expect this year?
 
Beer is Better on the River
​Set on the banks of the North Platte River with a picturesque backdrop of Casper Mountain, Riverfest proves that beer is better on the river. Spend a summer afternoon tasting a variety of beers provided by local and regional breweries, including Casper favorites: Black Tooth Brewing, Cygnet Brewing, and Gruner Brothers Brewing. If there’s one thing PRT understands about Casper, it’s that this community knows good beer, and they’re bringing it directly to you during Riverfest, so get your $30 presale ticket now and support the trails while enjoying unlimited sips of beer. 

Beyond the Beer
You don’t have to drink beer to enjoy the afternoon with PRT and friends. Beyond the brewfest, Riverfest is a fun, family-friendly experience, featuring live music, food trucks, the Great Duck Derby, summer yard games, face painting, an art bike, a DogFest sneak peak and more. In addition, Riverfest promises an afternoon of live music from local favorites, Zack Scott and Pathfinder, along with munchies from Curly Wolf Den Shaved Ice, Dog House, I Scream 4 Wings & Ice Cream, Eat All Day, Quesadilla King, and Wyo Philly Wagon.

The Fast Facts
If you attend Riverfest, you can enjoy the games, live music, market, and more for FREE. However, if you want to enjoy the unlimited craft beer, you'll need to purchase a brewfest ticket. Tickets include a snazzy, color-changing, souvenir tasting cup and endless sampling from some of the best brews in the region. Make sure you bring ID. No ID, no ticket! ​Purchase your ticket before the event and save $5, or present a Duck Derby raffle ticket (purchased in your name) and receive $5 off your brewfest ticket at the door. New this year: PRT has Duck Derby tickets available for pre-purchase online. Purchase BOTH Riverfest tickets and Duck Derby tickets through PRT and support trails and outdoor recreation + parks and play in Natrona County. Win-win!

Presented by Fremont Motors of Casper, Riverfest is August 15th from 1-6 pm at Crossroads Park. Come for the beer, stay for the music, food, and fun – all while supporting the trails you love in Casper. Purchase your brewfest tickets now at https://www.casperriverfest.com/tickets-merch.

Platte River Trails would like to send a special thanks to this year’s Riverfest sponsors: Fremont Motors, Enbridge, Williams, Porter, Day & Neville, ANB Bank, Black Hills Energy, Hilltop Bank, Holloman Corp, Rocking K, Peak Asset Managers, and Ultra Orthodontics - Denise Prugh, DDS.

What is Platte River Trails Trust?
Platte River Trails Trust is a citizen-led nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining a multi-use trail system for non-motorized transportation and outdoor recreation throughout Casper, Wyoming, while preserving the natural environment. Along with staff and an all-volunteer board of directors, PRTT manages more than 24 miles of community trails, providing safe, accessible outdoor recreation opportunities and connecting neighborhoods, parks, schools, businesses, and the North Platte River.
 
How are the trails funded?
Platte River Trails Trust is funded through a combination of private donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events like Riverfest. Trail projects are made possible through the support of community members, businesses, foundations, like-minded organizations such as the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Central Wyoming Trails Alliance, and partners such as the City of Casper, which help fund and facilitate trail maintenance, improvements, and future expansions.
 
What are the best trails in Casper, Wyoming?
Some of the best trails in Casper include the River Trail (11+ miles), Casper Rail Trail (9 miles), and the Casper Mountain Road Trail (3.5 miles). These multi-use trails offer scenic river and mountain views, access to parks and open spaces, non-motorized transportation, and opportunities for walking, running, biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and endless free outdoor recreation throughout Casper. The trails also offer access to Casper’s unique downtown, shopping, dining, and more.
 
Where can I bike in Casper?
The Platte River Trails system is one of the best places to bike in Casper, Wyoming. With more than 24 miles of connected pathways, cyclists can ride along the North Platte River, travel through downtown Casper, access parks and neighborhoods, and explore trail connections across the community. Most trails are suitable for riders of all skill levels, and a few bike repair stations are located along the trails for maintenance.
 
Is the Platte River Trails system paved?
Much of the Platte River Trails system is paved, making it ideal for walking, biking, running, strollers, and accessible recreation. Some newer trail extensions, such as the 3-mile Casper Rail Trail extension, utilize crusher fines or other trail surfaces designed to blend with the surrounding environment while providing a comfortable riding and walking experience.
 
Are dogs allowed on the Platte River Trails?
Yes! Dogs are welcome throughout the entire Platte River Trails system and are one of the largest trail-user groups. Dogs must be kept on a leash unless otherwise posted, like in Morad Park, which is an off-leash dog park. You can also access two dog parks via the trail system: Dylan’s Dog Park near the Tate Pumphouse and Lake McKenzie Dog Park by the North Casper Soccer Complex. Please respect the trails and other trail users and always scoop the poop.
 
Where can I park to access the Platte River Trails?
There are numerous trail access points and parking areas throughout Casper, including:

• Tate Pumphouse
• Crossroads Park
• Morad Park
• Paradise Valley Park
• North Casper Soccer Complex
• Ash Street Parking Lot
• Various neighborhood trailheads and city parks

 
What wildlife can I see along the North Platte River?
The North Platte River corridor is home to a diverse ecosystem of Wyoming wildlife. Along the Platte River Trails, you may spot bald eagles, rising trout, mule deer, great horned owls, Canada geese, pronghorn, desert cottontails, and the occasional prairie dog! The trail system provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, including hawks and osprey, and wildlife viewing throughout the year.
 
What are the best outdoor activities in Casper?
Some of the best outdoor activities in Casper can be found along the trails. You can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation opportunities, including walking and running on the Platte River Trails system, biking along the North Platte River, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, birdwatching, and attending outdoor community events like Riverfest.
 
What are the best things to do in Casper, Wyoming?
Some of the most popular things to do in Casper include exploring the Platte River Trails, visiting one of the many museums, fishing the North Platte River, hiking and biking local trails, attending brewfests such as Riverfest, and enjoying Casper's many parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you're a visitor or a local, Casper's trail system offers an easy and scenic way to explore all the community has to offer.
 
Where can I find a Platte River Trails map?
You can find a digital Platte River Trails trail map on the PRTT website, or physical copies are located inside the Tate Pumphouse, at the Natrona County Library, and at Visit Casper. The map includes trail routes, access points, parks, and trail amenities.
 
What is the Casper Rail Trail?
The Casper Rail Trail a section of the Great American Rail Trail. It’s a pathway that follows the historic railroad corridor through Casper and serves as an important connection within the Platte River Trails system. The trail links neighborhoods, parks, and recreational destinations while preserving a piece of Casper's history. Recent trail extensions are helping connect the Rail Trail farther east toward Edness K. Wilkins State Park as part of a larger vision for community access and future trail development.
 
Can I fish along the North Platte River Trail?
Absolutely! The North Platte River is one of Wyoming's premier blue-ribbon fisheries and offers excellent fishing opportunities along many sections of the Platte River Trails. Anglers can access the river from various trail locations and boat ramps to fish for rainbow and brown trout while enjoying the scenery of Casper Mountain and the entire river corridor. Please remember to follow all Wyoming fishing regulations and obtain the appropriate fishing license before casting a line.
 
How do I support Platte River Trails?
There are many ways to support Platte River Trails Trust and help preserve and expand Casper's trail system. You can:

• Make a one-time or monthly donation
• Volunteer at community events like the Annual Spring Cleanup
• Become a sponsor or community partner
• Advocate for trail projects and improvements
• Attend Platte River Trails events like Riverfest and DogFest
• Share your love of the trails with others

 
Every donation, volunteer hour, and trail user helps ensure the Platte River Trails remain a valuable community asset for generations to come. Your support helps fund trail maintenance, new trail development, accessibility improvements, and nature preservation. Donate today at https://www.platterivertrails.com/donate.
 
Now that you know a bit more about the trails, it’s time to get out and experience them for yourself. Be sure to follow Platte River Trails on Facebook and Instagram for timely updates, and subscribe to the newsletter to stay in the loop on trail happenings. Don’t forget to tag Platte River Trails in your trail photos!

​Trails West Rec Area is a product of community collaboration and ongoing donor support. Located northeast of Rim Rock Ranch, we’re continuing Casper’s west-side momentum thanks to the generous gift of 125 acres of donated land from Kieth and Diane Tyler and the Doris M. McMurry Trust. Their extraordinary donations not only reflects their belief in our mission to continue trail development but also underscores the importance of accessible spaces for outdoor recreation and enjoyment.
 
This land, reserved for future recreation and neighborhood connections, is in its early days of development; however, recent work has moved forward in partnership with Central Wyoming Trails Alliance. After gates were installed, fencing was completed earlier this spring to establish a designated walk‑run‑bike area with controlled pet use. Complemented by a soon-to-be-developed parking area at the end of Village Drive, the Trails West trailhead is now officially open to the public.
 
With each project, Platte River Trails relies on community partners to lend their expertise in trail planning and construction. For the Trails West Rec Area, we are grateful for our collaboration with Central Wyoming Trails Alliance (CWTA), an important community partner in building trails throughout Natrona County.
 
“We’re always excited about new trail successes that come from our partnerships. CWTA’s involvement in the development of the Trails West area began as a growing idea and has since become a project that strengthened our collaboration with Platte River Trails,” says CWTA Executive Director Austin Burgess.
 
CWTA has been essential to the conception and early development of Trails West by working with PRTT to assess the feasibility of improving the property and developing a stepwise plan to better define the area, using signage and physical enhancements, including installing a wire fence.
 
“We recognized immediately that this project aligned with our mission and reflected who we are as a trails alliance,” Austin continues. “Our initial efforts focused on installing gates at key access points and adding signage to clearly communicate authorized uses of the area.”
 
Currently, the area is suitable for walking, running, and biking, but it is not open to motor vehicles of any kind. The CWTA team has constructed more than half a mile of new fencing and improved the existing fence line that outlines the property boundary donated to Platte River Trails. Several non-motorized walk-through gates were also installed by CWTA, ensuring wildlife-friendly under-crossings, with particular attention to the pronghorn that frequent the area.
 
Trails West Rec Area marks the first step toward creating a truly usable non-motorized recreation area west of Casper. The next phase of the project will require collaboration between Platte River Trails and CWTA as trail design, layout, and development progress, ensuring the space evolves into a well-planned, accessible, and enjoyable trail system for the community.
 
“We deeply value the partnerships that allow us to make meaningful impacts in our community. Our work with Platte River Trails is a strong example of how collaboration can enhance and protect the outdoor spaces we all enjoy,” says Austin.
 
Immediate future plans for Trails West Recreation Area include refining trail routes, laying gravel, and adding purpose-built paths geared more toward cyclists, runners/walkers, and pet owners. Long term plans include studying possible access and alignments to connect this new gem to the River Trail and Robertson Rd. While the area is open for public use, no motor vehicles are permitted. The private property was donated for the specific use of a non-motorized trail, and we ask our community to respect it as such.
 
For more updates on this project, follow Platte River Trails on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter.

As a longtime board member of Platte River Trails, Eric has dedicated countless hours to supporting trails, volunteering time (you’ve surely seen him at Riverfest!), and working to advance the trails he travels nearly every day. 
​
“I was invited to join the board as a representative of the running and biking community, offering insight from the perspective of someone who uses the system regularly,” says Eric. “I try to bring the voice of the everyday trail user. Whether you’re walking, biking, or running, these trails connect the whole community and give people a safe place to get outside.” 

Joining Eric in his trail excursions and Riverfest volunteer efforts is Dawn, an avid runner and trail user, who supports efforts to ensure Casper’s trails remain accessible, safe, and enjoyable for generations to come.  Over 20 years ago, their passion for movement on the trails led them to create something truly special: the Casper Marathon. After joining Platte River Trails, Eric and Dawn both got involved with Windy City Striders. Through their work with this in-town trail-running group, they joined forces with other community members interested in bringing a marathon to Casper, and as trails were built, the vision came to life. 

“As trails along the Platte River were planned and constructed, it was clear that a marathon course on the trails was possible,” says Eric. “Using the Platte River trails allowed us to design a 26.2-mile course primarily on trails and off the streets, minimizing conflicts with traffic, and creating a course that was interesting, scenic, and displayed Casper’s history as a crossroads for migrant trails and the oil industry.” ​

What began as a bold idea has grown into Wyoming’s only true Boston Marathon-qualifier, putting Casper on the national running map. The race draws participants from across the country, bringing not just runners, but their families and supporters to the heart of Wyoming. The trails play a vital role in making the Casper Marathon possible (imagine the logistics of having that many runners on Casper’s roads!). Without this established trail system, events like this simply couldn’t exist at the same scale or quality. 

For fifteen years, Dawn and Eric served as co-directors of the race alongside a dedicated team of volunteers. During those early years, Platte River Trails board members regularly staffed an aid station at the Tate Pumphouse, a tradition that reflects just how intertwined the race and the trail community have always been. 

Beyond the Casper Marathon, Dawn and Eric Easton’s commitment and unwavering passion for outdoor recreation have greatly impacted the trail community. They are true trailblazers in Casper, shaping Platte River Trails into what we know today. 

The trail’s out‑and‑back experience features an exceptional new surface that elevates trail quality. We also leveraged the work already underway to complete rehabilitation on sections west of Hat Six Road, prompting a broader look at long-term improvements. The next major goal is an underpass connection to EKW State Park, which will extend access even farther.
 
This project, as with all trail-building endeavors, was not a solo effort. Every mile begins long before construction – with planning, development, demolition, material recovery, design engineering, and permitting, all taking place before any pathways are laid.
 
Planning & Development
Nick Larsen, with Civil Engineering Professionals, Inc. (CEPI), served as the civil engineer for the Casper Rail Trail extension project, developing the plans and overseeing construction from start to finish. By following the old railroad corridor, CEPI was able to use the existing rail bed’s solid foundation to create a stable, long-lasting pathway.
 
One of the project’s biggest challenges was removing an aging bridge and lowering the trail grade to keep the route fully on land, and replacing it with a culvert for safer, more reliable access. CEPI also laid the groundwork for future phases, positioning the trail for an eventual underpass and safe connection beneath the highway.
 
“As a resident of Casper and PRTT partner, I think the trail system throughout town is fantastic. The work that’s been done on the trails is great for people getting out, taking walks, riding bikes, and enjoying the outdoors. It really enhances Casper and the outdoor activities you can do in this area, and from a professional standpoint, I’m really proud to be a part of this project,” says Nick.
 
Demolition & Material Recovery
Pete Peterson with Recycled Materials, LLC, led demolition and material recovery for the railroad bridge removal portion of the project. His team dismantled the unsafe, aging structure and recycled 100 percent of the bridge materials, doing everything they could to keep materials out of the landfill.
 
“We try really hard to recycle as much as we can on all our projects and reduce landfill space,” says Pete. “That’s what we did here, staying true to Platte River Trails’ mission of preserving outdoor spaces and protecting the river and everything around it. If those materials can be recycled or repurposed, it supports what they’re doing, too. I think that’s really cool.”
 
Steel beams were sent to local recycling partners, with one 60-foot beam repurposed as a diversion at La Prele Creek for a rancher in Douglas. The concrete deck, piers, and abutments were crushed and processed into gravel, then reused right on-site for the new trail. Thereby turning the old portions of the bridge into usable trail material.
 
Construction
The actual construction portion of the project was performed by 71 Construction in November. Their team paved the way for the actual 10-foot-wide trail, laying groundwork for a safe, smooth pathway. 71 Construction used various equipment to grade the existing ground, preparing it for the next step of laying down material. From there, they brought in aggregate, laid it down, rolled and packed it out, making way for a smooth walking surface.
 
“We wanted to ensure the trail offered a good user experience. There were some fences on the land, so we laid down cattle guards so cows can’t venture out, but people can continue on the trail without having to open and close fences,” says 71 Construction Estimator, John Ramage.
 
John also shares a conversation he had with a former PRTT board member who works with 71 Construction. He explained to John that the Casper Rail Trail eastbound extension was just a pipe dream when he served on the board; now it’s a reality, connecting people east all the way through town.
 
Future Outlook
Platte River Trails’ work with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy continues to shape the future of the Casper Rail Trail and its place on the Great American Rail Trail. Through collaboration, former rail corridors are being transformed into vibrant community pathways, connecting neighborhoods, expanding access to the outdoors, and inspiring residents of all ages to explore, learn, and move through Casper in new ways.
 
“We are excited to highlight the first significant new miles in Wyoming on the Great American Rail Trail since the launch,” says Kevin Belle, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Project Manager. “This extension of the Casper Rail Trail is a long time coming, with years of planning behind these new miles.”
 
The 3-mile addition to the Casper Rail Trail increases Wyoming’s overall Great American Rail Trail development by 20%. This is a huge accomplishment, as building Rail Trail in Wyoming can be difficult. Wyoming has few railroads that go through the state, many of which are still in use, which makes building accessible multi-use trails on the Great American Rail Trail route more difficult. So, even three new miles is a great accomplishment.
 
“The end game is to gain access to EKW State Park via trail. Our future plans include an underpass to safely cross the highway, but it’s truly exciting that we are gaining momentum on the Great American Rail Trail through Wyoming. We are also eager to continue eastbound trail development across the grasslands towards Glenrock and Douglas,” says Rachel Spear, PRTT Executive Director.
 
The Great American Rail-Trail is a planned 3,700-mile coast-to-coast walking and biking route connecting Washington, D.C., to Washington state by linking together 12 states through 150+ existing rail-trails. For Wyoming, local routes like the Casper Rail Trail are part of the vision. However, the state currently has over 490 miles of gaps to fill, making continued local trail development critical to completing the cross-country connection and realizing the full economic and recreational opportunities. Thanks to the partnerships above, PRTT is that much closer to fulfilling Wyoming’s link in the Great American Rail Trail, an accomplishment worth celebrating!
 
Want to get in on the action? Help advance our efforts by making a gift today. Together, we can continue important work along the Casper Rail Trail and beyond!

Join us for a Ribbon Cutting on April 25th (Celebrate Trails Day) at 10 am on the Casper Rail Trail to officially commemorate the three additional miles we added to the Great American Rail Trail right here in Casper. We'll meet at County Rd 604/Pou Rd near the trail’s east loop end.

A transformative new connection on Casper’s west side is now complete after years in the making. The Phase II footbridge over the North Platte River has been installed, officially completing the pedestrian bridge portion of this project in March 2026. It connects more than 1,600 feet of 2024-built pathways on both approaches. The bridge will dramatically improve walkability, safe routes to school, and recreational access, plus it includes a mid-bridge bump-out for stopping and enjoying the view.
 
Planning & Development
The Paradise Valley to Robertson Road bridge project has long been a priority for Platte River Trails as part of its effort to extend the River Trail into Casper’s west side. The goal is to create safe, convenient, non-motorized access connecting neighborhoods to important destinations like schools, parks, shopping areas, and workplaces. At the same time, the project was designed to give residents easier access to open spaces and the river corridor for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation right out their front door.
 
Project Design & Construction
The project combines thoughtful design with critical trail infrastructure to expand west-side connectivity to open space and places. The pedestrian foot bridge spans approximately 240 feet across the North Platte River and is 10 feet wide, providing ample space for cyclists, runners, and pedestrians and their pups to pass comfortably. A mid-bridge bump-out offers a place for trail users to stop, enjoy river views, or birdwatch, and includes an accessible design feature to ensure the space can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.
 
On the west side, the bridge extends about 75 feet to connect with the existing trail along Robertson Road, helping to merge it with the broader trail network. The bridge installation in March 2026 completed the project’s Phase II, building upon more than 1,600 feet of connecting pathway constructed in 2024 on both sides of the river. Westward access from the River Trail at Paradise Valley Park includes use of neighborhood sidewalks (and an eventual designated bike route) along Riverbend Road to Indian Paintbrush Street, continuing to a city-owned lot on Yarrow Street where a 10-foot-wide concrete trail leads directly to the bridge. All said and done, elements in this project create a safe, continuous connection that links neighborhoods to the River Trail while improving walkability, recreational access, and safe, non-motorized transportation through west Casper.
 
Future Outlook
While the bridge installation completes a major phase of the project, work to strengthen trail connections in the area will continue. A future Phase III will strengthen trail connections from Paradise Valley Park to the bridge, further enhancing accessibility and usability for the surrounding community. Long-term plans also envision additional improvements along the riverbank near Robertson Road, including amenities such as benches, picnic tables, potential fishing access, and enhanced open-space features that encourage people to spend time along the river.
 
Platte River Trails is thrilled to host a Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, April 8th at 4 p.m. to officially open the bridge. A huge thank you is in order for all our partners, including the City of Casper, the Recreation Joint Powers Board, HDR, S&S Builders, and our many donors, for making this project possible. Please join us for the Ribbon Cutting and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for more trail updates.

Thanks to your generosity, our community’s trail network continued to grow and strengthen this year. Many of the projects we advanced in 2025 were years — perhaps decades — in the making. So many of you believed in these pathway projects long before ground was broken, trusting that your early support would one day become real, tangible connections for our community. That patience and vision are now taking shape on the landscape. Thank you for believing in the trails. 

As a nonprofit organization, we rely heavily on support from community partners and advocates, including the Wyoming Community Foundation and, specifically, the local Casper area board. Thanks to their support, our efforts to pursue trail projects, make connections, continue improvements, and enhance our quality of life through trails can continue!
 
“The PRTT Board of Directors and I are beyond grateful for this grant,” says PRTT Executive Director Rachel Spear. “We are excited to use these funds to complete trail links within our neighborhoods, along our spine trails, and to key recreational areas like EKW State Park.”
 
Grants and donor funding quite literally build trails. In 2026, we anticipate exciting progress on two major trail projects: the Casper Rail Trail Extension toward Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park and the Paradise Valley to Robertson Road Footbridge. Currently, both projects are at least 60% complete and are anticipated to wrap up this year. The Rail Trail extension will add three additional miles to the existing 6-mile trail with a loop end for out‑and‑back use while we work toward a future grade‑separated crossing that would ultimately connect the trail into EKW State Park. The Robertson Road Footbridge will be a game changer for area neighborhoods, providing an essential river crossing and safe connection for residents on Casper’s west side.  
 
We’re so grateful the Wyoming Community Foundation recognizes the value trails bring to our community, and we appreciate their contribution to our mission in 2026.
 
To join the Wyoming Community Foundation in supporting Platte River Trails, visit https://www.platterivertrails.com/annual-giving-campaign.html. 

Projects
At the core of all trail building lies project conception, planning, and execution. Each trail project is made possible thanks to the expertise of several community partners who value the importance of trails in our community. Not just in 2025, but throughout the last 43 years of Platte River Trails' history. Thank you to these partners who have been integral to trail progress in 2025:

• 71 Construction
• City of Casper
• City of Mills
• CEPI Engineering
• Casper Area MPO
• ECS Engineers
• HDR Engineering
• Rails to Trails Conservancy
• Recycled Materials
• S & S Builders
• Wyoming State Parks

 
Events
Platte River Trails’ annual events help keep trails beautiful, raise vital funds for our nonprofit organization, and, most importantly, bring the trail community together. We are grateful to these organizations, foundations, and businesses that contributed or supported our events to make the trails better in 2025:

• Fremont Motors
• Enbridge
• Williams, Porter, Day & Neville
• ANB Bank
• Black Hills Energy
• Blakeman Propane
• DeWitt Water Systems
• Hilltop Bank
• Holloman Corp
• Indian Ice
• Moser Energy
• Ramkota Hotel
• Ridley’s
• Rocking K Properties
• Ultra Orthodontics
• Natrona County Democrats
• Camp 4 Paws
• Urban Tails
• Paws N Relax Pet Sitting
• HealthSource of Casper
• CHR Landscape & Beyond
• Flying Note Shorties
• Erin Kathleen Photography

 
Education & Enrichment
The trails are more than a strip of pavement throughout Casper. They offer hands-on learning areas, wildlife viewing spaces, and outdoor enrichment opportunities for our beloved community. Our trail partners help us ensure the trails remain a key part of discovery and culture in Casper, Wyoming. Thank you to these partners who have helped foster education, enrichment, and awareness along the trails in 2025:

• Murie Audubon Society
• Casper College Outdoor Recreation
• Visit Casper
• Natrona Converse Outdoor Recreation Collaborative
• NCHS Science Classrooms
• Wyoming Pathways
• Central Wyoming Trails Alliance
• WYDOT

 
With several projects currently underway, 2026 is going to be another exciting year. We’re beyond grateful for each of these trail partners; however, we cannot let this year end without sharing our immense gratitude for our trail users and donors (+ our amazing board of directors). Thank you for using, supporting, and loving the trails; they were built for you!
 
Our Annual Giving Campaign is happening now, so if you want to be part of this list of amazing partners and individual supporters who value our community trail system, join in on the giving spirit! Your support helps us continue trail work in and around Casper.

Make your gift to our Annual Fund Campaign now and watch your donation go the extra mile as projects come to completion in 2026! As always, be sure to follow Platte River Trails on Facebook and Instagram or join our newsletter for more trail events and updates.

​How does your donation help? As a nonprofit, Platte River Trails relies on support from community members like you to help us continue trail expansion and maintenance throughout Casper and beyond. We truly couldn't do it without widespread community support. Trails are a valuable asset to Casper and our quality of life, providing a means to outdoor recreation and non-motorized transportation across our community. Let’s run through a few scenarios:

1. If you’ve ever taken your dogs to Morad Park, then your dollars can help improve your and your dog’s experience there.
2. If you’ve ever used the trails to get to work, then your dollars can help improve accessibility to safe and separate non-motorized transportation throughout Casper.
3. If you’ve ever used the trails to get closer to nature, then your dollars can help protect our beloved river, its nearby inhabitants, and outdoor spaces.
4. If you’ve used the trails for exercise and recreation, then your dollars can help us add mileage and increase maintenance efforts for safe use.

Your dollars, quite literally, build trails. Right now, we’re making exciting progress on two major trail projects: the Casper Rail Trail Extension to Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park and the Paradise Valley to Robertson Road Footbridge. Before you join our effort to complete these projects, allow us to share more so you know where your dollars could be used:
​
Casper Rail Trail Extension to EKW State Park: This project is 50% complete and extends the existing 6-mile Casper Rail Trail further east from Hat Six Road toward EKW State Park, creating nearly nine miles of trail originating on Midwest Ave. in downtown Casper. This project was the subject of a 2021 MPO study with multiple stakeholders, tremendous community feedback, and overwhelmingly positive sentiment and community support. Thanks to a Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative Grant, we have funding for the soft surface pathway portion, which will be completed this year, but we need your support to help us get the rest of the way there! You could help make a pedestrian overpass or underpass into the park a reality.

​​Paradise Valley to Robertson Road Footbridge: Together with the City of Casper, Platte River Trails is developing an essential connection on Casper's west side that will create a safe-to-school route. Phase I, which added over 1,600 linear feet of pathway, is already complete! Phase II, the footbridge itself, is almost completely funded by a WYDOT TAP grant, One Cent funds, and donations from PRTT supporters. At 75% completion, this project’s finishing touch is the footbridge that will span the North Platte River, connecting the two sides. Construction has already begun with an estimated completion in spring 2026. A proposed Phase III would add bike lanes from Paradise Valley Park along Riverside and Indian Paintbrush to the bridge. Cost increases following the original estimates mean PRTT will be allocating more funding to the project than originally planned, pulling from other future projects – this is where your support is greatly needed!
 
You are a part of the trails because together we build them, use them, and protect them. When you give to the trails, you help us reveal more miles to experience life outside. If you use the trails or support what they bring to our community, then we kindly ask you to consider giving to them. Join our Annual Giving Campaign by making your gift here.