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Happy Jack Recreation Area Mountain Bike Trail
Laramie, Wyoming
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
11 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 6/29/09 by RideorDie |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 30 miles | Global Rank: #438 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 34 | Wishlist: 14 |
| Avg. Speed: 8.28 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 16min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +8,209/-4,140 ft |
Directions:
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Description: A multiuse network of about 10+ trails in Pole Mountain area ranging from sweet to unrideable singletrack, doubletrack, to fire roads. There are great views, wildlife, cattle, rocks, etc. Bring a map, and be prepared for weather changes. The Pedal House (307-742-5533) or Fine Edge Ski, Sport and Cycle (307-745-4499) are bike shops in Laramie. Headquarters or Summit trailheads are a good place to start.
Description: A multiuse network of about 10+ trails in Pole Mountain area ranging from sweet to unrideable singletrack, doubletrack, to fire roads. There are great views, wildlife, cattle, rocks, etc. Bring a map, and be prepared for weather changes. The Pedal House (307-742-5533) or Fine Edge Ski, Sport and Cycle (307-745-4499) are bike shops in Laramie. Headquarters or Summit trailheads are a good place to start.
added on March 18, 2006 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Curt Gowdy State Park in Cheyenne
Vedauwoo in Laramie
Sheep Lake Trail in Laramie
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by stillfat on August 20, 2011
Kind of disappointing how beat up these trails are. There's really very little singletrack - 80% is 5-6 ft. wide rutted hardpack (with the exception of Cow Creek which frequently disappears under standing water and in tall grass). Death Crotch going downhill was great. Go with someone who knows their way around and/or bring a good map - the signage is lousy.
reviewed by Groomster62 on September 19, 2010
These are great, non-technical trails. (Groomed for skating in the winter!) If I feel like cruising, I head for Happy Jack. If I feel like technical I go to Gowdy. The trails are mostly single track, and there's a steep, rocky portion, up on top of Headquarters Trail that I cannot ride. You can make this trail system what you want. Long, short, steep, downhill. I like to start at the bottom of the mountain, at the old ski area and head up to Summit or Brown's Landing. It's all up hill, but it's rarely steep. From up there you have a couple of options. Don't let the names "Death Crotch" or "Mesquito Alley" scare you. There is something for everyone at Happy Jack.
Similar Trail: Not similar, but close: Curt Gowdy State Park
reviewed by kidklimbr on August 30, 2009
A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!! Coming from Colorado's Front Range, I was very happy with this ride. However, my girl with just 6 months of riding found it to be tough. I pick this trail due to it being considered Easy. The Happy Jack Trail was easy, some of Headquarters Trail was easy. With 20+ years or MTBing from cost to coast, I feel I would rate the whole trail system as an intermediate to slighty advanced riding. This is a Great trail. I rode it yeaterday and tomorrow I'm driving up with a friend with my skill set to re-ride the whole system. I'll GPS it and get picks for a better review. All and all the Medicine Bow Mountain Bike Patrol and Laramie Bicycling Network have done a great job with these trail. Thanx guys and gals...
reviewed by RideorDie on June 29, 2009
This is a great trail system. Although most routes are easy, there is just enough obstacles to keep you honest and scenery to keep you interested. The forest offer a refreshing relief from the Wyoming wind as well as provide way to some more difficult sections complete with rock gardens, buff single track, creek crossings, and root strewn sections tighter than your daddy's wallet that require the skills of a more advance intermediate rider (The Haunted Forest - direction of Lincoln Trail Head to Happy Jack). We stopped at Pedal Power Bike Shop on 1st street in Laramie for a color map and advice on trail combination and they steered us right. This is a great network to hit with riders of varying skill levels.
reviewed by Permagrin on August 10, 2008
When I initially planned a ride in WY I certainly didn't expect fun like these trails. A little bit of everything for all levels and the trails are well marked. I think we rode most of them but my favorite was the Haunted Forest - sweet singletrack in the aspens - what's up with the logs? Is that how you get rid of tourists? *he he*
reviewed by swimswithtrout on July 21, 2008
FWIW, the TH for the Headquarters Trail has been moved ~ 1/4 mi E from the Rest Area to a new TH parking lot.
reviewed by Jakester on June 15, 2008
A wonderful trail system that can accomodate most novices, depending on your route, but can also challenge most experienced riders as well.
Similar Trail: Curt Gowdy State Park
reviewed by skibum on October 7, 2007
The Headquarters/Happy Jack/Tie City area provides a remarkable network of trails on the rise between Laramie and Cheyenne. The elevation and woods provide a respite from the summer heat and the ever-present Wyoming wind. Ride the length of the Headqauarters trail, especially from the northeast trailhead, then connect with the Tie City/Happy Jack network. Hit the Aspen Loop for a hootin&hollerin roller coaster downhill. Bring your suspension to the aptly named Death Crotch. Hook up with a local or stop at one of the bike shops in Laramie to get the most out of your day. Bring bug spray.
Similar Trail: Turtle Rock
reviewed by wheelmon on July 15, 2007
A really fun place to play in Wyoming. Good mix of trails that crisscross, but the area is not that big so it's hard to get too lost, and your never that far from your car.
Similar Trail: Beaver Meadows
reviewed by jeff82 on August 21, 2006
Probably the best trail (that I have ridden) in the Laramie area. Some good climbs with some sweet downhills and plenty of technical sections to keep it fair.
Similar Trail: Vedauwoo
reviewed by dperry on August 1, 2006
This trail system (Upper and Lower UW trails, Headquaters trail, and Sumitt trail) are part of the Laramie Enduro, Rocky Mountain Ultra race series. Numerous options for sweet single track with all of the technical challenges. There area several areas with very difficult climbs but followed by some super decents
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