The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Often one of the best ways to get to know an area is to explore a BLM site, which is an area of protected, unincorporated public land. These sites offer different recreational activities, including camping or hiking. If you want to know which sites offer which amenities, you can search “BLM camping near me.”
The Paint Rock Canyon Trail is located in the Bighorn Mountains outside Hyattville, Wyoming. The trail offers not only excellent hiking opportunities but also a chance for people to take in the beautiful scenery and spot a wide range of wildlife. The trail also passes by Paint Rock Creek, which is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
This trail is the only trail on the western slope of the Bighorn Mountains that is regularly maintained, and it offers beautiful views of the landscape.
Length: 10.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located in the nearby Cloud Peak Wilderness, this gorgeous trail passes by both a lake and a creek.
Length: 12.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail is best for experienced hikers, but it offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape and provides fantastic photography opportunities.
Length: 22.5
Intensity: Hard
Located in the nearby Bighorn National Forest, this trail offers excellent views and is a great way to spot native wildlife species.
Length: 4.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail descends to the falls below the trailhead and acts as an excellent introduction to the area’s landscape.
Length: 0.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Some of the best fishing in the area is at Paint Rock Creek, which can be reached right from the Paint Rock Canyon Trail. Anglers can often catch several types of trout, including rainbow and cutthroat trout. The nearby Medicine Lodge Canyon also offers fantastic trout fishing.
Both rock climbing and ice climbing are popular in the area around the Paint Rock Canyon Trail. One of the best locations in the area for both is Shell Canyon, which features steep cliffs. Most of the climbs along these cliffs are traditional routes.
The Paint Rock Canyon Trail is a great place to spot wildlife, but visitors to the area can also explore the nearby Red Gulch Backcountry Byway or the Medicine Lodge Wilderness Study Area. Animals native to the area include moose, bighorn sheep, elk, bison, pronghorn antelope, wild horses, wolves, bears, mountain lions, eagles, and many other bird species.
One of the most scenic spots for a picnic in the area is the Lake Point Picnic Site, which features picnic tables and restrooms along with beautiful views. Another good option is the Cabin Creek Picnic Ground. This site is quiet and secluded, with only four picnic areas. The site also offers vault toilets.
Horseback riding is one of the most common recreational activities in the area, and equestrians can choose from many of the area’s dozens of hiking trails. The Paint Rock Canyon Trail itself is also horse-friendly.
There are many great BLM RV camping options near the Paint Rock Canyon Trail. The Medicine Lodge Archeological Site offers RV spaces with electrical hookups. The area also offers beautiful scenery and access to nearby petroglyphs. Ten Sleep RV Park has 52 sites with full hookups, and there are also restrooms, showers, a laundry area, and a dump station. The Lower Paint Rock Lake Campground offers a more rugged RV camping experience. There are five sites and the campground offers vault toilets and potable water.
The area around Hyattville and the Paint Rock Canyon Trail is excellent for Bureau of Land Management free camping. The Little Goose Campground, for example, offers three free sites, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the area or venture nearby for some fishing. The Shell Reservoir Camping Area is another great dispersed camping option. The camping area has few amenities but does offer toilets.
The area around the Paint Rock Canyon Trail sees mild summers, and most days are dry. The weather in the area is generally best from June to October. The rest of the year can be very cold, and the area can see a large amount of snowfall. If you do plan to visit during the colder months, pack accordingly and be prepared for extreme temperatures.
Large predators are common in the area, so always educate yourself about safety precautions before heading out. Only observe animals from a distance and try to disturb them as little as possible. This helps to keep both you and them safe.
Most BLM sites limit how long your stay can be at a particular site. For example, many locations limit stays to 14 consecutive days. However, this rule and other campsite regulations can vary from site to site, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead. You may also want to see if it’s possible to make a reservation and, if it’s not, ensure that there is enough space available. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace policies help to ensure that Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and other wilderness sites stay protected for many people to enjoy. Remember to always leave as little impact on the area around you as possible. You can do this by taking all of your trash with you or disposing of it in a bin. Staying on the trail can also help to minimize your impact on the plants in the area. Keep a distance from any animals and observe them quietly.
From Hyattville, drive north for about 0.5 miles to Cold Springs Road. Keep driving east for another 4 miles until you see the trailhead.
Ready to visit Paint Rock Canyon Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
