Take A Step Back In Time With Wyoming’s Oregon Trail Hike

This summer, you can travel the path that helped shape the western United States, virtually. The Wyoming State Parks are celebrating America's 250th anniversary with an opportunity to hike the Wyoming stretch of the Oregon Trail.

How freaking cool is that? Let me break it down for you, and it's not as difficult as it may seem.

There is a cool app called the "Pacer app", which created a two-part hike on the Oregon Trail. When you sign up, you will choose either the stretch of the trail from Fort Laramie to Independence Rock, or South Pass to Fort Bridger.

Then, when you're out hiking, walking on a treadmill, taking a walk outside, kayaking, biking, or any form of exercise, the app will link to your FitBit, Apple Watch, Google Fit, Samsung Health, GARMIN, or you can manually enter your steps, and the Pacer app will show your progress along the Oregon Trail.

As you progress, you will unlock photos and information about certain locations along the trail. So, when you walk the distance between Fort Laramie and the Oregon Trail Ruts, you'll unlock information and pictures about the significance of the ruts. Then, when you add more miles, you'll unlock the pictures and information about the next historic stop along the trail.

Think about it as you're playing a virtual version of the Oregon Trail computer game we all played as kids. Except, of course, you're probably not going to come down with a case of Typhoid Fever, Cholera, or Dysentery. You probably won't be caught up in a stampede, get a snake bite, starve from lack of proper winter clothing or food, and you're not likely to clash with other travelers.

I say you are "probably not" going to be affected by these rare issues because the world is a weird place, and anything can happen. If one of those things happens to you, I don't need you blaming me.

All joking aside, this is a great way to get moving, learn about how the Oregon Trail helped shape the country, learn about Wyoming's rich history, and enjoy a summer of celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.

If you're interested in participating, here's some quick information.

• The program lasts until September 30, 2026
• Pacer App
• Everyone in Wyoming can participate.
• The Casper Recreation Center, UW Extension Wyoming Walks, and others will provide walks throughout the summer to encourage people to get steps in.
• Participants will choose Fort Laramie to Independence Rock or South Pass to Fort Bridger.
• Participants will receive information and pictures about important stops as they walk.
• Could increase tourism- participants want to visit the place they virtually visited.
• Pacer app will count steps by Apple Health, Apple Watch, Google Fit, Samsung Health, Fitbit, Garmin, or manually entering steps

If you're interested, scan the QR code below and get ready for a summer of fun, exercise, and learning.