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      Found off of exit 323 on I-80 east of Laramie, Happy Jack is a wonderful area for hiking, camping, mountain biking, cross-county skiing, snow shoeing and even home to trails for horseback riding.

      Trails ranging from .4 miles to 3 miles, there is enough space here to spend a whole day enjoying nature.

      This is a part of the Medicine Bow National Forest and a small fee is required per vehicle per day.
      source: Visit Laramie
      Primary Trail Type: Cross-Country
      eBikes Allowed: No
      Land Status: National Forest
      Parking google parking directions plan a road trip here

      Trail info last updated

      Activities Click to view
      Region Details
      • 3
      • 2
      • 13
      • 26
      • 3
      • 3

      Region Status
      Open as of Oct 10, 2026
      Local Trail Association

      Stats

      Avg Trail Rating
      Trails (view details)
      74
      Trails Mountain Bike
      50
      Trails E-Bike
      2
      Trails Gravel Bike
      7
      Trails Winter Fat Bike
      13
      Trails Horse
      43
      Trails Hike
      50
      Trails Trail Running
      50
      Trails Snowshoe
      17
      Trails Backcountry Ski
      2
      Trails Nordic Ski
      26
      Total Distance
      60 miles
      Total Descent
      8,689 ft
      Total Vertical
      799 ft
      Highest Trailhead
      8,951 ft
      Reports
      809
      Photos
      46
      Completed Counter
      13,703

      Popular Happy Jack Recreational Area Trails

      Meadow
      • 100 ★ 3.9 • 2,557 ft • 13 ft • 623 •
      This is a fast and fun trail that zooms you around and in between lots of trees. The trail departs [L=https://www.trailforks.com/trails/upper-uw-loop/]Upper UW Loop[\L] at the top and connects to the Campground By-Pass or Alder Trail.
      2
      Middle Aspen
      • 100 ★ 4.7 • 1 mile • 347 ft • 598 •
      The top part of this trail is like most of Happy Jack: a little rutted, pretty straight, and fast. The bottom section was redone in 2018 to replace some unsustainable, fall-line trail with flowy, sustainable trail with some berms,...
      Upper UW Connector
      • 95 ★ 3.0 • 400 ft • 0 ft • 533 •
      Popular green difficulty singletrack. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating with a 0 ft green climb. On average it takes minutes to complete this trail.
      1
      Aspen
      • 95 ★ 4.3 • 2 miles • 472 ft • 498 •
      This trail departs Lower UW Trail and descends quickly through the Happy Jack area. Be prepared for moderate tech, this trail has lots of rocks, roots, and turns. It connects to Haunted Forest Trail and Middle Aspen Trail. Significantly...
      1
      Roller Coaster
      • 85 ★ 3.4 • 2,178 ft • 35 ft • 433 •
      Popular blue difficulty singletrack. This multi-use trail can be used both directions with a 35 ft blue climb. On average it takes 3 minutes to complete this trail.
      7
      Death Crotch
      • 75 ★ 4.5 • 2 miles • 173 ft • 430 •
      Death Crotch is a fantastic downhill descent (or tough climb) that connects Old Happy Jack Road and Summit Loop.
      Aspen-Haunted Connector
      • 85 ★ 0.0 • 384 ft • 0 ft • 400 •
      Connects Aspen to Haunted Forest
      Crow Creek Connect
      • 95 ★ 3.0 • 670 ft • 0 ft • 380 •
      Popular blue difficulty singletrack. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 0 ft blue climb. On average it takes 1 minutes to complete this trail.

      Recent Ride Log Activity in Region

      Today

      • 0 rides

      Yesterday

      • 0 rides
      Past Week
      • 4 rides

      Mountain Bike Routes

      27
      Happy Jacked
      11 miles • 1,540 ft • 17 • Loop •
      This routes takes riders through what I would consider to be the best trails that Happy Jack Area has to...
      17
      Laramie Range Epic
      ★ 3.0 • 33 miles • 3,246 ft • 18 • Loop • Race •
      “Sometimes you just gotta ride it and you’ll know!” The Course - The course will have two Race...
      16
      2018 Laramie Enduro
      ★ 5.0 • 31 miles • 3,191 ft • 13 • Loop • Race •
      Race course for the 2018 Laramie Enduro
      42
      Old Laramie Enduro
      68 miles • 6,744 ft • 26 • Loop • Race •
      Laramie Enduro Course. Starting at the Hidden Valley picnic ground, this route tours much of the Pole...
      39
      2017 Laramie Enduro
      ★ 3.0 • 28 miles • 2,852 ft • 28 • Loop • Race •
      2017 Laramie Enduro race course
      25
      BikeNet 2020 Race 2 - Happy Jack
      19 miles • 2,457 ft • 16 • Loop • Race •
      You have between x and x to do the course. Do it as many times as you would like, we will use your fastest...

      Photos of Happy Jack Recreational Area Mountain Bike

      mtb
      792 |
      Oct 4, 2011 @ 1:42pm
      Oct 4, 2011
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      37 |
      Aug 8, 2026 @ 6:29am
      Aug 8, 2026
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      42 |
      Aug 8, 2026 @ 6:29am
      Aug 8, 2026
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      28 |
      Jul 11, 2026 @ 4:33pm
      Jul 11, 2026
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      59 |
      Jan 19, 2026 @ 2:59pm
      Jan 19, 2026
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      169 |
      Oct 4, 2024 @ 2:42pm
      Oct 4, 2024
      mtb
      176 |
      Oct 4, 2024 @ 2:33pm
      Oct 4, 2024
      mtb
      244 |
      Jul 5, 2023 @ 6:33pm
      Jul 5, 2023
      mtb
      101 |
      Jun 10, 2023 @ 3:49pm
      Jun 10, 2023
      mtb
      261 |
      Oct 15, 2022 @ 8:41am
      Oct 15, 2022
      mtb
      258 |
      Oct 15, 2022 @ 8:40am
      Oct 15, 2022
      mtb
      264 |
      Oct 15, 2022 @ 8:40am
      Oct 15, 2022
      Views 5Winter 3Creek crossing 1Rollers 1Jumps 1Rock slabs 1River or creek 1

      Videos of Happy Jack Recreational Area Mountain Bike

      Aspen
      mtb
      trail: Aspen
      11:53 | 282 | Jul 2, 2025 , Laramie
      Headquarters NRT
      mtb
      11:16 | 288 | Jul 2, 2025 , Laramie
      Old Happy Jack Road
      mtb
      4:36 | 83 | Jul 2, 2025 , Laramie
      Death Crotch
      mtb
      13:11 | 454 | Jul 2, 2025 , Laramie
      Lower UW into Middle Aspen Happy Jack...
      mtb
      8:57 | 301 | Dec 30, 2023 , Laramie
      Lower UW into Middle Aspen Happy Jack...
      mtb
      trail: Aspen
      8:57 | 237 | Dec 30, 2023 , Laramie
      Death Crotch - Happy Jack Trail System
      mtb
      8:28 | 713 | Dec 30, 2023 , Laramie
      Headquarters Descent - Happy Jack Trails
      mtb
      5:58 | 358 | Dec 30, 2023 , Laramie

      Recent Trail Reports

      statustraildateconditioninfouser
      Double Black Diamond
      Sep 18, 2026 @ 11:25pm (America/Denver)
      Sep 18, 2026
      		 VariableLots of trees down.Spackattack
      Upper UW Loop
      Jul 29, 2026 @ 7:59am (America/Denver)
      Jul 29, 2026
      		 Idealmilesmiles68
      Summit
      Jul 29, 2026 @ 7:59am (America/Denver)
      Jul 29, 2026
      		 Idealmilesmiles68
      Lower UW
      Jul 29, 2026 @ 7:59am (America/Denver)
      Jul 29, 2026
      		 Idealmilesmiles68
      Old Happy Jack Road
      Jul 29, 2026 @ 7:59am (America/Denver)
      Jul 29, 2026
      		 Idealmilesmiles68
      Headquarters NRT
      Jul 29, 2026 @ 7:59am (America/Denver)
      Jul 29, 2026
      		 Idealmilesmiles68
      Upper UW Connector
      Jul 29, 2026 @ 7:59am (America/Denver)
      Jul 29, 2026
      		 Idealmilesmiles68
      Ridge
      Jul 29, 2026 @ 7:59am (America/Denver)
      Jul 29, 2026
      		 Idealmilesmiles68
      Blackjack Loop 1
      Jul 29, 2026 @ 7:59am (America/Denver)
      Jul 29, 2026
      		 Idealmilesmiles68
      Pole Creek
      Jul 29, 2026 @ 7:59am (America/Denver)
      Jul 29, 2026
      		 Idealmilesmiles68

      Activity Feed

      usernameactiontypetitledate
      berelsonaddreportactivity #105625450
      Oct 10, 2026 @ 12:45pm
      Oct 10, 2026
      Spackattackaddreportactivity #104094643
      Sep 18, 2026 @ 10:25pm
      Sep 18, 2026
      RichardjtK4qqdifficultyvotetrailactivity #101254516
      Aug 11, 2026 @ 11:31am
      Aug 11, 2026
      kesheetzwishlisttrailactivity #101047900
      Aug 8, 2026 @ 3:41pm
      Aug 8, 2026
      czkenneaddphotoactivity #100999523 and 1 more
      Aug 8, 2026 @ 6:29am
      Aug 8, 2026

      Recent Comments

      usernametypetitlecommentdate
      czkennetrailPilot Hill ConnectorCould not agree more... This trail is spot on...
      Aug 6, 2026 @ 2:13pm
      Aug 6, 2026
      LonewolfridertrailDeath CrotchHard to get to but what a blast! This is an...
      Nov 18, 2025 @ 3:20pm
      Nov 18, 2025
      Keenez01trailPilot Hill ConnectorThis is an amazing trail! Excellent planing,...
      Jul 4, 2025 @ 7:36pm
      Jul 4, 2025
      cheyenneridereportBlackjackTvg ere got me runner interesting em several g
      May 3, 2025 @ 10:40am
      May 3, 2025
      Thenry14reportPilot Hill ConnectorIt is in the big set of trees just before the...
      Jul 7, 2024 @ 5:32pm
      Jul 7, 2024

      Nearby Areas

      namedistance
      Vedauwoo / Blair 8 13 54.9 km
      Pilot Hill/The Schoolyard 13 25 3 18.1 km
      Curt Gowdy State Park 7 25 12 1410.3 km
      Red Mountain - Soapstone Prairie 13 523.9 km
      Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch 2 10 4 131.2 km

      Local Badges

      Local Mountain Biking Directory

      Local Products

      Local Trail Supporters

      • Nat. Rec. Trail
      Become a trail supporter

      Activity Type Stats

      activitytypetrailsdistancedescentdescent distancetotal verticalratingglobal rankstate rankphotosreportsroutesactivity logs
      Mountain Bike5050 miles7,487 ft23 miles797 ft
      		#1,973#53478177,362
      E-Bike22,864 ft36 ft1,424 ft56 ft
      		#9,909#3058271
      Gravel Bike72 miles164 ft4,337 ft499 ft
      		#830#426954
      Winter Fat Bike1312 miles1,555 ft6 miles607 ft
      		#830#426224
      Horse4344 miles6,430 ft20 miles797 ft
      		#642#1235322
      Hike5050 miles7,487 ft23 miles797 ft
      		#4,685#373781404
      Trail Running5050 miles7,487 ft23 miles797 ft
      		#3,778#29781214
      Snowshoe1714 miles1,558 ft6 miles650 ft
      		#678#913131
      Backcountry Ski22 miles417 ft1 mile397 ft
      		204
      Nordic Ski2611 miles1,240 ft4 miles354 ft
      		#502#1311923

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ What are the highest rated mountain biking trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      The highest rated mountain biking trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area are: View all mountain biking trails sorted by rating.
      ▼ Where can I park to ride in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      There are 8 parking locations listed in Happy Jack Recreational Area. The most popular parking spots are: View all parking and trailhead locations on the map to plan your visit.
      ▼ What is the longest trail in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      The longest trail in Happy Jack Recreational Area is Pilot Hill Connector at 6.9 miles. View all trails sorted by distance.
      ▼ What are the best & highest rated hiking trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      ▼ What are the best & highest rated trail running trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      ▼ How many trails are in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      Happy Jack Recreational Area has a total of 74 trails. Of those, 50 are designated for mountain biking. Browse top mountain biking trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area to find detailed information including difficulty ratings, distances, and trail conditions.
      ▼ Which trail has the most elevation gain in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      The trail with the most elevation gain in Happy Jack Recreational Area is Pilot Hill Connector with 909 ft of elevation gain. View all trails sorted by elevation gain.
      ▼ Which trail has the most elevation descent in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      The trail with the most elevation descent in Happy Jack Recreational Area is Double Black Diamond with 879 ft of elevation descent. View all trails sorted by elevation descent.
      ▼ What activities are most popular in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      Happy Jack Recreational Area supports the following activities: Mountain Biking, E-Biking, Horseback, Hiking, Trail Running, Snowshoeing, Nordic Skiing.
      ▼ What are the steepest mountain biking trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      The steepest mountain biking trail in Happy Jack Recreational Area is Escape with an average grade of 9.3%. View all trails sorted by grade.
      ▼ Are the trails open in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      The overall region status for Happy Jack Recreational Area is Clear / Green. Out of 49 trails:
      • Clear / Green: 44
      • Minor Issue / Yellow: 3
      • Significant Issue / Amber: 2
      View the full trail status page for the latest updates.
      ▼ Can I ride an ebike in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      Yes, Happy Jack Recreational Area supports e-bike riding. There are 2 trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area that allow e-bikes. Check the e-bike trails listing for specific trail access details and any local regulations.
      ▼ What are the most popular mountain biking routes in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      The most popular mountain biking routes in Happy Jack Recreational Area are: View all mountain biking routes in Happy Jack Recreational Area.
      ▼ What are the most popular Strava Segments in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      The most popular Strava segments in Happy Jack Recreational Area are:
      • Let the Roadies Shine (2,604 athletes)
      • Full Crotch Grab (2,145 athletes)
      • New Aspen (2,100 athletes)
      View all Strava segments in Happy Jack Recreational Area.
      ▼ What are some popular technical trail features in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      There are 1 technical trail features (TTFs) in Happy Jack Recreational Area. Some popular features include: View all technical trail features in Happy Jack Recreational Area.
      ▼ What are the most popular mountain biking trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      ▼ What are the best beginner ride trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area?
      The best beginner mountain biking trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area are: View all beginner mountain biking trails in Happy Jack Recreational Area.
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      • #6279 - 26,654 views
      • happy jack recreational area activity log | embed map of Happy Jack Recreational Area mountain bike trails | happy jack recreational area mountain biking points of interest

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