Rotary Park and Garden Creek Falls – Casper, WY

Last September we were able to spend a long weekend in Casper, Wyoming. We had a great time and found the people there very warm and friendly. We had a wonderful time exploring the area and enjoyed seeing some nature. This included a visit to Rotary Park and Ayers Natural Bridge.  Both were beautiful.  

Rotary Park is a picturesque park on Casper Mountain. It is located just south of Casper and is home to Garden Creek Falls and the Bridle Trail. Since the early 1940s, it’s been a favorite of residents and visitors alike. I love waterfalls, so this was a must-see while in the area.

We were there in September and there was still quite a lot of water flowing as you can see from the pictures. It obviously wasn’t as much as it had been. We were able to see the water line in the rock bed and it was definitely a lot less. However, it was quite pretty and so worth the short hike to the base. I look forward to going again one day and taking a picnic lunch, Lots of benches around to sit and relax.

I didn’t realize it when we were there, but apparently the outermost Bridle Trail loop is almost 5 miles long and rises over 1200 feet, We didn’t walk the whole trail, but it states to offer spectacular views of the Falls, the city below and the surrounding countryside. The Bridle Trail is a popular hiking destination for many area recreationists. The trailhead begins in Rotary Park, ascending east and west therefrom.

Rotary Park is open year-round, weather conditions and snow accumulation prevailing. Hours are from dawn to dusk, which is defined as 30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset, respectively. County snowplows endeavor to keep Rotary Park road plowed to the upper lot and trailhead but the cul-de-sac, restrooms, picnic sites, gravel road, and lower parking lot are closed as long as wintry conditions persist.

While enjoying the falls, we enjoyed talking to another couple who were also visiting the area. The male decided he wanted to climb up the rocks and take a picture next to the falls. We all told him it was dangerous, but he wanted to do it anyway. Above is a picture of him sitting next to the falls. He made it back down safely, but it is definitely not a smart thing to do.

We enjoyed our visit to Rotary Park and it was nice that it was only a few minutes away from Casper. However, while we were there, we felt like we were much farther away from the city. Again, I hope to visit again one day in the future. One more thing to note, they don’t allow alcohol in the park. But we did enjoy a tour at Backwards Distilling Company after visiting the park, so it all worked out well, lol. Please check out their website if you would like more information. Again, it is a great place to relax and enjoy some beauty only a few minutes from the city.

Rotary Park Visitor Information

Address:

PO Box 848
Mills, WY  82644

Phone:

307-235-9282

Hours:

Daily – Dawn to Dusk

Prices:

Free

Directions

Drive south on Casper Mountain Road heading toward the mountain.  Take a right on Garden Creek Road, then left on CO Road 511 (South Rotary Park Road.)  Follow South Rotary Park Road to the trailhead and parking.