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1.Whether you’re in Rock Springs for the National High School Finals or Vernal for the Dinosaur Round-Up PRCA Rodeo, some of America’s most amazing fishing is just an hour from your front door. Flaming Gorge is a fish filled impoundment of the Green River that harbours massive 50 plus pound Lake Trout along with Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow and Brown Trout and aggressive small mouth bass. I recommend using Captain Monty for an unforgettable day of fishing aboard his ultra comfy jet boat, the “Trout Teaser”. He’s a local guide with over 20 years of experience fishing here and has everything you need to pluck the fish of a lifetime from the Gorge. You’ll find the most success here by targeting specific fish using a fish finder but you can also just relax and tell rodeo stories while trolling around with down riggers.

For awesome fly fishing, hit the Green River below the dam near Dutch John, Utah. It’s a blue ribbon trout stream that offers outstanding angling opportunities with up to 20,000 cutties, bows and browns per mile. If you’re a spin caster these fish might be a little smart for your liking but they aren’t impossible to catch with the right lures. Last year, a local told me to try an orange and gold spoon and it was an absolute trout slayer.
If fishing isn’t for you, Flaming Gorge’s 91 miles of water still offers plenty of summer fun for the whole family. You can rent watercrafts ranging from jet skis all the way up to houseboats from Lucerne Valley Marina to cruise around in search of the perfect cliff jumping spot.

2. Every morning I stumble around searching for a coffee to help bring me to life and in Rock Springs there’s no better place than Cowboy Donuts for that stout cup of brew. Starting at 5 am, Monday to Saturday, owners Jay and Derek serve up their delicious coffee and donuts to lineups of groggy locals. But it’s their kick-ass kolaches that they’re becoming famous for and if you don’t know what that is, you’ve been missing out. A kolache is the perfect breakfast on the go; a freshly baked, slightly sweet pastry filled with cheese, ham or sausage and jalapeños if you’re looking for a little extra eye opener. (1573 Dewar Drive Suite #4)

3. For a quick sightseeing trip close to Rock Springs, check out the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop. This well maintained, 23 mile stretch of gravel road only takes about an hour and a half to drive and offers amazing views of not only wild horses but also several other types of animals and the beautiful landscape that they call home. The Rock Springs district holds over 2,500 horses that are truly wild, untamed creatures; descendants of horses set free by Spanish explorers in the 1500’s and ranch horses coaxed into their herd through the years. Unlike most rodeo cowboys, these mustangs and their friends are most active first thing in the morning. So grab a cup of joe and a kolache and hit the trail early!

4. Coyote Creek Steakhouse and Saloon is the go to spot for your family’s post rodeo celebrations. As any great steakhouse must, they have a variety of mouth watering beef and chicken dishes prepared in ways that will impress even the toughest palate. It’s their Rack of Lamb au Poivre that’s a real stand out on an already stellar menu. They coat tender lamb in crushed black peppercorns, glaze it with brandy, and then simmer it in rosemary, Dijon, beef broth, heavy cream, and butter. (404 N. Street)

Best of Rock Springs, WY brought to you by: 

1. That river that flows right past Calgary’s Stampede Park just happens to be a world famous, blue ribbon trout stream called the Bow. Anglers from all over the world flock to her banks to try their hand at landing massive, hard fighting Brown and Rainbow Trout. Personally, I prefer to skip the crowds and head out to the more scenic mountain streams; the Oldman River, Highwood River and Cataract Creek are perfect trout habitats and on a good day you’ll consistently land beauties measuring over 20 inches. For the best experience, I highly recommend booking my pal David Simpson to take you out for the day. He’s been passionate about fishing the Bow and the eastern slope streams for over two decades and knows every nook and cranny of these tricky rivers. Visit Westerleaflyfishing.com to learn more.
   Alberta is home to over 17 different types of “game fish” so if trout fishing isn’t for you, don’t give up. Most lakes in Southern Alberta’s prairies hold monster Northern Pike that can weigh upwards of 30 pounds. Pike fishing is basically bass fishing on steroids; these dudes are at the top of the food chain and they know it. In fact, it’s not uncommon to have the fish you are reeling in torn in half by a big, super aggressive pike.

2. Being born and raised near Calgary, I’ve had my fair share of wild times at the Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall. For 42 years, the legendary honky-tonk has been the post rodeo place to be for the who’s who of rodeo and the fans who cheer them on. The Ranchman’s Renegade’s PBR Bull Bustin’ will once again kick off the Stampede festivities, July 1-3^rd. The crowd pleasing Firefighter vs Cowboy Charity Pole Climb takes place on July 7^th, pitting top rodeo cowboys against Calgary’s finest firemen in a lumberjack style pole climb to raise money for various local charities.
   Not looking for a knock down drag out shaker? Head to the Ranchman’s during the day for some tasty grub and check out their museum of rodeo memorabilia and photographs, including over 100 trophy Saddles of World and Canadian Pro Rodeo Champions.If it ain’t Ranchman’s, it ain’t real!

3. For over 40 years, Julius Caesar’s Steakhouse & Lounge has been serving up the best steaks in “Cowtown”. Caesar’s is well known for its top notch food, tuxedo clad wait staff and 1970’s Roman style decor that makes you feel like you’re sitting on the set of a Mafia movie. The quintessential lunch order should include a basket of their delicious cheese bread, French onion soup and, of course, the Steak Sandwich: a local staple that laughs in the face of its American namesake. Up here, a steak sandwich isn’t exactly a sandwich. It’s an aged AAA Rib-Eye steak, charbroiled to your liking and served open faced on a golden slice of garlic toast. In Maine you eat lobster, in St. Louis you eat ribs and in Calgary you eat prime Alberta steak – right here.

4. A trip to “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” is only complete once you’ve witnessed the world famous Chuckwagon Races. Canada’s top 36 drivers, 216 horses and their teams of outriders battle it out for a share of over $1.15 million in prize money and the title of Rangeland Derby Champion. There are 9 heats every night, 4 wagons at a time, tearing around the “Half Mile of Hell” at breakneck speeds. To get a true sense of the intensity of the race, snag a spot along the track rail. Nothing beats the feeling of 32 thoroughbreds thundering past you as nearly 50,000 fans rise to their feet to cheer their favorite outfit down the homestretch.

5. Established in 1969, Boogies Burgers is a Calgary fast food institution and home to the “Official Burger of Deliciousness”. Just a short drive north from downtown on Edmonton trail, Boogies is not your run of the mill burger joint. Their creations can be downright gigantic and my personal favorite, the Keith’s Burger is no exception with its two patties, four slices of bacon, mozza, cheddar, fried mushrooms, friend onions, mushroom sauce, pizza sauce, lettuce and tomato. Their milkshakes come in tons of different flavours including the Fat Elvis (peanut butter, banana and bacon) and The Angry Aztec (chocolate, cayenne & cinnamon).

1. Casper sits on the banks of the North Platte River, one of North America’s top trout fisheries. The river’s 4000 rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout per mile, make it a blast to fish. They are the reason it was named a “Blue Ribbon” stream. Fishermen regularly land giants weighing in at over 10 pounds and 30 inches long. If you’re just looking for a quick excursion, you can conveniently access several miles of riverfront in Casper, via the Platte River Parkway path system.
   The tail waters south of the city between Alcova, Kortes, Pathfinder and Seminoe Reservoirs, is where you will find the world class fly fishing the North Platte is famous for. Grey Reef and the Miracle Mile are by far the most productive stretches on the river with an astounding 8,000 fish per mile. Catching the monster trout that dwell in these waters isn’t too easy, so I always go after them with the help of my buddies at The Reef Fly Shop. Their fully stocked shop has everything you need for a great day of fishing including drift boats, rods, hip waders, licenses, food and drinks; not to mention they have the most experienced and knowledgeable guides on the Platte. Whether you’re a fly-fishing veteran, or a first timer, they can coach you through landing a once in a lifetime “Brownie”.

2. The Sandwich Bar. The beauty of this place is that you are the sandwich artist. That’s right; you can mix and match a huge variety of fresh bread, meat, cheese, vegetables and condiments to create a masterpiece that would make your mother blush. When construction is complete, the beast is weighed to determine the cost. Their soup is dynamite too, and will go perfectly with that pile of deliciousness you’re claiming as a sandwich. (200 E 2nd St.)

3. For a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of town, head south on Casper Mountain Road. Once you reach Rotary Park it’s only a short hike up to the awe-inspiring Garden Creek Waterfall, where locals and visitors alike have been flocking since the 1930’s. The upper reaches of the mountain offer some beautiful views of Casper and the sweeping landscapes below. You can reach the best lookouts by foot, bike or horseback on the 5 mile Bridal Trail Loop, or by simply continuing to drive on Casper Mountain Road.
   

4. Evansville’s HQ BBQ knows what real Southern barbeque is supposed to taste like. If you’re looking for delicious and genuine home-style cooking, HQ is the place for you. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at this place, but the Dry Rub Smoked Wings are second to none. Try them once and you’ll never pass through Casper again without stopping for a plate of these bad boys. (70 Curtis St. In, Evansville)

5. Didn’t get enough competition at the CNFR? Ken & Betty’s Scoops and Sprinkles will put your gut to the test with the grueling “Belly Ache Challenge”. You’re tasked with crushing a ten scoop mountain of ice cream heaped with ten toppings, whipped cream and cherries.  There’s no time limit and if you complete the challenge you’ll make the Wall of Fame and get a sweet new t-shirt. (4801 E. 2nd St.)

6. If you’re southbound from Casper, you’ll find a Natural Water Slide in Sinks Canyon State Park about 120 miles into your journey, near Lander. The Popo Agi River (pah-POH-zee) and good ol’ Mother Nature have teamed up to create a perfectly smooth, 20 foot, slick rock slide with a 10 foot drop into the icy water below. For the best results, stay to the left of the falls, wet the rocks and slide away!

Hot Tip

Camping is free on BLM, National Forests and National Grasslands. The abundance of accessible public land in the Western United States provides a great escape from cramped and expensive private campgrounds. Although primitive camping areas usually lack things like electricity, showers and picnic tables, life can be easy if you come prepared. Whether you’re travelling by motor home, truck and trailer, minivan or motorbike, you’ll find the perfect camping spot on www.freecampsites.net.