North Laramie River Trailhead

In the eastern portion of the North Laramie Range, accesses prime trout fishing and beautiful canyon experience. The trailhead offers a parking area, with dispersed camping allowed. There are no improved campsites at either the trailhead or within the canyon. In the bottom of the canyon is an old homestead, built in the 1920s. It was developed into a resort, known as the Rainbow's End, and includes 15 buildings scattered along the river. These structures range from the main lodge at the end of the trail, to isolated cabins and root cellars upstream of the lodge. Some of these structures are unsafe, so please use care around them. These buildings are part of our cultural heritage. Please help protect them, don't injure or disturb structures or artifacts. This trail provides public access to 3.5 miles of the North Laramie River, which offers good fishing of primarily brown and rainbow trout, ranging in size from 6 inches to 15 inches. Upstream, the canyon becomes very narrow and steep. Most of the year the river has to be crossed to reach its upper portions. Downstream, the canyon opens up, where bighorn sheep, deer and elk may be seen. You will also notice the large fire that swept through this area. In July of 1996, 7,000 acres were burned as the result of a lightning strike. Watch the area regrow as the years go by. It is managed by the Douglas Ranger District.