Ursa Pines: April 2008

Casper Mountain is a long mountain at the north end of the Laramie Mountains overlooking Casper, Wyoming along the North Platte River. At a top elevation of 8130 feet, the mountain rises approximately 3000 feet above Casper. There are many recreation opportunities on the mountain. Casper Mountain has one of very few ski areas with a parking/entry point located above the resort. It is known as Hogadon Ski Area [1]. Although small, the ski area provides the largest source of winter entertainment on the mountain. Other activities include cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
Unlike many mountains in Wyoming, Casper Mountain is largely privately owned, however there are still several miles worth of canyons and hills for the adventurous backpacker.
In the summer Casper Mountain can be a great place for camping[2], and in the fall some hunt for deer and elk. A trail known as "The Briaille Trail" offers a short scenic hike, and is meant for those who are blind, but caters to everyone.[3] The area around the trail has picnic sites, and is popular during the summer. The trail is accessible on a road near the base of Tower Hill.
On the west flank of the mountain, Jackson canyon, one of the largest migratory populations of bald eagles in the world take shelter during certain times of the year. This mountain is also host to annual summer-solstice gathering at Crimson Dawn Ranch [4]. This event, based upon children's stories told by a local woman to her children in the 1930's and 40's, has grown into a local tradition, with hundreds of families migrating up the mountain to see actors re-enact tales of witches and warlocks. The area around the ranch is reported to be haunted by the woman.
Casper Mountain is home to Beartrap Meadow, a large open space at the base of the road leading to the far east side of the mountain. Large parties have and continue to be held in the meadow. Beartrap Meadow also houses several campsites for picnics and relaxing.
Casper Mountain is also home to almost all of the radio towers of Casper's TV and FM signals. A cross country ski area cuts right through an area known as Tower Hill (see pictures), where the majority of the towers are located. Some of the ski trails are lit providing night skiing.
The southern side of the mountain is bordered by another mountain known as Muddy Mountain, which in itself, has many recreation opportunities. Much has been discussed about Muddy Mountain's future.
Although the mountain has seen its fair share of fires, in August 2006 a large wildfire known as the Jackson Canyon Fire burned over 10,000 acres (40 km²) on the western end of Casper Mountain.