Laramie Peak Trail

Trail is situated within La Bonte Canyon in the Laramie Peak area, located 35 miles southwest of Douglas, Wyoming. Steep canyon sides, along with patches of aspen and conifers, makes this area one of the most scenic on the Douglas Ranger District. The canyon bottom is about 6,000 ft in elevation, and has granite rock formations for climbing and photography.

The best access into Ashenfelder Basin which is the area between Laramie Peak and Black Mountain; wilderness without the designation. This isn't an easy trailhead to get to and requires a high-clearance vehicle to access. The trailhead offers a small parking area, large enough for only about three vehicles. A trailhead sign marks the trail's beginning. The Harris Park Trail provides access to several other hiking trails in the Ashenfelder Creek area. This trail travels up Fall Creek through ponderosa pine stands and rocky outcroppings for the first mile. The trail then descends the rest of the way into a very scenic camping area along Ashenfelder Creek. Black bear, mountain lion, mule deer and elk may be seen in this area.

This 4.2 mile trail is at the base of Laramie Peak in the North Laramie Range. Parking and restroom facilities are available at the trailhead. No overnight parking is permitted at the trailhead, however, if you are overnight hiking from the trailhead, please park in the dispersed camping areas.

The Friend Park campground is adjacent to the trailhead and offers developed campsites with tables, toilets, fire grates and drinking water. Dispersed camping is available ¼ mile outside of the campground. The trail is relatively flat for about the first mile, as it follows along Friend Creek, then the climb becomes steeper.

Friend Creek Falls is a small waterfall about 2 miles up the trail and provides a convenient place to rest or a turnaround point. The trail rises to 2,500 feet in elevation over approximately 3 miles to show panoramic views of several states, mountain ranges and cities.

Near Friend Park Campground at the base of Laramie Peak. This 9 mile non-motorized trail wraps around the northwest side of Laramie Peak into Ashenfelder Basin. Horse camping allowed, with no development provided. Adequate parking is available for horse trailers and camping units at the trailhead, and dispersed camping is available at the trailhead and at Goochie Park along the trail. The trail follows an old fire road for the first mile then becomes a single-track trail ascending steeply for another mile. During the mid-1980s, a large forest fire burned through the area. You will see small lodgepole pines growing in the burned area. The trail then descends into Goochie Park for another 2 to 2.5 miles. Goochie Park offers numerous camping opportunities along meadows and sage flats.