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. 

Maps
How do you travel by trail in Casper? With a map, of course! Many of Casper’s beloved assets are located along the trails, especially the River Trail, which, to no surprise, follows the North Platte River. Know where you’re going and which map will help you get there!

• Platte River Trails Trail Map: From trailheads and parking spots to dog parks and bike repair stations, everything can be found in our trail map, so your next adventure isn't into the unknown. If you prefer a physical copy, pick one up at the Tate Pumphouse, the Natrona County Public Library, the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce or Visit Casper.
• TrailForks Interactive Map: These interactive trail maps use real-time navigation, improving access to location-specific data while allowing a customized user experience.  
• Map of Casper, Wyoming: Whether you’re traveling along the trails for recreation or commuting for work, referencing a map of Casper, Wyoming can help you plan your route when traveling by trail. The Platte River Trails Trail Map illustrates trails, but a City map displays all the things to do in Casper to help pinpoint where you’re going and the nearest trail to get you there.

Routes
Heading up Casper Mountain for an after-work bike ride can become trickier in the fall. Fortunately, we have great routes for bike rides, an evening walk, or a morning run throughout our trail network that offer quick, convenient access and stunning autumn views close to home. Check out the routes below based on your desired mileage.

• 2 Miles: Tate Pumphouse to Ft. Caspar Underpass
• 3.5 Miles: Tate Pumphouse to Morad Dog Park
• 5.5 Miles: Tate Pumphouse to Paradise Valley
• 11 Miles: Bryan Stock Trail Parking Lot to Paradise Valley Park
• 3 Miles: Bryan Stock Trail Parking Lot to First Street Bridge
• 6 Miles: Casper Rail Trail from Walsh Drive to Center Street

​

Scenic Stops
The Platte River Trails system offers an abundance of scenic views, intriguing sights, and natural finds, making any trail stop worthwhile. The entire trail system provides the full fall effect, but here are a few of our can’t-miss stops to catch the illuminating fall colors.
​

• Kiwanis Overlook Shelter: Standing as a quiet resting point midway between Crossroads Park and the North Casper Sports Complex on the River Trail, the Overlook Shelter marks the 0.0-mile location of the Platte River Trails system. Perched at one of the highest points on the trail, it offers uninterrupted views of Casper Mountain and the North Platte River winding below.
• Bart Rea Learning Circle: Located inside Amoco Park, the Learning Circle offers 360-degree views of changing fall colors, Casper Mountain, and the North Platte River.
• Casper Mountain Trail: Anywhere along this two-mile stretch of trail is a great place to stop and soak in the fall colors sprinkled across Casper Mountain while enjoying the crisp autumn air.
• Murie Audubon Bird Sanctuary: West of Morad Park along the River Trail is the Murie Audubon Bird Sanctuary. This section of trail offers ample opportunity to enjoy spectacular autumn birdwatching in a protected area. Keep an eye out for owls, Canada geese, blue jays, dark-eyed juncos, finches, black-billed magpies, osprey, and even bald eagles! 

October is a beautiful time to explore the trails of Casper, Wyoming. With fall colors along the North Platte River and cooler temperatures for walking, running, and biking, the Platte River Trails system is where autumn comes alive. Grab a map, plan your route, and be sure to take time to stop and enjoy the views! 

​The first-ever DogFest is set to be a fun and engaging event that allows you and your dog to stop, sniff, and discover all that Casper's pup supporters have to offer. With several vendors, information booths, and activity stations, DogFest satisfies your dog’s itch for enrichment and familiarizes you with some of Casper’s dog-focused businesses and services. Plus, you can get your dog moving in agility practice and enjoy a morning dedicated solely to them. Don't worry, we'll have treats for you too!
 
Platte River Trails is also excited to introduce the DogFest Costume Contest, judged by none other than Mia, the Queen of Casper! Mia, a local pup celebrity, will ultimately choose one of her furry peers (with the help of her owner) as the winner of the costume contest. Our suggestion? Pick your dog's finest attire or most outrageous outfit and join in on the costume contest for a chance to win a pup-worthy prize! We’ll be drawing at 11am.
 
If you have a dog, this is the ultimate event specifically catered for you and your pup. Here’s a quick rundown of the tail-wagging fun that’s in store for DogFest:
🐾 Doggy Costume Contest
🐾 Agility Practice in Dylan’s Dog Park
🐾 Dog-Focused Vendor and Information Booths with raffles and handouts
🐾 Dog Enrichment Activities like a Sniff Station and a Bubble Dance Party
🐾 Free Goodies & Giveaways
🐾 Food (for both pups and parents)
🐾 Music
 
The trails are for all, especially our four-legged friends, and DogFest is Platte River Trails’ way of celebrating and showing appreciation for one of our largest trail user demographics. Whether your dog needs some trail time, socialization and sniffing, a costume confidence boost, or one last summer swim in the river, we hope to see you Saturday, September 13th, at the Tate Pumphouse from 9 a.m. to noon. Don’t forget those leashes – we’ll provide the poop bags!
 
DogFest is made possible thanks to our community sponsors and donors, including Camp 4 Paws, Ultra Orthodontics (Dr. Denise Prugh, DDS), Urban Tails, Erin Kathleen Photography, CHR Landscape & Beyond, HealthSource of Casper, Flying Note Shorties, KCWY 13, Paws N Relax Pet Sitting, and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Since the beginning, Platte River Trails (PRT) has designed and maintained trails that are accessible, safe, and enjoyable for users of all ages, abilities, and non-motorized activities. To balance foot traffic and cyclists, the trail network must include proper signage, center lane markings, crossing areas, and smooth, predictable surfaces. To accomplish this mission, PRT works with several partners to make the trails as bike-friendly as possible,  ensuring they’re maintained, repaired, and provide both direct and unique routes for transportation and recreation.
 
“Platte River Trails relies on support from our awesome community partners to keep trails safe and maintained for bikes. This includes the City of Casper, City of Mills, WYDOT, and Wyoming Pathways, to name a few. Without these partners, and support from our donors, we wouldn’t be able to continue the important work of ensuring our community can enjoy the trails as they see fit,” says Platte River Trails Executive Director, Rachel Spear.
 
All trails in the Platte River Trail system are bike-friendly, making them great for an accessible ride through and around town. The River Trail is particularly ideal for cyclists as it winds through Casper, following the North Platte River. This trail offers great views, diverse sections of trail, direct access to amenities, various turns and inclines, and two bike repair stations. These stations are essential for cyclists to repair a flat tire, adjust their seat, or simply address bike mishaps during a ride. Though all trails are bike-friendly, the River Trail is a great route for transportation or recreation, offering 10+ miles of winding trail to ride.
 
Illustrating their commitment to bike-friendly trails and community partnerships, Platte River Trails is excited to share that Wyoming Pathways’ upcoming Bike and Pedestrian Safety Workshop will be held at the Tate Pumphouse in Casper on August 7th. With support and funding from WYDOT, Wyoming Pathways will host this informational and data-gathering workshop in Casper focused on improving traffic safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The goal is to develop community-specific strategies through education, infrastructure enhancements, and policy recommendations tailored to each community’s unique needs. The workshop will cover best practices, safe routes to schools, and other relevant topics aimed at reducing injuries and promoting safer, more walkable and bike-friendly environments.
 
This important workshop will support Casper’s trail community by providing the information, tools, and strategies needed to maintain trails that accommodate all non-motorized transportation, especially bikes. Platte River Trails encourages you to join the workshop on August 7th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Tate Pumphouse. It is free, open to the public, and lunch is provided. Come learn key information and share your input to help shape a safer Casper on the trails.