Laramie, WY: Vedauwoo Turtle Rock

This easy 3.2-mile loop circles Turtle Rock in the Medicine Bow National Forest. From the gravel parking strip just above the main trailhead area, walk downhill to the paved area at the base of the weathered formation. Head northwest on the easy trail as it winds beneath aspen and squeezes between Turtle Rock’s boulder-strewn base and a marshy wetland to the south. This first section of trail affords up-close views of the piled, cracked rocks—and climbers making their way up the face—before gaining some distance from the formation as it turns east. Scattered fir and pine line the trail as it rolls over several small hills past the rock’s sloped backside.

At mile 1.9, the trail turns to slickrock—watch for cairns marking the way—and turns south, skirting a small pool and cascade before turning left to go around an alternative trailhead (complete with pit toilet). The last 0.7 mile of trail parallels the road and tent campground, turning right at a signed trail junction to land back in the parking area.
-Mapped by Kristy Holland

Trail Facts

• Distance: 5.1

Waypoints

TUR001

Location: 41.1595776, -105.375731

This upper parking lot is one access point for the trail. Walk downhill from here to reach the trailhead.

TUR002

Location: 41.1608687, -105.3761949

Pass a house-sized boulder on your right. Underbrush and aspen can crowd the trail, but open up as the trail moves away from the parking area.

TUR003

Location: 41.1610485, -105.3765571

Pass through this small metal gate and be sure to latch it behind you.

TUR004

Location: 41.1621979, -105.3797195

Erosion is a problem in this rocky environment. Watch your step and be careful not to twist an ankle on this eroded section of trail that skirts an aspen-choked wetland.

TUR005

Location: 41.1627387, -105.381165

Veer left @ Y-junction, following the trail downhill and around several boulders.

TUR006

Location: 41.1675744, -105.3812458

Navigate a section of steep, tree-root steps that are squeezed between two giant rocks. Just ahead, the trail overlooks another wetland and hoodoo formations that rise 0.3 mile to the north.

TUR007

Location: 41.1677677, -105.3776622

The trail turns away from Turtle Rock under a canopy of pines and rolls over a few small hills as it turns east.

TUR008

Location: 41.1660882, -105.3672233

It’s easy to loose the trail for a minute on this uphill section of slickrock. Look for the dirt trail behind a boulder on your right.

TUR009

Location: 41.1646521, -105.3654554

This large open area has a few enormous boulders and offers a great view of Turtle Rock’s eastern edge. Follow the boulders on the downhill edge of the clearing to pick up the trail.

TUR010

Location: 41.1630549, -105.3661394

Entering the woods, you’ll pass a spring and a small creek tumbling over a 4-foot cascade.

TUR011

Location: 41.1620897, -105.3663808

Go straight through the gate and stay right @ Y-junction. Just ahead, a sign points to the Turtle Rock Trailhead, the easternmost trail access point. There are a handful of parking spots and a toilet at this location.

TUR012

Location: 41.1612379, -105.3665935

Turn right @ Y-junction to stay on the official trail. A few user-created trails crisscross the area, but since the trail parallels the park road, it’s pretty difficult to get lost.

TUR013

Location: 41.159937, -105.3683487

Pass another trail access point, parking lot, information kiosk, and toilet on your right.

TUR014

Location: 41.1582843, -105.3740919

Turn right @ 3-way junction to bypass the main campground area and walk down a short hill and through the woods to the parking area.

Trail Sign

Location: 41.159723, -105.3755808

From the upper parking area, a sign points north down a short, steep trail to the lower parking area and trailhead. © MacKenzie Ryan

Aspen

Location: 41.161072, -105.3772759

The early section of the trail winds through aspen on the north side of a marshy wetland. © MacKenzie Ryan

Tea Kettle

Location: 41.162849, -105.3819537

A large, kettle-shaped outcropping stands out from the monolithic structure of Turtle Rock. © MacKenzie Ryan

Rocky Squeeze

Location: 41.1675578, -105.3811598

The trail drops down several tree-root steps as it squeezes between large boulders. © MacKenzie Ryan

View

Location: 41.1678, -105.3807199

Northwest views of marshy plains and hoodoos. © MacKenzie Ryan

Slickrock

Location: 41.1664593, -105.3680706

In its northeast corner, the trail turns to slickrock and climbs a gentle grade. © MacKenzie Ryan

Rock

Location: 41.1646421, -105.3653347

This house-sized boulder is too big to climb, but casts a large shadow and is situated just uphill from the slickrock trail. © MacKenzie Ryan