"We are honored that Wyoming, through our agency, will serve as the host for the 2026 Mountain West Trails Conference," said Mark Tesoro, manager of the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. "Supporting the inaugural event in Utah showed us the value of bringing western states together around shared challenges and opportunities. We look forward to welcoming trail leaders and partners to Rock Springs and continuing the work of building a unified, regional approach to outdoor recreation."

The biannual conference made its debut in Utah in 2024. The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources sponsored the first-ever event and served on the planning committee, helping establish the conference as a regional forum focused on trail development, stewardship, and collaboration. The event is organized through ongoing partnerships and coordination among participating Mountain West states, each contributing to a shared vision for this regional gathering.

The three-day conference will bring together hundreds of trail enthusiasts, professionals, and leaders from eight Mountain West states: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. With an expected attendance of around 400 individuals from across the country, the gathering is a key opportunity for learning, networking, and collaborative planning for the future of trail systems throughout the region.

"This conference provides an important opportunity for trail managers, advocates, and community partners to come together and share ideas that strengthen and expand trail systems across the Mountain West," said Forrest Kamminga, manager of the Wyoming State Trails Program. "Wyoming is proud to help host a gathering that highlights the value of well-maintained trails, strong partnerships, and the role these systems play in the health and vitality of our communities."

As planning continues among the participating Western states, partners emphasize the importance of shared expertise and collaboration in strengthening our region's expansive trail systems.

Registration Details

Registration is open. Attendees can secure their spot at the early-bird rate of $159 per person through Jan. 2, 2026. After that date, pricing will increase as the event approaches. Register here: wyorec.info/MWTC_Registration.

Lodging and Travel Accommodations

Discounted room rates for attendees are available at the Hampton Inn in Rock Springs and can be reserved at wyorec.info/HamptonInnBooking_MWTC2026.

Dry and full-hookup campsites are also available on-site at the Sweetwater Events Complex. Due to the large number of available sites, campers may book and pay for their space upon arrival. Information about camping amenities is available on the event website.

Additional hotel room blocks and discounted rates will be established and shared at MountainWestTrailsConference.com.

Those flying in may find flights through the Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport, located about seven miles east of Rock Springs.

Call for Presentations

Planning is still underway, and organizers are seeking diverse voices and expertise. Parties interested in presenting at the conference may submit their presentation details at wyorec.info/MWTC_PresentationProposal by Jan. 2, 2026. 

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities Available

Local businesses, organizations, and agencies are invited to support this significant event and showcase their commitment to outdoor recreation. Sponsorship tiers and benefits are detailed in the sponsorship packet.

Questions regarding sponsorship opportunities may be directed to Sarah Kyle with Powerhouse Events at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (626) 660-6320.

Stay Updated

For updated information about the conference, please visit MountainWestTrailsConference.com and the event's Facebook page.

The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Wyoming State Trails Program look forward to hosting a successful and engaging conference in the heart of the Mountain West.

Contact: Frances Schaetz, (307) 388-8748; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Dec. 12, 2025 – The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund board has awarded $447,516.03 to 24 projects around Wyoming during its recent grant review meeting.

Awards were given to a wide variety of projects, including children’s theatre, museum and gallery equipment and exhibit development, public art murals, archaeological artifact curation, theater equipment upgrades, building accessibility, and historic preservation building upgrades. A complete list of awards by county is provided below.

Albany County

• Alces Community Works, High Iron Transportation through Wyoming, $25,000
• Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist, Curation and analysis of artifacts from the Willow Springs campsite, $42,707.17

Big Horn County

• City of Basin, Basin Mural Project, $6,500

Laramie County

• Arts Cheyenne, Cheyenne Studio Tours, 2026, $5,000
• Cheyenne Frontier Days Foundation, Inc., Morning Star American Indian Village Art Project, $20,000
• Wyoming State Museum, People and Passages Exhibit Development, $38,713.77
• Wyoming State Parks, A Piece of Wyoming’s History, The Gallaher Survey Tree, $35,000  

Lincoln County

• Burgoon Kemmerer PTO, Children’s Theatre Residency, $1,500  

Natrona County

• Casper Artists’ Guild, Inc., Wheelchair Lift Installation at ART321, $50,000
• Opera Wyoming, Piano Purchase, $9,000
• Wyoming Military Department, Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum Wall System Purchase, $6,445.09  

Park County

• Cody Community Foundation, Wyoming Christmas Carol film, Phase 1, $20,000
• Meeteetse Museum District, HVAC Unit Replacement for Environmental Stability and Energy Efficiency, $13,644  

Sheridan County

• Sheridan Artists’ Guild Et al, 2026 SAGE Community Arts Exhibition Programming, $11,500
• Sheridan Community Land Trust, Restoration of Streetcar #115 Shelter, $15,257
• The New Museum at The Bradford Brinton Ranch, Mitakuye Oyasin: A Pictorial History of All American Indian Days in Sheridan, Wyoming, $25,000
• The New Museum at The Bradford Brinton Ranch, James F. Jackson Retrospective: Exhibition with Community and Educational Engagement Programs, $16,755  

Sweetwater County

• Rock Springs Renewal Fund, ADA Accessible Chairlift Replacement at The Broadway Theater, $18,000  

Teton County

• Community Center for the Arts, Completing the Center Theater Lighting Upgrade, $25,000  

Washakie County

• Washakie County Historic Preservation Commission, Interpretive Signage for Worland’s Former Westside “Mexican” School, $4,720  

Statewide

• Central Wyoming College Foundation, From Ancestral Roots to Shared Features: Native Voices of Wyoming, $20,000
• Wyoming Humanities Council, Wyoming Center for the Book Program Support, $11,274
• Wyoming PBS Foundation, State-wide Classroom Access to Educational Film “Dear Sirs”, $16,500
• Wyoming Writers, Inc., From Conference to Community: Growing Wyoming’s Literary Reach, $10,000  

For more information about the Cultural Trust Fund grant program, visit the website, culturaltrust.wyo.gov, or contact WCTF Program Coordinator Renée Bovée at (307) 777-6312 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Dec. 10, 2025 – Gov. Mark Gordon has announced the recipients of the 2025 Governor's Arts Awards. Three individuals and one community organization will be honored for their contributions to the arts in Wyoming during the 43rd annual Governor’s Arts Awards banquet, where they will be recognized by the Governor, First Lady, and other state leaders.

The 2025 Governor’s Arts Awards honorees are:

• Community Fine Arts Center (Rock Springs) – A cornerstone cultural institution in Rock Springs, celebrated for bringing high-quality visual and performing arts to Sweetwater County through exhibitions, education, and community outreach.
• Rebecca “Becky” Larsen (Lander) – A dedicated theater director honored for more than two decades of leading the Story Hour Players, a volunteer troupe that brings live performances to more than 2,000 Fremont County students each year.
• Ernie Marsh (Lovell) – A master traditional silversmith recognized for his exceptional craftsmanship and for mentoring the next generation of makers. He is also a 2025 NEA National Heritage Fellowship recipient.
• Susan Miller (Sheridan) – An arts advocate celebrated for her longstanding leadership, philanthropy, and support of arts organizations across the state. Her work has strengthened Wyoming’s cultural landscape and elevated The Brinton Museum’s national visibility.

Figure 1: Governor Mark Gordon speaks at the 2024 Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony, held in Cheyenne in February 2025. Photo by BHP Imaging.

Contact: Mandy Connelley, (307) 214-2701; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Dec. 9, 2025 – This month’s Wyoming State Historic Records and Advisory Board (SHRAB) Quick Tips, offered by the Roving Archivist Program housed within the Wyoming State Archives, highlights a resource designed for you. The Roving Archivist Program invites staff from cultural institutions statewide to join Collections Corner, a show-and-tell-style session where participants can share new materials, discuss challenges, and learn from one another. The series creates a welcoming space for collaboration and professional connection.

Interested parties can join the session on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Google Meet at meet.google.com/bgr-reit-tkr or by dialing (US) +1 319-449-2718, PIN: 581 688 137#.

Collections Corner

This special edition of Quick Tips offers staff, volunteers, and community members at cultural institutions the opportunity to share their work and experiences with others. Those who participate are encouraged to showcase the new accession or materials your organization has recently acquired, share the creative problem-solving approach your volunteer used to help preserve a unique piece of history, or ask your fellow collections professionals about a pressing issue your organization has encountered. Collections Corner is a space for connection, learning, and inspiring new approaches to collections care.

For more information, please contact Roving Archivist Morgan Stence at (307) 777-7550 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Supporting Wyoming's Cultural Heritage Mission

The Roving Archivist Program Quick Tips series represents SHRAB's ongoing commitment to providing accessible professional development for Wyoming's cultural heritage community. These sessions support institutions statewide in improving their preservation practices and collections care.

For more information about the Roving Archivist Program, visit rovingarchivist.wyo.gov/home or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Wyoming SHRAB

The Wyoming SHRAB promotes identification, preservation, and dissemination of the state's historical records by supporting training programs for state, tribal, and local governments, repositories, and organizations involved in records care throughout Wyoming. Grants are made available through Wyoming SHRAB by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission and administered by the Wyoming State Archives (WSA), Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

For more information, please contact Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the WSA at (307) 777-7826. You can also learn more about the Wyoming State Archives at wyoarchives.wyo.gov.

Contact: Morgan Stence, (307) 777-7550; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Dec. 1, 2025 –  The Wyoming State Archives Speaker Series, in partnership with the Laramie County Library, presents author Eric L. Muller discussing his book Lawyer, Jailer, Ally, Foe on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

During World War II, the U.S. government forcibly relocated over 110,000 Japanese Americans to incarceration camps, including Wyoming's Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Park County. At each camp, the government assigned white lawyers with a contradictory mandate: provide legal counsel to prisoners while keeping operations running smoothly.

In Lawyer, Jailer, Ally, Foe, Professor Muller examines how three of these lawyers—who believed they were helping prisoners—ultimately became complicit in perpetrating racial injustice. Through archival evidence and compelling narrative, Muller reveals how well-intentioned individuals contributed to a system that stripped people of freedom and dignity.

Muller is the Dan K. Moore Distinguished Professor of Law in Jurisprudence and Ethics at the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Attendance Options:

• In Person: This event will be held in the Wyoming State Capitol Extension Auditorium, located underground and connecting the State Capitol and the Hershler Building. The physical address of the State Capitol is 200 W. 24th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002. 
• Virtual: Register at eventbrite.com/o/wyoming-state-archives-49902991693

Virtual and in-person attendees are encouraged to ask questions during the presentation. This event is free and open to the public.

Contact: Sara Davis, (307) 777-7826; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Dec. 1, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026, marks the 15th consecutive year that Wyoming State Parks is offering guided hikes at locations across the state for First Day Hikes.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative launched in 2012 and led by America’s State Parks. First Day Hikes are an opportunity for people to start their year off right, immersed in the outdoors. All First Day Hike offerings are open to the public, including seasoned patrons and first-time visitors. 

“I hope everyone’s New Year's resolutions for 2026 are to spend more time in the outdoors,” stated Frances Schaetz, outreach coordinator for the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Participating in one of our statewide offerings for this initiative is a sure way to start the year and your resolution off on the right footing.”

First Day Hikes are offered in all 50 states on New Year's Day. Here in Wyoming, we are offering 19 unique hikes at State Parks and Historic Sites across the state. All hikes are free and open to the public; all day-use fees are waived on Jan. 1 for this initiative.

Participants will have the chance to win a 2026 Annual Day Use Certificate at each participating location and to enter a statewide Grand Prize drawing. Details for the drawings will be available at each site.

Details about hiking locations, difficulty, length, and terrain are as follows:

• Bear River State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • ​ Meet at the Rendezvous Area for a 1.5-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 789-6547.
• Boysen State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Park Headquarters (120 Boysen Drive, Shoshoni, WY) for a 1.5-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 876-2796.
• Buffalo Bill State Park – starting at 9 a.m.
  • Meet at the Park Headquarters (4192 North Fork Highway) for a 1.5-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 587-9227.
• Curt Gowdy State Park – starting at 1:30 p.m.
  • Meet at the Visitor Center to decide whether to take the ¾-mile hike on easy terrain or the 2.25-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 632-7946.
• Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Platte River Shelter for a 1.5-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 577-5150.
• Fort Bridger State Historic Site – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Main Parking Lot for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 870-8811.
• Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site (528 Wagon Box Rd, Banner, WY) for a 1-2 mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 275-6120.
• Guernsey State Park – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Main Boat Dock Parking Area for a 1.75-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 921-2057.
• Glendo State Park – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Two Moon Shelter for a 2-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 735-4433.
• Hot Springs State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the T-Hill Trailhead for a 2-3 mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 864-2176.
• Keyhole State Park – starting at 9 a.m.
  • Meet at Coulter Bay Cliffs Shelter for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 756-3596.
• Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site – starting at 11 a.m.
  • Meet at the Red Barn (4800 County Road 52, Hyattville, WY) for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 469-2234.
• Sinks Canyon State Park – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Visitor Center for a ½ -mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 332-6333.
• Sinks Canyon State Park – starting at 1 p.m.
  • Meet at the Popo Agie Nature Trail parking area (in the Popo Agie Campground) for a 2-mile hike on moderate terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 332-6333.
• Trail End State Historic Site – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at Trail End State Historic Site (400 Clarendon Ave, Sheridan, WY) for a 1-mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 275-6120.
• Wyoming Historic Governors' Mansion – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Wyoming Historic Governor’s Mansion (300 East 21st Street; Cheyenne, WY) for a ¾ -mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 777-7878.
• Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum – starting at 10 a.m.
  • ​Meet at the Wyoming Pioneer Museum Lobby, located on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds (400 W. Center Street, Douglas, WY) for a 1-2 mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 359-9288. 
• Wyoming Territorial Prison – starting at 10 a.m.
  • Meet at the Visitor Center for a 1.5-2 mile hike on easy terrain. Refer all questions to (307) 359-4014.

Participants are encouraged to “know before you go” and to prepare for winter weather conditions, including dressing appropriately.  Hot drinks and refreshments will be provided at most locations; however, participants are also encouraged to bring their own water and snacks.

This statewide initiative is brought to you by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Wyoming State Parks, and the Wyoming State Trails Program, all part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR). Learn more about our programs at wyospcr.wyo.gov. 

To learn more about First Day Hike events in your area, please find individual sites on Facebook and/or visit bit.ly/m/FirstDayHikesWY.