Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Curt Gowdy State Park: Hidden Falls Hike

This morning we relaxed around camp a bit before packing up and heading northeast on Vedauwoo Road to Happy Jack Road and over to Curt Gowdy State Park. Our campsite, in a dispersed camping area just east of the Vedauwoo Recreation Area was very nice. Nestled close to a large rock formation,
the only downside was the close proximity to the interstate.
While we could hear the distant whine of traffic, it wasn't unbearable. Still, next time we camp in this area, I think we might try a site closer to Happy Jack Road.

We arrived at the state park, paid our entry fee and headed over to the trailhead for the Crow Creek Trail to hike to Hidden Falls. The trail starts at a pleasant looking reservoir.
There were quite a few people out on the water paddling. We applied sunblock
and hit the trail.
The beginning portions of the hike followed the ponderosa pine-clad shoreline of the reservoir.
There were scattered views of the surrounding rock formations.
Soon we left the reservoir and followed Crow Creek for the rest of the hike.

There were several bridges to cross,
and blooming wildflowers to admire.
The closer we got to the falls, the rockier and more rugged the trail seemed to get.
When we could hear voices and splashing, we knew we were near the falls. The trail dead-ends at a narrow and deep canyon where you can hear the sound of cascading water. A short walk through the water
takes you to the impressive Hidden Falls.

After exploring the falls for a bit and eating a snack, we turned around for our hike back to the car.
It was starting to get a bit crowded as we left.

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