The trailhead begins in Rotary Park, ascending east and west therefrom, offering spectacular views of the Garden Creek Falls, the city below and the surrounding countryside. Map The overall loop is almost 5 miles long and rises over 1200 feet, with a 'tunnel' about midway known as "split rock". The average hiker can complete the outermost loop in about 3 hours but it requires much stamina and cardiovascular health. If you're pressed for time and energy, opt for a shorter loop on the west side of the Park. The Middle and Upper Bridle Trails traverse private property so PLEASE stay on the designated trails and observe NO CLIMBING and NO TRESPASSING signs.
Hours
The 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 snow plows 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.
What is the history of the Bridle Trail?
The Bridle Trail was built in the 1939-1940's by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and perhaps the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It appears that the Bridle Trail was built on some of the original trails going up Casper Mountain when Wyoming was still a wilderness, wolves ran wild and mining claims on the mountain were everywhere. The 30's and the 40's were a hard time in Wyoming. H.H. Patterson, County Surveyor, surveyed the original Bridle Trail in September and October of 1940. It is the earliest mapping we have found of the Bridle Trail.