The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Pinnacles Geologic Site is a location in Wyoming that is known for its unique pyramid-shaped rock formations known as pinnacles. However, other small geologic highlights can be found at this site as well, such as badlands, volcanic dikes, sandstone structures, and windblown rock features.
Overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), The Pinnacles Geologic Site is open for the public to use for free any time of year unless otherwise noted by the BLM. Dispersed camping is also an option at this site without any fees, and popular day-use activities here include hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and hunting.
A moderately challenging route, the Green Mountain Falls Trail features a great waterfall surrounded by pine forests.
Length: 6.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Wilkins Peak Trail is a challenging, lengthy trail that is popular with mountain bikers, although it has some rewarding views of the surrounding desert from above.
Length: 12.6 miles
Intensity: Difficult
A long, difficult trail, the Encampment River Trail is most popular with mountain bikers and horseback riders who want to explore the greater Encampment River Wilderness.
Length: 16 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Pinnacles Geologic Site is a top destination for photographers who like capturing the unique side of nature. Considered very similar to the Pinnacles National Park in California, this site features hundreds of pinnacle rock formations. These pinnacles were estimated to have been formed between 23 to 100 million years ago when underlying volcanoes released masses of molten lava on the earth's surface. The pyramid-shaped structures we see here today are the result of the lava slowly drying and hardening to create a structure. These pinnacles exist at this site beside other structures, like eroded sandstone formations, and make for a great backdrop to photograph while on a hike, bike ride, or horseback excursion.
Another factor that makes The Pinnacles Geologic Site so unique is that it is a nesting and breeding ground for the ferruginous hawk. The nesting season for this hawk begins in late March to early April, so it's likely that you'll see these birds in the area if you visit during the spring. Some mammals native to this area include elk, moose, deer, mountain lions, black bears, and bison.
While there are no picnic sites for you to use at The Pinnacles Geologic Site, you are still permitted to bring your own chairs to create a picnic spot in the area so long as you also bring trash bags and pick up after yourself. You can also use nearby picnic sites, such as the Pioneer Trails Picnic Grounds, which is a picnic area with multiple tables and a pavilion near Green River. You could also check out Centennial Park, which has a picnic gazebo and a playground.
The Pinnacles Geologic Site is far from city lights, so it experiences some very dark night skies. Consider taking advantage of this darkness by staying overnight in the area and stargazing, which you can do by tent, RV, or even backpack camping at the site. Keep in mind, though, that, even though the days in the summer here are quite hot, Wyoming experiences chilly to freezing temperatures at night year-round. That being said, if you plan on stargazing at this geologic site, be sure to pack warm layers and non-electric heating equipment.
When you want to go RV camping with full hookups, consider looking at privately owned campgrounds nearby The Pinnacles Geologic Site since you will not have any water or electricity if you camp at the site. Some of your options include the Rock Springs/Green River KOA, which has full hookups, a pool, a fitness center, and Wi-Fi, and Riverside RV Park, which has hookups and Wi-Fi.
When you're searching "BLM camping near me," be sure to consider using The Pinnacles Geologic Site as a dispersed camping option since you are permitted to stay here for up to 14 days a time. However, large RVs may have trouble navigating around the many rock formations, so you can also check out nearby organized Bureau of Land Management campgrounds as well. One option for this you have is Bridge Hollow Campground, which has picnic tables and fire rings at every one of its campsites.
When you plan to visit this unique geologic site, be sure to pack lots of water and items like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen since there is little to no shade at the site. You may also want to plan on wearing heavy jackets and coats if you're visiting in the winter since the area is quite cold.
If you're planning to take advantage of a Bureau of Land Management free camping area, be sure to pack everything you will need for a primitive stay. This includes water jugs and non-electric heating, cooling, and cooking equipment. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All visitors to The Pinnacles Geologic Site will be asked to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace Policy during their stay. This policy is important to help keep the site safe and clean for others to use, and you can adhere to it by simply picking up your trash, leaving what you find where it belongs, and watching any campfires you may start closely.
To reach The Pinnacles Geologic Site, begin on Interstate 80 in Wyoming. Use the Table Rock exit off of this road, and then travel north on County Road 4-21 for 36 miles. From there, turn west onto the Pinnacles Access Road. Follow this road for four miles to reach the geologic site.
Ready to visit The Pinnacles Geologic Site? 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 of 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.
