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West & South of US Highway 26 & I-25, between Ft. Laramie & Douglas
The Laramie Range was formed when an uplift thrust ancient granite rock through overlying sandstones and limestones. Remnants of these sedimentary rocks, formed from the ancient seas that once covered Wyoming, are visible on the east range. Massive granite rocks characterize the top of Laramie Peak, which is the highest point on the mountain range, visible for more than 100 miles at 10,200 feet above sea level.
History
Evidence reveals that the Laramie Mountains have been occupied by humans for at least 11,000 years. Several Indian tribes are known to have migrated through or lived in the Laramie Peak area; Arapaho, Sioux, Cheyenne, Ute, Shoshone and Crow.
The first Euro-Americans to enter the Laramie Peak area were the fur trappers. From the early 1820s to around 1840, these hardy men co-existed with the Indians and trapped beaver in the mountain streams. One of the most famous among these mountain men was Jacque La Ramie. His legacy lives on in the place names of the area including Laramie Peak and the North Laramie River. Other geographic features in the area such as LaBonte Creek (meaning bountiful goodness) and LaPrele Creek (meaning the ferns) reflect the predominance of the French/Canadian fur trappers who lived here.
Today
In 1935, a summer long forest fire ravaged thousands of acres of timber and rangelands. As a direct result of the need for fire control, on August 20, 1935, the Laramie Peak Ranger Division was added to the Medicine Bow National Forest by an Act of Congress. This later became the Douglas Ranger District, Laramie Peak Unit.
Today, Laramie Peak is still a landmark for weary travelers. It is also a popular recreation area, with a rigorous 5- mile trail to the peak, and Friend Park campground at its base. The trail was originally built for ATV use in the 1960s to access an antennae site, owned by Western Wireless. Hikers discovered the beauty of this “industrial” trail, and have made it their own. However, it will always remain an ATV access trail to the towers at the peak.
Know where you are when recreating on the Laramie Peak Unit, as there is scattered land-ownership. Purchase a forest map and watch for signs. It is illegal to trespass on private property.
For more information on the recreation opportunities found on Laramie Peak, contact the Douglas Ranger Station at 358-4690, or pick up one of the Converse County/Douglas Ranger District brochures at numerous outlets throughout the state.
Courtesy of National Forest Service
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