HomeWyomingLaramie › Happy Jack Recreation Area Trailhead

Happy Jack Recreation Area Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 105 Google reviews · Running trail in Laramie, Wyoming · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Happy Jack Recreation Area Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surfaceDog-friendlyHillyRestroomsTrailhead parking

Popular recreation area featuring mountain-biking paths, groomed trails and climbing locations.

What runners say about Happy Jack Recreation Area Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (105 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

This was an awesome, butt kicking trail. We did 10.5 miles, by following various trails (some on purpose, some not...so watch out. Haha). We are from Oklahoma so the elevation kicked out butt, but I feel it is a good challenge for most.

★★★★★ — Phillip , Jul 2021

Amazing place for cross country skiing. Snow is always great, well maintained trails, and give dollar parking fees. Bring your skis and enjoy the outdoors. I did, all winter long!!! My favorite place to come and have fun in wyoming, during cold months.

★★★★★ — Travel , Apr 2021

Had a fun time hiking with my daughter.... fair warning, pay attention to the markers on the trails, you can get turned around and lost easily.....a few miles away from where you parked. 😆

★★★★★ — Felicia , Sep 2022

Terrific any time of the year. Sledding, cross country skiing, and fat biking in the winter, mountain biking and camping in the summer, and hiking anytime.

★★★★★ — Andy , Dec 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 105 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 6 mentions

“Please pick up after your dog if it's close to the trails.”

More trails like this →

⛰️ Hills / elevation 5 mentions

“We are from Oklahoma so the elevation kicked out butt, but I feel it is a good challenge for most.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking 2 mentions

“It has restroom at the entrance before the trails and plenty of parking space.”

More trails like this →

🚻 Restrooms

“It has restroom at the entrance before the trails and plenty of parking space.”

More trails like this →

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Happy Jack Recreation Area Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitefs.usda.gov
  • Phone+1 307-745-2300
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Happy Jack Recreation Area Trailhead

Forest Rd 719A, Laramie, WY 82070

Get directions

Running trails near Laramie

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Tie City Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 31 reviews

Laramie, WY

Natural surfaceScenic

under a mile away

Summit Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 40 reviews

Laramie, WY

MixedScenic

Fee-charging hiking and biking area with trails and views, plus snowshoeing in winter.

1.4 miles away

Pilot Hill Recreation Area Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 23 reviews

Laramie, WY

Dog-friendly

7.6 miles away

LaPrele Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 197 reviews

Laramie, WY

Dog-friendly

Relaxed park popular for its disc-golf course, alongside a pond where kids can fish and frisbee golf.

8.2 miles away

Undine Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 389 reviews

Laramie, WY

ShadedDog-friendly

Neighborhood park with picnic shelters & BBQs, plus facilities for tennis, volleyball & basketball.

9.4 miles away

LaBonte Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 290 reviews

Laramie, WY

Dog-friendly

Public park offering picnic pavilions, a playground, walking trails, a pond, and a skate park.

9.8 miles away

All running trails in Laramie, WY →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.