Wyoming lawmakers on Tuesday advanced a draft bill that would, for the first time, require cyclists to purchase permits to ride on state-managed trails.
The Legislature’s Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee passed the measure on Aug. 19.
If enacted, the bill would charge residents $10 annually, nonresidents $20, or $5 for a daily pass. Those fees would be in addition to existing state park entry charges, with revenue dedicated to trail building and maintenance.
Support From Riders and Advocates
Many riders say they are open to paying, provided the money is reinvested in the trails they use.
Jackson-based cyclist Jesse Rezin, in an interview with Cowboy State Daily, said: “I guess if it (the fee money) goes back into maintenance, it is what it is.” Rezin said his bigger concern is the possibility of public lands being sold off, not the trail fees themselves.
Michael Kusiek, executive director of Wyoming Pathways, also supported the draft bill.
He told lawmakers that trail systems are “by far, the No. 1 amenity people are looking for” when deciding where to vacation. He added that visiting mountain bikers already spend about $180 per day in local communities, underscoring the sport’s economic impact.
Dave Glenn, director of Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, said the state is well-positioned to meet demand for outdoor recreation.
“I think we are uniquely situated to stay out in front of the wave of outdoor recreation,” he told lawmakers. Glenn noted that permit revenue could also be used to match federal grants, multiplying available funding.
Past Efforts and Concerns
This isn’t Wyoming’s first discussion of bike-specific fees. A 2017 proposal for a $15 annual decal was shelved after only a fraction of the revenue was earmarked for trails. In 2022, lawmakers pulled a similar proposal for further study following pushback from riders who felt singled out.
In a 2022 WyoFile interview, Lander bike shop owner Rio Rose said, “We’re not the only people using these trails. We’re not the only people causing damage to these trails,” he said. “But we are about the only people doing work on them and pushing to get them put in.”
“And so seeing mountain bikers singled out as a user group, where we have to pay to play but nobody else does, rubs me the wrong way,” Rose said.
At a June 2025 committee meeting, Sen. Larry Hicks (R-Baggs) expressed skepticism about the political viability of a bike-specific fee: “I believe in user fees, but I think that’s a long shot,” he said, while noting the state should explore broader funding mechanisms.
Trail Demand and Funding Gaps
Wyoming officials say trail demand has outpaced current funding. Professionally built trails cost $20,000 to $50,000 per mile, according to earlier estimates from Wyoming State Parks.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation has received $47 million in trail funding requests over the past five years, yet the state gets only about $400,000 annually from the federal Recreation Trails Program. Temporary infusions of American Rescue Plan Act and tourism funding helped bridge the gap, but those were one-time dollars.
Visitation trends highlight the growth. Curt Gowdy State Park, which expanded its trail system starting in 2006, grew from roughly 50,000 annual visits that year to more than 535,000 in 2021, with about 60% of visitors coming specifically to ride the park’s 35 miles of singletrack.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributed $2.2 billion to Wyoming’s economy in 2023.
What It Means for Campgrounds and RV Parks
If passed, the proposal could create ripple effects for outdoor hospitality businesses near Wyoming’s trail hubs. Campground and RV park operators could see longer guest stays and increased midweek visitation as trail systems expand and funding stabilizes. Businesses might benefit by offering ride-out connectors, secure bike storage, wash stations, or lodging packages bundled with trail permits.
For operators, clear communication will be essential if the system launches. Updating websites, reservation confirmations, and on-site signage to guide guests through new permit requirements could help avoid confusion and ensure a smoother rollout.
The draft bill now moves forward in the legislative process, with details expected to be refined ahead of the 2026 budget session. Lawmakers will need to address enforcement challenges, particularly across the millions of acres of federal lands where state authority is limited.
Supporters like Kusiek argue that Wyoming must keep pace with neighboring states that already collect fees for non-motorized recreation. Whether the bill succeeds may determine how well the state can sustain trail growth and maintain its competitive edge as an outdoor recreation destination.