Bear River

W WYOPARKS.STATE.WY.US YOPARKS.STATE.W Y.US THINGS TO DO AND SEE west side of the river. The trails also double as ski and snowshoe trails in the winter. The paved trail is kept clear of snow as weather and time permits. We groom the rest of the trails if snow conditions, equipment and time permit. There is also a sledding hill called “Buffalo Run” that is located just east of the Visitor Center. PARK FEES & PERMITS Bear River State Park offers ideal areas for picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, group activities, bicycling, skiing, rollerblading, remote control cars and many other activities. The park is for day use only, no overnight camping is allowed. Bear River State Park charges no daily use fee. We do gratefully accept donations to help with educational, interpretive, and other programs. PARK RULES • The park grounds are open from May 1 through September 30 from 8:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m. From October 1 through April 30, the park is open from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. • Park dumpsters are for park use only. Litter must be disposed of in provided containers. • Keep motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails. A valid driver’s license is required. • All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. • Firearms and fireworks are not allowed. • Obey posted signs, traffic barriers and speed limits. • Digging or leveling of ground is prohibited. • No glass containers For a complete listing of park rules, visit park headquarters. Abundant wildlife, such as bison and elk, afford rare viewing opportunities and give visitors a taste of wild Wyoming. Bear River State Park hosts and co-sponsers many events on the Park such as nature hikes including our annual First Day Hike on New Year’s Day, birding watching, Kid’s Extreme Events, guest speakers, nature programs, Movies in the Park, and more. The Annual Bear River Rendezvous, which takes place on the weekend prior to Labor Day at the far south end of the park, provides spectators with a window to Wyoming’s past. HISTORY Visitor Center The Visitor Center provides a rest stop for travelers on I-80 and is home to numerous wildlife displays that showcase Wyoming’s impressive array of wildlife. It also provides visitors with Wyoming tourist information. Visitor Center hours are 8am-5pm 7 days per week excluding a few winter holidays. We are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during winter months. Bear River State Park is administered by the Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails; Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. 4/19 Elk and Bison Bear River State Park is home to a small herd of captive bison and elk, kept for public viewing. Be sure to pick up a captive animal brochure at the Visitor Center. SPECIAL EVENTS Summer and Winter Trails There are over 4 miles of non-motorized trails within the park. This includes 1.2 miles of paved trail and an arched footbridge that crosses the Bear River, allowing access to a natural area. Another 3+ miles of packed gravel trails are on the Native Americans named the river Quee-ya-paw for a tobacco root that grew along its banks. Trappers called it “Bear River” because of the many bears that frequented the area. Indians and trappers often held rendezvous in this area, including one in 1825 near Burnt Fork, just 50 miles southeast of the park. The 300+ acres that make up Bear River State Park were opened to the public in 1991. The park is connected to the BEAR Project, a greenbelt area offered by the City of Evanston. CONTACT INFORMATION Bear River State Park and Visitor Center are located at 601 Bear River Dr., Evanston, WY 82930 just off I-80 at Exit 6. Visitor Center Phone 307-789-6540. Park Phone 307-789-6547. Wetlands Paved trail Trail Public access No public access Fenced area Visitor Center Viewing area Trailer Sanitary Station Restrooms Haystack Trail Bison Group Area EMERGENCY ..................................................... 911 Park Headquarters ........................... (307) 789-6547 PHONE NUMBERS Crane Loop Cottonwood Trail Willow Trail Loop anston ↑ To Ev Loop ss e in s Bu Exit 6 X Elk / Bison pasture XX X X X X X X RI R VE Picnic Area Parking Park Headquarters Group Picnic Shelter Drinking Water ADA Beaver Trail Loop Bear River Group Shelter X X h X X X X y, Ut a PO Elk pasture ND X X Moose Trail Rendezvous Group Area X X X NO PUBLIC ACCESS X X Travel Information Center 80 X ke C it X X Elk / Bison pasture X X X X X lt La X X X X X X X X X X X X X AR X X X X X BE X X X X ←T o Sa X X X X X X X X X X X Drive To R ock X Spr ings X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X River X ay nw on ee anst r G R f Ev EA ity o B To d C ← an Bear X X X X X X X X X BEAR RIVER STATE PARK → R.A .O. ls B.R Trai . .A. O.R B.R. rails T ous ezv il d n Re Tra