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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 at the first shield assembly after the state line. Interstate 25 is now cosigned with U.S. 87 in Wyoming, while in Colorado U.S. 87 was almost entirely unsigned with a few exceptions. U.S. 87 basically parallels Interstate 25 throughout its journey in Wyoming with one deviation near Glenrock and Casper. Also, this shield assembly shows an Interstate shield with the state name, which has been increasingly difficult to find in Colorado. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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This is the first mileage sign along northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87; it provides the distance to Cheyenne, which is nine miles north of here. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The state law in Wyoming is that all vehicles must move to the left lane to allow for extra space when passing emergency or disabled vehicles. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 signage for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. This sign basically tells travelers that either Interstate 25 or Interstate 80 are good routes to reach the parks from Cheyenne. Interstate 25 connects directly with U.S. 20 at Casper and U.S. 16 at Buffalo, and both U.S. 20 and U.S. 16 reach the park. Interstate 80 connects directly with U.S. 287 at Rawlins, U.S. 191 at Rock Springs, and U.S. 189 via Wyoming 372 at Green River. All three routes reach Jackson, and U.S. 287 and U.S. 191 continue onward into Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Although this signage is neat to see, one would hope travelers would already know which route they plan to take before they see this sign. Photo taken 11/12/05.
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The first exit along northbound Interstate 25 in Wyoming is Exit 2, Junction Wyoming 223/Terry Ranch Road northeast to U.S. 85, Greeley Highway. Historically, Wyoming 223 is the old alignment of U.S. 87 before it was moved onto Interstate 25. The Terry Bison Ranch is a well known cattle ranch located south of Cheyenne and west of Interstate 25. Occasionally (but rarely) buffalo may be seen from the freeway. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Upon entering the metropolitan area of the larger cities in Wyoming, blue service signs provide radio station information, which inform motorists of changing weather conditions. Thunderstorms in the summer, blizzards in the winter, and wind storms year-round can change the weather conditions through out the year. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Strong wind is possible all through the state of Wyoming, not just the next five miles. Signs like this one are generally posted every five miles to remind motorists of the potential of wind gusts and to advise of the constant threat of wind throughout the state. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reaches Exit 2, Terry Ranch Road. A large bison (buffalo) ranch located near this exit gives Terry Ranch Road its name. This route is Wyoming 223, and it is the original U.S. 87 from back when it used to be a two-lane route between Fort Collins and Cheyenne. Since then, U.S. 87 is routed onto Interstate 25. Additionally, in the background is a set of power lines (the sign obscures the tower); these are part of a major transmission route through southeastern Wyoming. The elevation on these treeless plains is about 6,000 feet above sea level. Interstate 25 rises gradually from the mile-high elevation of Denver to the 6,062-foot elevation of Cheyenne. Photos taken 09/01/04 and 11/12/05.
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Wyoming uses nearly every style imaginable for its gore point exit signs. Here, the number is posted above the word EXIT, but there are other signs in Wyoming that show the more traditional EXIT # arrow. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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After the Wyoming 223 interchange, this is the reassurance shield for Interstate 25 and U.S. 87. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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All commercial vehicles must stop at the Port of Entry (Weigh Station), which is located between Exits 2 and 7 along northbound Interstate 25. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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This guide sign for Curt Gowdy State Park is located along northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 after the Terry Ranch Road interchange (Exit 2). Curt Gowdy State Park is located in the Laramie Mountains along Wyoming 210. This sign suggests using Exit 10D, Wyoming 210 West/Happy Jack Road/Missile Drive, to reach this state park. Curt Gowdy State Park, named after the famous television sportscaster, is home to two reservoirs (Crystal and Granite Lakes) along Crow Creek that were constructed to supply Cheyenne with a consistent water source. They were built in the early 1900s and completed by 1910. A pipeline, built in the 1950s, carries water from these two reservoirs into the city, a distance of about 25 miles. Cheyenne relies on these reservoirs primarily, but it has claims in other water sheds, including a few in the Sierra Madre range in Carbon County. Both of these reservoirs generally freeze over in the winter, but they are accessible for boating and other water-based recreation in the summer. This sign could be more descriptive by saying "Curt Gowdy State Park via Wyoming 210 Happy Jack Road Exit 10B," but it is still better than nothing. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Continuing north, Interstate 25 approaches Exit 6, the port of entry and weigh station. A tourist information center and welcome center is located at Exit 7, Junction Business Loop I-25. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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In Wyoming, weigh stations for trucks are included as part of the port of entry. Every major entrance into the state of Wyoming has a port of entry, even the two-lane routes. In addition, note the large guide sign for the Cheyenne metropolitan area via the next six exits. These exits are: Exit 7 (Business Loop I-25), Exit 8 (Interstate 80), Exit 9 (Business Loop I-80/U.S. 30), Exit 10 (Wyoming 210/Happy Jack Road), Exit 11 (Pershing Drive/Randall Avenue), and Exit 12 (Business Loop I-25/U.S. 85). Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reach Exit 6, Port of Entry/Weigh Station. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit along northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 is Exit 7, Junction Business Loop I-25, Business U.S. 87, and Wyoming 212 (College Drive) one mile. This is the first Cheyenne metropolitan area exit. Wooden posts are generally used to support green guide signs in Wyoming, but metal lattice structures support overhead signs. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Follow Wyoming 212 east via College Drive to Laramie County Community College, a two-year school located southeast of downtown Cheyenne. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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This is the only advance sign indicating Business U.S. 87; in fact, it is the first green sign with a U.S. 87 shield on it in Wyoming along northbound. The Central Business District signage is a bit murkier. It is not clear if this is advising motorists that the central business district is two and a quarter miles from this location via the business loop or if traffic should stay on Interstate 25 for another two and a quarter miles and exit there. It seems more likely that this sign is advising travelers to remain on Interstate 25 northbound until Exit 9 (Business Loop I-80/U.S. 30/Lincolnway) and take that route east into the city. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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A rest area with complete facilities is available at Exit 7, including a State of Wyoming Welcome Center. In addition, several truck stops are also located at the upcoming interchange. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reach Exit 7, Junction Business Loop I-25, Business U.S. 87, and Wyoming 212 north (east) via College Drive to southern Cheyenne, downtown Cheyenne, and Laramie County Community College. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit along northbound is Exit 8, Junction Interstate 80 east to Omaha (Exit 8D) and west to Laramie (Exit 8B). Transcontinental Interstate 80 travels across the central-northern tier of the country, connecting San Francisco, California with New York City, New York. For much of its route between Wyoming and Pennsylvania, Interstate 80 generally follows U.S. 30. Today it is one of the principal long-haul routes across the country. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The third exit after the two ramps to Interstate 80 east and west is Exit 9, Junction Business Loop I-80 and U.S. 30 (Lincolnway) east to downtown Cheyenne. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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During periods of inclement weather, fog, traffic issues, or other problems, Interstate 25 may be closed. When the flashing beacons embedded in this sign are flashing, the freeway is closed north of the final Cheyenne interchange. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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To the east, Interstate 80 travels another 45 miles through Wyoming before crossing into Nebraska at Pine Bluffs. The freeway then travels east through cities such as Kimball, Sidney, Ogallala, North Platte, Grand Island, and Lincoln, before reaching Omaha. This exit is also marked for U.S. 85, which travels south to Greeley, Colorado, and travels north into downtown Cheyenne. For motorists taking U.S. 85 north to Torrington, Lusk, Newcastle, or the Black Hills of South Dakota, stay on Interstate 25 north. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reaches the junction with Interstate 80 (Exits 8B-D). This is one of the few cloverleaf interchanges in the state of Wyoming, and the individual ramps have interesting yet weird exit numbering system. Exits 8B and 8D on Interstate 25 connect to Interstate 80, while Exits 359A-C on Interstate 80 connect to Interstate 25. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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This is the gore point signage for northbound Interstate 25 at the point where traffic en route to Interstate 80 east transitions from one freeway to the other. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next transition ramp conveys traffic from northbound Interstate 25 onto westbound Interstate 80. Interstate 80 west connects Cheyenne with the cities along the southern tier of Wyoming, such as Laramie, Rawlins, Rock Springs, Green River, and Evanston. Continue straight ahead for the next exit, which connects Interstate 25 with Business Loop I-80 and U.S. 30 at Exit 9. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Another detailed gore point sign for Exit 8B, Junction Interstate 80 east, is posted at the top of the loop ramp. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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An Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 shield assembly is posted as the freeway crosses over the Union Pacific Railroad and Lincolnway. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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A diagrammatical sign is installed to show that the ramp from Interstate 25 north to U.S. 30 is a loop ramp with access to both east and west U.S. 30. Follow U.S. 30 east via Lincolnway into downtown Cheyenne. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reaches Exit 9, Junction Business Loop I-80 and U.S. 30 (Lincolnway). U.S. 30 shares pavement with the business loop between Interstate 80 and Wyoming 212 (College Drive); east of there, U.S. 30 follows Lincolnway on its own until rejoining Interstate 80 at Archer. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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North of the U.S. 30 interchange, Interstate 25 continues north to form a barrier between developed Cheyenne and the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, which sprawls across hundreds of acres of land to the west of the freeway. Entry to the military base is prohibited unless previously authorized. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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At the base of the ramp from northbound Interstate 25 to Business Loop I-80 and U.S. 30 (Lincolnway) is this sign, which shows that Lincolnway turns left (east) to downtown and right (west) to return to Interstate 80 to Laramie. Remember this is a loop ramp, hence why these directions may seem counter intuitive. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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The next exit serves as a primary route into F.E. Warren Air Force Base. Exit 10D connects with Missile Drive east en route to Lincolnway, while Exit 10B is a loop ramp that connects to both the entrance as well as Wyoming 210, Happy Jack Road. This is one of two cloverleaf interchanges in the entire state of Wyoming. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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This guide sign for Curt Gowdy State Park is located along northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 after the Lincolnway interchange (Exit 2). Curt Gowdy State Park is located in the Laramie Mountains along Wyoming 210. This sign suggests using Exit 10D, Wyoming 210 West/Happy Jack Road/Missile Drive, to reach this state park. Curt Gowdy State Park, named after the famous television sportscaster, is home to two reservoirs (Crystal and Granite Lakes) along Crow Creek that were constructed to supply Cheyenne with a consistent water source. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reach Exit 10D, Missile Drive east to Lincolnway in Cheyenne. Use the next ramp to Gate 2 for F.E. Warren Air Force Base. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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To Wyoming 210, Happy Jack Road, use Exit 10B. At the base of the ramp, follow the signs for Wyoming 210 (Happy Jack Road). Happy Jack Road follows the contours of the landscape as the highway slowly gains elevation. After passing by Curt Gowdy State Park, the highway winds between the popular Vedauwoo area and the Pole Mountain Wilderness within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Wyoming 210 merges with Interstate 80 at the Sherman Hill Summit Interchange. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reach Exit 10B, Missile Drive west to F.E. Warren Gate 2 and to Wyoming 210/Happy Jack Road west. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit along northbound is Exit 11, Pershing Drive. Use the Pershing Drive exit to the Wyoming State Capitol. Follow Pershing Drive east to Business Loop I-25/U.S. 85/Business U.S. 87 (Central Avenue) south, then proceed south on Central to 24th Street. Turn west on 24th Street to the Wyoming State Capitol, which is located at the intersection of Capitol Avenue and 24th Street. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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Pershing Avenue is a major east-west route that connects Interstate 25 with Lincolnway in eastern Cheyenne, crossing most of the city. Randall Avenue begins at the northwestern corner of the four-block area that constitutes the state capitol and travels northwest to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, intersecting with both Interstate 25 and Pershing Drive at this interchange. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Use Randall Avenue west to F.E. Warren Air Force Base Gate 1. There are no other public gates into the Air Force Base north of here along Interstate 25. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reach Exit 11, Pershing Boulevard and Randall Avenue. Interstate 25 is sandwiched between the military base and the northwestern Cheyenne neighborhoods, so the two directions are separated only by a jersey barrier. The freeway will resume a more rural characteristic after the Central Avenue interchange. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit along northbound is Exit 12, Junction Business Loop I-25, U.S. 85, Business U.S. 87, and Wyoming 224, Central Avenue. This interchange marks the northern terminus of the business route. To the north, U.S. 85 merges onto Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 for about five miles. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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To the west of Interstate 25, Wyoming 224 is a short, unsigned route that connects Interstate 25 with several governmental buildings, such as the Wyoming Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Transportation. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Annually, the Frontier Days draws thousands to the Cheyenne area to partake in one of the country's largest rodeos and festivals. Lasting for several days in July, the Frontier Days often feature top entertainers and rodeo legends. Held at Frontier Park, Frontier Days is arguably the biggest event held in the Cheyenne metropolitan area. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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To the Cheyenne Municipal Airport, follow Business Loop I-25, U.S. 85, and Business U.S. 87 (Central Avenue) south to Wyoming 219 (Yellowstone Road) north, then turn east on Dell Range Boulevard. The airport, along with the Wyoming National Guard offices, is located on the south side of Dell Range Boulevard. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reach Exit 12, Junction Business Loop I-25, U.S. 85, and Business U.S. 87 (Central Avenue) south to downtown and Wyoming 224 (Central Avenue) west to several government buildings. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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A cool blue arch is framed by a concrete overpass as Interstate 25 passes under Central Avenue. Photo taken 09/05/05.
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Interstate 25 and U.S. 85-87 Northbound
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Interstate 25 is cosigned with both U.S. 85 and U.S. 87 after the Central Avenue interchange. Hynds Boulevard acts as the frontage road on the east side of Interstate 25 between Exit 12 and Exit 16. A pedestrian bridge spans the freeway north of Central Avenue. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit along northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 85-87 is Exit 13, Vandehei Avenue. This east-west road serves the northern Cheyenne suburban developments. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Exit 13 is the last exit to feature services for 42 miles! North of Cheyenne, traffic counts on Interstate 25 begin to subside. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 85-87 reach Exit 13, Vandehei Avenue. This is the final urban Cheyenne exit. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Another reassurance shield assembly for Interstate 25 and U.S. 85-87 is posted after Vandehei Avenue. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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A late summer thunderstorm interrupted the steady flow of sunshine on this Labor Day weekend. The next exit along northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 85-87 is Exit 16, Junction Wyoming 211, Horse Creek Road. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 85-87 reaches Exit 16, Junction Wyoming 211, Horse Creek Road. Wyoming 211 follows the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad alignment northwest to Federal and Horse Creek, then angles north to Iron Mountain, then returns to Interstate 25 at Exit 54 near Chugwater. At no time did Wyoming 211 follow any kind of U.S. Highway alignment; in 1926, U.S. 185 generally followed the route of Interstate 25 rather than Wyoming 211. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit along northbound is the final separation between Interstate 25/U.S. 87 and U.S. 85. These three routes have been intertwined in some fashion since leaving northern New Mexico. U.S. 85 angles northeast toward Torrington, then travels north along the eastern spine of Wyoming toward Lusk and the Black Hills region of South Dakota. A connection to Sundance and Devils Tower is afforded via Wyoming 585. Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 continue north along the path of Historic U.S. 185 toward Chugwater, Wheatland, Glendo, and Orin Junction. Turning west, the freeway follows the North Platte River (and U.S. 20-26-87) into the second largest city of Casper, then turns north toward Buffalo. At Buffalo, Interstate 25 merges onto westbound Interstate 90 en route to Sheridan and the Treasure State of Montana (famously known as Big Sky Country). Photo taken 09/01/04.
| Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 Northbound
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This mileage sign provides the distance to Chugwater (37 miles) and Casper (170 miles). It takes about three hours to drive from Cheyenne to Casper. Interstate 25 is the primary route connecting Wyoming's two largest cities. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit along northbound is Exit 21, Junction Laramie County Route 220, Ridley Road. There are no services at this interchange; the county route provides ranch access. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The shadow of a thunderhead cloud partially darkens part of Interstate 25 north. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit along northbound Interstate 25/U.S. 87 is Exit 25, Junction Laramie County Route 224, Atlas Road. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25/U.S. 87 reaches Exit 25, Junction Laramie County Route 224, Atlas Road. Again, no services are available at this exit; Atlas Road primarily serves ranch access. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit along northbound Interstate 25/U.S. 87 is Exit 29, Junction Laramie County Route 228, Whitaker Road. Whitaker Road travels west to the Horse Creek Oil Field, which is where it ends. It does not connect with Wyoming 211, Horse Creek Road. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reach Exit 29, Junction Laramie County Route 228, Whitaker Road. To the east, Whitaker Road connects to Laramie County Route 124, Old Yellowstone Road (former U.S. 87/185). The old alignment follows the freeway on the east side between Cheyenne and Little Bear. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 are again cosigned on northbound. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit along northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 is Exit 34, Junction Laramie County Route 232, Nimmo Road. Upon exiting here, follow the old Yellowstone Highway south to Nimmo Road. Nimmo Road travels east along Horse Creek to Indian Hill Road (Laramie County Route 128). Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Following Nimmo Road, the next exit is Exit 39, Little Bear Community. Use Exit 39 to Hirsig Road and Moffett Road. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 reaches Exit 39, Little Bear Community. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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The next exit is Exit 47, Junction Laramie County Route 245, Little Bear Road. Little Bear Road serves as the county line between Laramie and Platte Counties. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Northbound Interstate 25/U.S. 87 is Exit 47, Junction Laramie County Route 245, Little Bear Road. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Interstate 25 and U.S. 87 leave Laramie County and enter Platte County upon reaching the overpass for Bear Creek Road. Photo taken 09/01/04.
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Page Updated December 2, 2005.
