GUERNSEY STATE PARK
Guernsey State Park provides seven campgrounds. Five are around the lake. All campgrounds include comfort stations, picnic tables, fire grills and drinking water. We also have a trailer dump station located at the south entrance to Guernsey State Park. This park provides the finest examples of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work in the Rocky Mountain area. Built by the CCC, the Guernsey Museum, the Castle and Brimmer Point are available to explore. The museum is perched on a high cliff, overlooking the water. The building itself is made of hand hewn timbers and hand forged iron. The roof is framed with the timbers and covered with split cedar shakes, and the floors were formed by pieces of smooth flagstone. The Castle, with its giant fireplace and winding steps, leads to an observation area for a spectacular view of the park.
The Oregon Trail was one of the primary routes used by the immigrants' westward migration across the plains from 1841 to 1869. Today, in many parts of Wyoming, remnants of The Oregon Trail can still be seen. Some of the best examples are the "ruts"; located just 1/2 mile south of the town of Guernsey, off Highway 26.
Register Cliff located two miles southeast of Guernsey provided travelers with a "chalkboard" where they placed their names for those who followed. The landmark still remains much the way it looked to pioneers on wagon trains journeying West.
Guernsey State Park offers a designated swimming area at Sandy Beach, with clear waters ideal for cooling off in summer. No lifeguards are on duty; swim at your own risk. Swimming is also permitted along the park's reservoir shores except where posted otherwise. Personal flotation devices are recommended due to sudden depth changes and underwater hazards.
Anglers can enjoy fishing in a reservoir known for walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. Shoreline access is available.
Guernsey State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills, many overlooking the scenic Guernsey Reservoir. Enjoy shaded spots or sunny lakeside views for a relaxing meal outdoors. Sheltered pavilions are available for reservation, ideal for larger gatherings or special events. Trails nearby provide post-picnic hiking opportunities to explore Wyoming's natural beauty.
While exploring on two wheels, it's important to be mindful of the terrain and weather conditions. The park offers several trails suitable for bicycling; however, riders should check trail status beforehand as some may not always be open or in good condition.
The most popular path is likely the 9-mile long Guernsey Bike Trail which circles around a portion of the reservoir. It provides scenic views but can have varying surface conditions that require caution.
Another option is Long Canyon Trail, offering both hiking and biking opportunities with moderate difficulty due to elevation changes and potential obstacles along the way.
Before setting out on any ride within these areas, ensure you are well-prepared with adequate water supply, repair kits for your bike if needed-and remember helmets are strongly recommended for safety reasons. Always respect other trail users by yielding appropriately when necessary.
Lastly, keep an eye out for wildlife encounters while riding-maintain a safe distance from animals at all times.
An extensive network of trails was originally planned and partially built during the operation of the CCC camps. Ever since that time hiking and trail use has been a major feature at Guernsey State Park. Approximately ten miles of CCC trails have been restored on the park. Starting point for the trail system is at the Brimmer Point turnoff. The trail system consists of several loops which provide a variety of scenic views of the park, reservoir and the dam. Most of the trails are moderately physically demanding.
Guernsey State Park is located off Interstate 25, Exit 92 to U.S. Highway 26 and then State Route 270.
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