With the somewhat warmer weather that Laramie has been having as of recently and the seemingly never-ending impending tests, students may find themselves inside all day, missing out on much-needed Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is essential for college students, as it serves as a critical nutrient for both physical health and academic performance. Research suggests it plays a major role in mood regulation and warding off the “brain fog” that tends to set in during finals week. If one finds themselves in a mental rut and doesn’t want to go to the gym, Laramie has plenty of spots to hike to both absorb sunlight and move their bodies..
Vedauwoo Recreation Area is a local favorite located just a short drive east of town. Known for its surreal, gravity-defying rock formations and winding trails, it offers the perfect escape from the library. You can stick to the popular Turtle Rock Loop for a scenic, moderate trek, or venture into the technical “Voo” cracks if you’re looking to challenge your physical limits. The open landscape ensures that you aren’t just getting your steps in; you are maximizing your sunlight exposure, letting that Vitamin D work its magic on your mood and focus.
If one is looking for a change in scenery from the high desert, head west toward the Snowy Range. Just outside of Centennial is the Little Laramie Trailhead, a hidden gem that offers a different kind of nature therapy. The trails here, such as the Meadow or River Loops, provide a more rhythmic and meditative hiking experience through dense lodgepole pines and vibrant mountain meadows. It is an ideal spot for giving your brain a break from complex formulas and theories while your body stays in motion. Here you can hear the rush of the North Fork River and catch sunlight through filtered trees.
For those who want more of a challenge, Summit Trailhead is a high elevation. Located at the highest point on I-80 between Laramie and Cheyenne, this trailhead offers immediate access to the Pole Mountain trail system and the iconic Lincoln monument. The summit is extremely accessible, as within minutes of parking, you are exposed to the high-elevation landscape, rolling hills and pines.
Hiking is one of the many physical activities to take part in with the warmer weather out in Laramie, Wyoming. However, it is one of the most accessible. Be sure to put time aside to be out in the sun and fully recharge your brain for upcoming tests.
