Laramie, Wyoming and the University of Wyoming

[wyosteve]

Russell, you are correct in that Laramie sits at 7200 ft. elevation and is considered high desert. The other thing it has, as does Cheyenne and other cities in Wyo. is WIND! I'm not sure I can add much more to what you've already discovered, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[JR]

Will he have a vehicle out there? There used to be alot of good mountain bike trails but he would have to load up and drive to much of it. Around Happy Jack, Centennial, Woods Landing /Fox Park all have good riding. At least that was the case when I was out there. The elevation takes some getting used to for us flat landers but he is young and should adapt quickly.

Don't hesitate to shoot me a PM if you have questions regarding the University. If she doesn't have the answers your looking for she will definitely know who to go to.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

JR and wyosteve,

Thanks.

If he chooses Wyoming then we are going to do something about a vehicle. If he chooses something around here then we are not going to worry much; at least for the first year. When I was in college I rarely left campus when school was in session, and so I think that will work out OK if he is close. We could always do something in case of a real need. Far away I think he will have to have a vehicle; we won't be able to help him out at all.

Which brings us to the area around Laramie. This is touted pretty heavily on the University of Wyoming website. The impression is that while you can't walk off campus or ride your bike right into it, within a half hour drive or less you have access to a couple of million acres of outdoors stuff. I have driven by Laramie on the interstate but have no real recollection. is that a pretty realistic portrait of the area around Laramie?

My son likes the outdoor stuff.

Thanks.

 

[wyosteve]

That's correct Russell. 15 mins. east of Laramie is Natl. Forest, rock climbing, x-country skiing, mtn. biking, hiking. 30 mins. west is Medicine Bow Natl. Forest, Snowy Range ski area with lots of trails, fishing, etc. No lack of recreational opportunities. I wouldn't worry initially about getting him a vehicle though. On campus is pretty much all walking and he'll likely make enough friends that have vehicles to get him where he wants to go.

 

[JR]

You can get anywhere you need to in the city (on and off campus) on a bike weather permitting. There are bike racks at virtually every building on campus to offer students a place to lock up as I recall.
The elevation in Laramie can be a bit misleading. Compared to the surrounding geography they are in a bit of a valley. Wyosteve can speak to this better then I as it has been 20+ years since I actually lived there and now only visit occasionally but as I recall east and west of Laramie can get buried in snow and the city end up with maybe a few inches. Of course they do get some heavy snows but it's not anything more than you are accustomed to in Erie. Where I am in Andover we live right in the heart of the snow belt (east of Chardon) and our season totals typically end up much higher than in Laramie. The difference being that we get wider swings in temps and the snow melts off quicker here.
One thing to keep in mind while on the subject of traveling is the roads outisde of Laramie can turn dangerous with little warning. Again, wyosteve can speak to this better than I but the weather changes quickly and WYDOT? can shut I80 down at their discretion. I remember lots of bad accidents on that stretch both east and west of the city. Planning trips around the forecast is paramount during winter months.

 

[JR]

To add to the above, the road closures don't happen often. Just something to be aware of and prepared for.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

Well, the son and I are off in the jet plane for the visit to Univ of Wyo tomorrow. We'll see what he thinks.

It has taken some work, but we have ended with some good alternatives and within the budget.

 

[wyosteve]

Russell, you've picked a great weather weekend for the visit. It's 66 in Cheyenne today. I'll be in Laramie on Sat. morning if it fits your schedule I'd buy coffee or lunch!!

 

[RUSSELL5000]

wyosteve,

Thanks. Sent PM.

 

[wyosteve]

PM returned.