Boysen Reservoir Loop

The Boysen Reservoir Loop circles a portion of Boysen Reservoir's extensive shoreline through the high desert landscape of central Wyoming's Wind River Basin. The reservoir, created by Boysen Dam on the Wind River, spreads across a vast shallow basin surrounded by badland formations and sagebrush flats that support an impressive diversity of wildlife adapted to the arid high-desert environment.

American white pelicans are perhaps the most spectacular wildlife attraction at Boysen, with large colonies using the reservoir as a summer feeding and nesting ground. These massive birds, with wingspans exceeding nine feet, soar in effortless formation above the water and cooperatively herd fish into shallow areas. Cormorants, herons, and numerous duck species share the reservoir throughout the migratory season.

The surrounding desert terrain features eroded badland formations in shades of tan, cream, and burgundy that create a stark but beautiful backdrop for the blue reservoir waters. Pronghorn antelope are nearly always visible on the open sagebrush flats, and coyotes are frequently heard at dusk. The flat, easy terrain of the loop makes it accessible to hikers of all ability levels, while the vastness of the high-desert reservoir landscape provides a profound sense of space and solitude that characterizes the best of Wyoming's lesser-known state parks.