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Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite

The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite is the largest track site of its kind in Wyoming. It's also one of only a few areas in the world that showcase tracks and fossils from the Middle Jurassic Period, which was about 160 to 180 million years ago. There are hundreds of identified footprints in this 40-acre area with the potential for thousands more to still be undiscovered. Many scientists believe that the Bighorn Basin and most of the state were covered by the ancient Sundance Sea. These ancient tracks were made right along the shoreline in the soft, limy mud that quickly hardened and that was covered by protective sand and ooze. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal organization responsible for almost 250 million acres of land, administers and maintains this site. The BLM's goal is to sustain the health and diversity of public lands so they may be enjoyed by future generations. Yellowstone National Park is about five hours east of the track site right along the Idaho state border. Grand Teton National Park is 217 miles away just below Yellowstone.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Beef Trail

This stunning trail is in a wide canyon, giving hikers beautiful views of the sagelands, basin, cliffs, and mountains. Certain areas have steep and steady inclines with no shade. If you're parking at the east trailhead, you'll need a high-clearance vehicle to access the road. Length: 12.7 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Bighorn River is home to more than 38 diverse species of fish. During the warmer months, you're sure to catch plenty of whitefish, bass, and catfish. Many anglers stop by to fly fish for trout. Smaller watercraft like rafts, canoes, and kayaks are allowed in most areas. Keep an eye out for signs that prohibit motorized boats, especially in the river's upper region.

Climbing

The remote Shell Canyon has several traditional climbing routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.12a. The 5.10d Dirty Hippie-Not Worth Tie-Dying For sport climb is one of the more imposing spires in the region. This is the only rap-bolted route, and you'll need to bring replacement webbing for the summit anchors. Don't forget to check out the difficult 5.12a Precious Metals climb and the easier 5.5 Turbine.

Wildlife Viewing

Be on the lookout for shrews, beavers, deer, elk, spotted bats, antelope, and moose. Some of the local bird populations include bald eagles, gold eagles, mallards, red-tailed hawks, chimney swifts, kestrels, and loons. Much of the nearby Bighorn National Forest's 189,000 acres of wilderness is also open to hunting.

Picnicking

The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite has a new boardwalk as well as interpretive signs and picnic tables. Trash cans are available near the parking lot and over by the Red Gulch-Alkali Back Country Byway Info Site. Goose Island is also a great place for picnicking while enjoying breathtaking vistas of the Bighorn River.

ATVing

Several trails in Bighorn National Forest are designated specifically for off-roading use. The Bishop Mine #624 trail, for example, is a challenging experience that runs near several small historic mining sites. The rocky Cloud Peak Cutoff #082 is remote and difficult to find but promises astounding views of the peaks in the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

One of the closest Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is Five Springs Fall Campground. The site sits at an elevation of 6,520 feet, making it a great spot for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The lower loop has nine campsites whereas the upper loop has 10. RV campers will find several pull-through sites in the upper loop as well as one lower host site compatible with motorhomes. The steep and narrow road to the campground is only suitable for RVs less than 25 feet long. Other amenities include benches, fire rings, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. You don't have to pay a fee for day use, but all overnight visitors will be charged $7 per campsite. Feel free to head to Shell Campground or the Greybull KOA Holiday for a more luxurious RV camping experience. Shell Campground has 13 RV sites, 10 of which come with full hookups. You’ll love the free Wi-Fi, coin-operated laundry facilities, and shower house. Rates start at $35 per night. The Greybull KOA Holiday boasts level, concrete RV spots that all come with patios, picnic tables, charcoal barbecues, and fire pits. They also have a seasonal pool, a year-round dog park, and facilities that can accommodate rigs up to 75 feet long.

Free Camping

If you want to camp closer to Red Gulch, you're welcome to park your RV along US Highway 14 or US Highway 20. The nearby Bighorn National Forest permits dispersed camping up to 300 feet off the open road. For example, you'll find several well-used spots along Circle Park Road. Many of the sites have stone fire rings, and you'll have your choice of camping in the woods or an open area.

RV Rentals Near Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite BLM trip

While Wyoming is known for its gorgeous mountains and peaks, be aware that hiking its high altitudes can lead to altitude sickness. If you begin to feel dizzy or nauseous, get to a lower area. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and paper maps if you're traveling in off-the-grid locations. Wyoming weather can also change quickly and without warning, so pack warm, insulating layers to fight off the chill. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Visitors are permitted to collect small amounts of invertebrate fossils and plant fossils from the track site. However, you should follow all local collection restrictions and limit how much petrified wood and vertebrate fossils you take home. Be sure to pack out all of your trash after picnicking and keep your vehicles on the gravel access road. Always follow the "Leave No Trace" guidelines and while hiking, remember to stick to the trails and limit your interactions with local wildlife.