Coloradans can get in the car and take a fun road trip to see (and bet on) professional horse racing.

While the Kentucky Derby does get all the attention in the world of horse racing, Wyoming's races are something to see, as well. Your trip will take you through some of the prettiest parts of Wyoming to see some very majestic horses.

Imagine the story you'll have to tell your friends when you get back.

Live Horse Racing Returns to Southwestern Wyoming

About 5 1/2 hours out of Denver, is Rock Springs, Wyoming. Rock Springs resides in Sweetwater County, and in Rock Springs is where the Sweetwater Downs will be taking place.

When I was first getting into radio in the late '80s, I visited Rock Springs for a job interview at an AM Stereo radio station; things have changed in Rock Springs since then, for sure, including a horse racing track.

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Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC is into its 14th season of running horse races; they also conduct Off Track Betting, and have Historical Horse Racing slot machine gambling at locations like the new Horse Palace at Swan Ranch. It's become a big part of "The Cowboy State's" economy.

Live Horse Racing in Wyoming, Late Summer/Early Fall of 2024

The 14th season of the Sweetwater Downs racing will takes place between August 17, and September 29, 2024. Horses and jockeys from Wyoming and across the intermountain west will compete for more than $1.3 million in total purse payments during the races.

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The races will happen on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday, so Coloradans have plenty of opportunity to check out the racing and to bet on the live races, too. Tickets into the racetrack are only $5.

Your drive will take you near the Medicine Bow Mountains, and the Medicine Bow National Forest, which are known to be very scenic. If you really want scenery and have the time, you can go through the forest out of Laramie.

Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming
Keely Klenke on Unsplash
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