HomeWyomingSheridan › Welch Ranch Recreation Area

Welch Ranch Recreation Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · Running trail in Sheridan, Wyoming · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Welch Ranch Recreation Area yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

ScenicRestroomsTrailhead parking

What runners say about Welch Ranch Recreation Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (25 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“With all the private land that is off-limits to most of us, this is a beautiful tract of public land owned by all of us to walk, bird, hunt, fish etc.”

With all the private land that is off-limits to most of us, this is a beautiful tract of public land owned by all of us to walk, bird, hunt, fish etc. I have seen black bear, mink, coyotes as well as deer, antelope and 80+ species of birds at Welch.

★★★★★ — Donald , Jan 2019

This is a really cool place to go for a hike! You can get your feet wet in the river while fishing or hike up to check out the rift in the earth that exposes an active coal seam fire! There are traps in the area so be aware of where you let your dog roam.

★★★★★ — Jared , Jul 2024

Just a short distance from Sheridan, about 10-15 minutes, and you are out of cell range and can take the family for a nice nature walk, little hike, fishing, etc. This is one of our favorite places to go as a family.

★★★★★ — Shana , Dec 2023

Beautiful area! The river was a bit high that day so we didn't end up fishing but the walk was amazing!

★★★★☆ — Rachel , Jun 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 25 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“With all the private land that is off-limits to most of us, this is a beautiful tract of public land owned by all of us to walk, bird, hunt, fish etc.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“There is a portable toilet at the south side parking area.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

“There is a portable toilet at the south side parking area.”

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Plan your run at Welch Ranch Recreation Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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
  • Websiteblm.gov
  • Phone+1 307-684-1100
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Welch Ranch Recreation Area

1031-1063, WY-338, Sheridan, WY 82801

Get directions

Running trails near Sheridan

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

Sheridan Recreation District

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Sheridan, WY

Park featuring 2 playgrounds, baseball fields and tennis courts, plus a bike path.

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Whitney Commons Park

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ScenicDog-friendly

Green space featuring a seasonal splash park, a playground, picnic tables, and a reflection garden.

10.6 miles away

Kendrick Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 961 reviews

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ScenicDog-friendly

Creekside park known for its summer concerts, swimming pool & resident buffalo & elk.

10.8 miles away

Soldier Ridge Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 38 reviews

Sheridan, WY

ScenicDog-friendly

11.4 miles away

Emerson Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 153 reviews

Sheridan, WY

MixedShadedScenic

Kid-friendly, scenic park featuring slides, swings and a playground.

11.7 miles away

South Park Recreation Area

4.8 ★★★★★ 56 reviews

Sheridan, WY

PavedScenicDog-friendly

City park featuring paths for walking and biking, plus scenic views and trout fishing.

12.2 miles away

All running trails in Sheridan, WY →

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.