Bear River State Park is located within the city limits of Evanston and just south of exit #6 on I-80, near the Bear River.  You can also take Bear River Drive (also known as Loop 80 or Loop 189) to the State Park from town.  Nearly 300 acres make up the Bear River State Park, and nearly 3 miles of foot or bike trails are within the Park limits.  This includes 1.2 miles of asphalt-surfaced trail and an arched footbridge that crosses the Bear River, allowing access to a natural area.  Another 1.7 miles of packed gravel trails are located on the west side of the river.  The trails are fairly flat and can be enjoyed by members of all ages wanting a casual scenic ride through some of the pristine Wyoming countryside.  Elk and Bison are located within the Park, but it’s not been without an occasional deer or pronghorn antelope sighting during the summertime.  Normally a map would not be required to navigate the trails, however, you can stop at the Wyoming Visitor Center and pick one up.

 A leisurely bike ride, rich in riparian vegetation and wildlife, can be experienced along the BEAR Parkway/Bear River State Park.  From Depot Square, turn left at the intersection of Front Street and Ninth Street and ride through the pedestrian passage of the underpass.  Continue straight along Bear River Drive/9th Street until you reach the Bear River.  The trail is accessed along the west bank of the river.  Enjoy 300 plus acres of prime Wyoming river habitat including 2 miles of paved pathway and 1.7 miles of graveled trails that meander through the City.  Read about the cottonwood community and discover a diverse pallet of colorful plant materials that serve as habitat for a variety of wildlife.  Elk and Bison are maintained year-round for your viewing pleasure within the Bear River State Park.  Moose, deer and pronghorn antelope can occasionally be seen throughout the year.  Remember, wildlife can be dangerous.  Maintain a safe distance between wildlife and you.

Additional trail access points/parking areas are provided at the ice ponds, accessed from Bear River Drive between the Union Pacific railroad tracks and the Bear river; at the Debbie Smith Bridge, located just south of Hamblin Park along Bear River Drive; and at multiple points within the Bear River State Park, located to the south of the I-80 exit 6 ramps.


To view (or to print)  a detailed map of the Bear Parkway State Park Ride (as a .pdf file which opens with Adobe Acrobat) 
click here 

You may also want to click the Untraveled Road logo

 to view photos from the historic Depot Square starting point to the intersection of Bear River Drive & the 6th Street Overpass/Highway 89 Route. Please consider registering with Untraveled Road for this very cool service. Thanks!