Hidden Valley Picnic
Closed — Closed for the season due to winter conditions. Typically operates May through September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
High Wind Warning issued December 29 at 2:05PM MST until December 30 at 1:00PM MST by NWS Cheyenne WY
* WHAT...West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...South Laramie Range including the Interstate 80 Summit between Cheyenne and Laramie, and North Snowy Range Foothills including Arlington and Elk Mountain along Interstate 80. * WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 1 PM MST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be hazardous to light weight or high profile vehicles, including campers and tractor trailers. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...In addition, patchy blowing and drifting snow could lead to reduced visibility and slick roads.
About
Hidden Valley Group Site is a versatile group facility located just east of Laramie in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Set at an elevation of 8,600 feet among scenic lodgepole pine, aspen, and spruce forests, this large open space provides an excellent outdoor venue for family reunions, weddings, birthday parties, youth group outings, and other large gatherings of up to 200 people. The facility features vault toilets, picnic tables, and grills for group use, with space for up to 50 vehicles. Both day use and overnight camping are permitted, making it flexible for various event types. A hand pump provides water from May to September, though availability varies with weather and maintenance. The site is accessed via Happy Jack Road and Forest Road 705, with a combination gate requiring an access code from Recreation.gov. The surrounding Medicine Bow National Forest offers extensive recreation opportunities including hiking, mountain biking (with nearby Tie City and Summit Trailhead trail systems), off-road vehicle riding, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The area is home to elk, mule deer, moose, black bear, and other wildlife. Popular activities at the site include volleyball and kickball, though equipment must be brought by visitors. Maximum stay is 14 days, and campfires are only permitted in provided metal fire rings.
Directions
From Laramie, take I-80 east to exit 323 at Happy Jack Road. Turn left onto Happy Jack Road and follow it past the Summit Visitor Center. Take Forest Road 705 for one mile southeast to the picnic area. A combination code is required to enter the gate, available from Recreation.gov.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (307) 745-2300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Wyoming State Tourism | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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