Vedauwoo Campground

When we were investigating interesting places in and around Cheyenne, the name Vedauwoo Campground kept coming up.  Pronunced vee-da-voo, it’s a recreation area located in the Medicine Bow/Routt National Forest off Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie.  The campground is known for its dramatic rock formations, and for being a destination for rock climbers.  We decided to take a look, loaded up the dogs and headed out on Sunday morning.  There, some 30 miles outside of town, rising out of the rolling plains was a dramatic sight.

According to some, the area’s name is a version of the Arapaho word “bito’o’wu” which means earth-born.  Other stories say the rocks were piled up by playful spirits.  In the early days, the many rocks and crannies served as hideouts for outlaws.  

When we visited, there were several brave souls clinging Spiderman-like to the face of the boulders and working their way up the crevices.  

The campground has 28 developed campsites with potable water, trash pick-up and vault toilets.  No electrical or sewer hookups, however.  There are picnic areas and several hiking trails.  

We had another “lunch with a view,” then took the Turtle Rock Trail for a four-mile hike around some of the largest boulders.  

It was a beautiful trail, winding its way between numerous rock formations, meadows, streams and forested areas.  Alongside the trail were fields of wildflowers and other interesting plants.

We also passed a couple of beaver ponds where the dogs could cool off or get a drink.  Kota, of course, took a swim.  It was a great day.

On our way back to Cheyenne, we noticed an historical marker for the “Ames Monument.”  A short drive down a dirt road brought us to the foot of an enormous pyramid made out of native rock, and dedicated to the memory of the Ames brothers, Oakes and Oliver. 

The monument was commissioned by the Union Pacific Railroad and finished in 1882.  It recognized the brothers’ contributions to the completion of the Union Pacific section of the Transcontinental Railroad.  The monument is placed on the highest point of the Transcontinental Railroad Route, at 8,247 feet.

Part of the information on Oakes Ames (1804-1873) reads as follows:  “Oakes Ames was an American businessman and member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts.  While in Congress, he became one of the most influential supporters of the building of the Transcontinental Railroad.  Oakes believed strongly in Lincoln’s vision that constructing the Transcontinental Railroad was vital to the nation’s future.”

Oliver Ames’ (1807-1877) plaque reads:  “Oliver Ames, Jr. managed the Ames shovel manufacturing company.  Soon after Oliver and his brother Oakes inherited the business from their father, the discovery of gold in California, the expansion of the railroads, and the Civil War drove demand for quality shovels — and made the Ames brothers wealthy men.  Oliver Ames, a bright, skillful manager and meticulous bookkeeper, served as president of Union Pacific during construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.”

The brothers may not be household names in Texas, but in this part of the country they are well-known and respected.  And, interestingly enough, after we visited the monument, John looked in the truck and found that the shovel we use carried the Ames label….apparently the business continues.