What makes a city truly walkable? In Wyoming, a state known for its vast landscapes and rugged beauty, several cities have embraced the concept of walkability, creating environments where residents and visitors can explore on foot.
From historic downtowns to scenic parks and trails, these cities offer a unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty.
This article delves into ten of Wyoming’s most walkable cities, highlighting their key walkable areas, popular walking routes, and community initiatives that promote pedestrian-friendly environments.
Discover how these cities are making strides in enhancing walkability and fostering vibrant, connected communities.
This table provides a concise overview of the key walkable areas, popular walking routes, community initiatives, and notable parks or trails for each city.
| City | Key Walkable Areas | Popular Walking Routes | Community Initiatives | Notable Parks/Trails |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | Downtown Cheyenne | Historic Downtown Tour | Greenway Trail System | Lions Park |
| Casper | Downtown Casper | Casper Rail Trail | Expanded Trail System | North Platte River Walk |
| Laramie | Downtown Laramie | Historic Downtown Tour | Improved Sidewalks | Greenbelt Trail |
| Gillette | Downtown Gillette | Gillette Main Street | Pedestrian Infrastructure | Dalbey Memorial Park |
| Rock Springs | Downtown Rock Springs | Historic Downtown Tour | Outdoor Activity Promotion | Bunning Park |
| Sheridan | Downtown Sheridan | Historic Downtown Tour | Community Events | Kendrick Park |
| Evanston | Downtown Evanston | Historic Downtown Tour | Park Development | Bear River State Park |
| Green River | Downtown Green River | Historic Downtown Tour | Community Events | Expedition Island Park |
| Jackson | Downtown Jackson | Historic Downtown Tour | Park Development | Snow King Mountain |
| Buffalo | Downtown Buffalo | Historic Downtown Tour | Outdoor Activity Promotion | Clear Creek Trail |
10 Walkable Cities In Wyoming
1. Cheyenne
Overview of Walkability
Cheyenne, the capital city of Wyoming, has made strides in recent years to improve its walkability. With a Walk Score of 36, it ranks as moderately walkable, indicating that some amenities are within walking distance for residents.
However, the city still faces challenges in creating a truly pedestrian-friendly environment.
Key Walkable Areas
The most walkable areas in Cheyenne are the historic downtown district and the surrounding neighborhoods.
These areas feature a grid-like street pattern, sidewalks, and a mix of residential and commercial properties within proximity.
Popular Walking Routes
- Cheyenne Greenway: This 37-mile network of paved trails connects parks, neighborhoods, and other destinations throughout the city, providing a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Downtown Historic District: The compact downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within a walkable radius.
What are the community initiatives to improve walkability in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne has implemented several initiatives to enhance walkability, including the Complete Streets Policy, which aims to create safe and accessible streets for all users, including pedestrians.
Additionally, the city has invested in improving sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals, particularly in high-traffic areas.
2. Casper
Overview of Walkability
Casper, the second-largest city in Wyoming, has a Walk Score of 34, indicating a car-dependent environment. However, the city has recognized the importance of walkability and has taken steps to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
Key Walkable Areas
The most walkable areas in Casper are the downtown district and the surrounding historic neighborhoods, such as the Wolcott and Beverly neighborhoods.
These areas feature a grid-like street pattern and a mix of residential and commercial properties.
Popular Walking Routes
- Platte River Trails: This network of paved trails follows the Platte River and connects various parks and neighborhoods, providing a scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Downtown Casper: The compact downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within a walkable radius.
What are the community initiatives to improve walkability in Casper?
Casper has adopted a Complete Streets Policy and has implemented several projects to improve pedestrian infrastructure, including the installation of new sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals.
The city has also invested in the development of the Platte River Trails system, providing a safe and accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists.
3. Laramie
Overview of Walkability
Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, has a Walk Score of 41, indicating a relatively walkable environment. The city’s compact size and the presence of the university contribute to its walkability.
Key Walkable Areas
The most walkable areas in Laramie are the downtown district and the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the University of Wyoming campus.
These areas feature a grid-like street pattern, sidewalks, and a mix of residential, commercial, and educational properties.
Popular Walking Routes
- Laramie Greenbelt: This 7-mile paved trail system connects parks, neighborhoods, and the University of Wyoming campus, providing a scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Downtown Laramie: The compact downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within a walkable radius.
What are the community initiatives to improve walkability in Laramie?
Laramie has implemented several initiatives to enhance walkability, including the Laramie Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, which aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure throughout the city.
Additionally, the city has invested in improving sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals, particularly in high-traffic areas and around the university campus.
4. Gillette
Overview of Walkability
Gillette, a city in northeastern Wyoming, has a Walk Score of 28, indicating a car-dependent environment.
However, the city has recognized the importance of walkability and has taken steps to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
Key Walkable Areas
The most walkable areas in Gillette are the downtown district and the surrounding neighborhoods, such as the Westover and Westridge neighborhoods. These areas feature a grid-like street pattern and a mix of residential and commercial properties.
Popular Walking Routes
- Cam-plex Multi-Use Pathway: This paved pathway connects various parks and recreational facilities, providing a safe and accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Downtown Gillette: The compact downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within a walkable radius.
What are the community initiatives to improve walkability in Gillette?
Gillette has implemented several initiatives to enhance walkability, including the development of the Cam-plex Multi-Use Pathway and the installation of new sidewalks and crosswalks in high-traffic areas.
The city has also adopted a Complete Streets Policy, which aims to create safe and accessible streets for all users, including pedestrians.
5. Rock Springs
Overview of Walkability
Rock Springs, a city in southwestern Wyoming, has a Walk Score of 35, indicating a car-dependent environment.
However, the city has recognized the importance of walkability and has taken steps to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
Key Walkable Areas
The most walkable areas in Rock Springs are the downtown district and the surrounding neighborhoods, such as the Westridge and Blairtown neighborhoods.
These areas feature a grid-like street pattern and a mix of residential and commercial properties.
Popular Walking Routes
- Rock Springs Greenway: This paved trail system connects parks, neighborhoods, and other destinations throughout the city, providing a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Downtown Rock Springs: The compact downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within a walkable radius.
What are the community initiatives to improve walkability in Rock Springs?
Rock Springs has implemented several initiatives to enhance walkability, including the development of the Rock Springs Greenway and the installation of new sidewalks and crosswalks in high-traffic areas.
The city has also adopted a Complete Streets Policy, which aims to create safe and accessible streets for all users, including pedestrians.
6. Sheridan
Overview of Walkability
Sheridan, a city in northern Wyoming, has a Walk Score of 41, indicating a relatively walkable environment. The city’s compact size and the presence of a vibrant downtown contribute to its walkability.
Key Walkable Areas
The most walkable areas in Sheridan are the downtown district and the surrounding historic neighborhoods, such as the Kendrick and Loucks neighborhoods.
These areas feature a grid-like street pattern, sidewalks, and a mix of residential and commercial properties.
Popular Walking Routes
- Sheridan Pathways System: This network of paved trails connects parks, neighborhoods, and other destinations throughout the city, providing a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Downtown Sheridan: The compact downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within a walkable radius.
What are the community initiatives to improve walkability in Sheridan?
Sheridan has implemented several initiatives to enhance walkability, including the development of the Sheridan Pathways System and the installation of new sidewalks and crosswalks in high-traffic areas.
The city has also adopted a Complete Streets Policy, which aims to create safe and accessible streets for all users, including pedestrians.
7. Evanston
Overview of Walkability
Evanston, a city in southwestern Wyoming, has a Walk Score of 35, indicating a car-dependent environment.
However, the city has recognized the importance of walkability and has taken steps to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
Key Walkable Areas
The most walkable areas in Evanston are the downtown district and the surrounding neighborhoods, such as the Hillcrest and Westridge neighborhoods.
These areas feature a grid-like street pattern and a mix of residential and commercial properties.
Popular Walking Routes
- Evanston Trails System: This network of paved trails connects parks, neighborhoods, and other destinations throughout the city, providing a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Downtown Evanston: The compact downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within a walkable radius.
What are the community initiatives to improve walkability in Evanston?
Evanston has implemented several initiatives to enhance walkability, including the development of the Evanston Trails System and the installation of new sidewalks and crosswalks in high-traffic areas.
The city has also adopted a Complete Streets Policy, which aims to create safe and accessible streets for all users, including pedestrians.
8. Green River
Overview of Walkability
Green River, a city in southwestern Wyoming, has a Walk Score of 33, indicating a car-dependent environment.
However, the city has recognized the importance of walkability and has taken steps to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
Key Walkable Areas
The most walkable areas in Green River are the downtown district and the surrounding neighborhoods, such as the Expedition Park and Riverview neighborhoods.
These areas feature a grid-like street pattern and a mix of residential and commercial properties.
Popular Walking Routes
- Green River Greenbelt: This paved trail system connects parks, neighborhoods, and other destinations throughout the city, providing a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Downtown Green River: The compact downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within a walkable radius.
What are the community initiatives to improve walkability in Green River?
Green River has implemented several initiatives to enhance walkability, including the development of the Green River Greenbelt and the installation of new sidewalks and crosswalks in high-traffic areas.
The city has also adopted a Complete Streets Policy, which aims to create safe and accessible streets for all users, including pedestrians.
9. Jackson
Overview of Walkability
Jackson, a popular tourist destination in northwestern Wyoming, has a Walk Score of 48, indicating a relatively walkable environment. The city’s compact size and the presence of a vibrant downtown contribute to its walkability.
Key Walkable Areas
The most walkable areas in Jackson are the downtown district and the surrounding neighborhoods, such as the East Jackson and Karns Meadow neighborhoods.
These areas feature a grid-like street pattern, sidewalks, and a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist-oriented properties.
Popular Walking Routes
- Jackson Hole Community Pathways System: This network of paved trails connects parks, neighborhoods, and other destinations throughout the city and surrounding areas, providing a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Downtown Jackson: The compact downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within a walkable radius.
What are the community initiatives to improve walkability in Jackson?
Jackson has implemented several initiatives to enhance walkability, including the development of the Jackson Hole Community Pathways System and the installation of new sidewalks and crosswalks in high-traffic areas.
The city has also adopted a Complete Streets Policy, which aims to create safe and accessible streets for all users, including pedestrians.
10. Buffalo
Overview of Walkability
Buffalo, a city in northern Wyoming, has a Walk Score of 41, indicating a relatively walkable environment. The city’s compact size and the presence of a vibrant downtown contribute to its walkability.
Key Walkable Areas
The most walkable areas in Buffalo are the downtown district and the surrounding historic neighborhoods, such as the Loucks and Kendrick neighborhoods.
These areas feature a grid-like street pattern, sidewalks, and a mix of residential and commercial properties.
Popular Walking Routes
- Clear Creek Trail: This paved trail system connects parks, neighborhoods, and other destinations throughout the city, providing a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Downtown Buffalo: The compact downtown area offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions within a walkable radius.
What are the community initiatives to improve walkability in Buffalo?
Buffalo has implemented several initiatives to enhance walkability, including the development of the Clear Creek Trail and the installation of new sidewalks and crosswalks in high-traffic areas.
The city has also adopted a Complete Streets Policy, which aims to create safe and accessible streets for all users, including pedestrians.
Conclusion
How do walkable cities contribute to a better quality of life? In Wyoming, cities like Cheyenne, Casper, and Jackson are leading the way in creating pedestrian-friendly environments that encourage exploration and community engagement.
By investing in infrastructure, developing scenic trails, and promoting outdoor activities, these cities are not only enhancing walkability but also fostering healthier, more connected communities.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these walkable cities in Wyoming offer a unique opportunity to experience the state’s charm and natural beauty on foot.
Embrace the joy of walking and discover the hidden gems of Wyoming’s most walkable cities.