A Laramie Wyoming 2 day itinerary is easy to create for this quaint, but vibrant and cultural college town at over 7,000 ft elevation. Situated between 2 mountain ranges, Laramie has everything from adventurous outdoor activities to a fun food and drink scene.
We spent budget-friendly 2 nights in Laramie, Wyoming after spending 3 nights at Rawah Guest Ranch which we booked entirely on points and miles so we paid $0.
Affectionately known as “Laradise”, Laramie is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Denver and it is also pretty accessible to other quaint towns and parks.
Laramie Wyoming 2 Day Itinerary
If you’re in Colorado and have never been to Wyoming then Laramie is the perfect town to get your feet wet and immerse yourself in Cowboy culture. Since we were right on the border of Colorado and Wyoming we took that opportunity to spend 2 days exploring Southeast Wyoming and we’re so glad we did!
Is Laramie Wyoming worth visiting?
Absolutely! People consider Laramie to be just a small college town, home to the University of Wyoming, but it’s so much more than that. There is a lot of history, amazing scenery, and a chill atmosphere. We thought it was the perfect place to spend some time before returning to Denver.
Day 1: Hiking and Downtown Laramie
Start your day with one of the many fun brunch spots like the Prairie Rose Cafe which was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners Drive-ins and Dives. Or if you fancy some afternoon tea, check out the Sugar Mouse!
For those interested in the outdoors and hiking the Vedauwoo Recreation Area is the perfect place to spend the day. I would recommend packing a lunch and having a picnic during your hike at one of the picnic areas around the trails and the campground.
In the evening you’ll want to have dinner in downtown Laramie at Altitude Chophouse or Born in a Barn. There are also plenty of breweries to chill at. Next, head over to Cowboy Saloon for a night out. The saloon has events on select nights like Karaoke or live music.
Day 2: Day Trip to Cheyenne
Cheyenne Wyoming is about an hour’s drive from Laramie. It’s a beautifully scenic drive if you take Happy Jack Road. You can make a stop at Curt Gowdy Park on the way. When you get to Cheyenne grab some coffee at Paramount Cafe and walk around downtown.
You should consider taking a ride on the Cheyenne Street Trolley you’ll learn about the history of Cheyenne on the Wild West History Tour!
Day Trips from Laramie Wyoming
There are a good number of day trip opportunities from Laramie Wyoming. When we were there we spent one day driving around and visiting the various landmarks. We even took the scenic drive on Happy Jack Road to Cheyenne which we enjoyed!
We started the day by visiting Vedauwoo and spent half the day exploring. We brought lunch with us and stopped along the campground. After lunch, we got back on I-80 and drove down to the Ames Monument.
After the Ames Monument, we decided to head back on 1-80 to visit the Lincoln Memorial Monument. There is a small visitor’s center. From there we got onto Happy Jack Road and took the scenic drive to Cheyenne. We stopped at Curt Gowdy Park on the way.
Vedauwoo Recreation Area
Vedauwoo is 20 miles southeast of Laramie and is home to some unique and beautiful rock formations. There are plenty of cool hiking trails, rock climbing, and picnic grounds. It’s a nice place to visit in the morning to go on a hike and then have lunch while you take in the views.
Snowy Range Scenic Byway
On our way from Rawah Ranch to Laramie, we took a detour to Medicine Bow National Forest on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. It’s about 30 miles west of Laramie. It was still in the 70s in September so we stopped at Mirror Lake and took in the views. There were picnic areas and people were fishing. I so wish we had brought lunch with us! In the winter, the Snowy Range is great for skiing and other winter sports.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins is a great place to stop if you’re heading south of Laramie. You’ll get there in about 65 miles and it has a charming Old Town, great breweries, and restaurants. For outdoor activities, the Cache la Poudre River is nice!
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cheyenne is the capital and largest city in Wyoming. It’s about 50 miles east of Laramie and you can get there by way of the scenic drive on Happy Jack Road! Cheyenne is known for its Western heritage so if that’s your thing you’ll love it.
Hiking in Happy Jack Recreation Area
If you’re planning to go on the scenic route to Cheyenne on Happy Jack Road then you can stop by the Happy Jack Recreation Area to have a picnic or do some hiking in the morning on your way! The recreation area is about 15 miles east of Laramie. There are hiking and mountain biking trails, it’s beautiful!
Medicine Bow National Forest
On our way from Rawah Ranch, we took a little detour to Medicine Bow National Forest which is about 40 miles west of Laramie. It’s a must-visit and has stunning wilderness views. We drove through the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway and it was one of the most picturesque drives we’ve ever done!
Curt Gowdy State Park
Curt Gowdy State Park is located about 40 miles southeast of Laramie and is a perfect place for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. You could totally spend the morning or the whole day there.
If you wanted, you could spend the morning hanging out at Curt Gowdy and then take the Happy Jack Road to Cheyenne.
Laramie Wyoming 2 Day Itinerary FAQs
What is the best time to visit Laramie, Wyoming? Laramie experiences distinct seasons. Summer (June to August) is popular for outdoor activities, while winter (December to February) offers snow sports. Spring and fall are transitional periods with milder weather. In late September it was still pretty warm during the day and colder once the sun went down. Apparently, that was not normal as by late September they usually have had their first snow.
How do I get to Laramie? Laramie has a regional airport and is also accessible by car from major nearby cities. We got there by way of Colorado and flew into Denver. The scenic drive is part of the experience, so consider a road trip!
Are there kid-friendly activities in Laramie? Absolutely! Laramie has family-friendly attractions, parks, and museums suitable for all ages.
What are some must-try local dishes in Laramie? You’ll find all the different types of cuisine and restaurants in Laramie. We are big Guy Fieri Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives fans so we had to check out Born in a Barn where you’ll find wings, burgers, and sandwiches. Wyoming is cowboy country so you don’t want to miss out on bison, buffalo, and rocky mountain oysters.
Can I explore Laramie on a budget? Absolutely! Laramie offers many budget friendly options for accommodation, dining, and activities. The closer you get to the University of Wyoming the more expensive accommodations will be. We stayed a little on the outskirts and there were still plenty of restaurants and shops and we were just a few minutes from downtown Laramie.
Are there any events or festivals happening during my visit? If any events or festivals are happening during your visit, you’ll find information on the Visit Laramie events calendar. In September we stumbled upon a Karaoke competition at Cowboy Saloon and Dance Hall!
What outdoor activities are available in Laramie? There are seriously so many outdoor activities in Laramie. You can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and more in the nearby mountains and parks. Don’t forget to pack your outdoor gear!
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