Did you now you can hike to remote petroglyphs in Wyoming? Castle Gardens, near Riverton, is one of the most remote BLM sites in the state. If you’re able to prepare for the journey, you’ll find history laid out in front of your eyes. It’s so worth the trip!
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The Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site is remote, and not often visited. Riverton is the nearest town, about 45 miles away. If you’re going to embark on the journey, be prepared with a high-clearance vehicle and emergency supplies.
Google Maps Click here for the interactive map and directions
Once you get to these famous petroglyphs in Wyoming, you’ll see a level, gravel trail that will take you to the historic and sacred site.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
While the trail is not technically ADA accessible, it should be easy to traverse for most. It is well maintained and part of BLM protected and managed lands.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
Along with breathtaking scenery and desert that stretches as far as the eye can see, you’ll discover petroglyphs that date back hundreds of years.
Alleta B./TripAdvisor
The sweeping views of the high desert will stick in your mind for ages. Not only is this one of the most historic sites in the state, but it’s remote and gorgeous.
Alleta B./TripAdvisor
The petroglyphs are protected by a fence, but you can easily see them and take some great pictures.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
This area contains hundreds of rock carvings, most of them shield-style. You’ll find all sorts of scenes depicted in the drawings.
eric/flickr
Experts believe they were created between 1000 AD and 1250 AD by native Wyomingites seeking to document their lives here in the mountain prairie.
drdroad/TripAdvisor
While many of these kind of petroglyphs depict a warrior holding a shield, many of the ones at Castle Gardens only depict the shield. It’s thought that these were made by members of the Athapaskan Group, who are related to today’s Navajo and Apache people.
drdroad/TripAdvisor
This remote place doesn’t have any services. Make sure to bring plenty of water and gas up your vehicle before making the drive.
lowemanc/TripAdvisor
Have you ever hiked to these remarkable petroglyphs in Wyoming? You’ll have a new appreciation for those that lived here long before most of us. Looking for more hidden places here in the Cowboy State? Take a look at this hidden valley and you’ll realize there’s always something new to discover way out here.
Google Maps
Click here for the interactive map and directions
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
Alleta B./TripAdvisor
eric/flickr
drdroad/TripAdvisor
lowemanc/TripAdvisor
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Address: Castle Gardens, Wyoming, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Petroglyphs in Wyoming July 20, 2020 Kim M. Can I hike to historical sites in Wyoming? Sure, Wyoming is packed with history! Hike around the Buffalo Bill Dam, visit the Fire Towers of Bighorn National Forest, discover history all around Old Faithful, and walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite. Which state parks should I visit in Wyoming? Guernsey State Park is the coolest park to visit if you want to see history in front of your eyes. The park shows off Oregon Trail Ruts carved into the rock! Curt Gowdy State Park and Glendo State Park are also fun spots to visit for anyone who likes a scenic picnic spot, fishing, or peaceful walks. Where should I go to take photos of Wyoming? You can’t beat Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park for top photography spots in Wyoming. If you’re looking to travel a little more off the beaten path, though, the Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site, Fossil Butte National Historic site, and Devils Tower National Monument are sure to be remarkable from behind the lens.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Petroglyphs in Wyoming
July 20, 2020
Kim M.
Can I hike to historical sites in Wyoming? Sure, Wyoming is packed with history! Hike around the Buffalo Bill Dam, visit the Fire Towers of Bighorn National Forest, discover history all around Old Faithful, and walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite. Which state parks should I visit in Wyoming? Guernsey State Park is the coolest park to visit if you want to see history in front of your eyes. The park shows off Oregon Trail Ruts carved into the rock! Curt Gowdy State Park and Glendo State Park are also fun spots to visit for anyone who likes a scenic picnic spot, fishing, or peaceful walks. Where should I go to take photos of Wyoming? You can’t beat Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park for top photography spots in Wyoming. If you’re looking to travel a little more off the beaten path, though, the Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site, Fossil Butte National Historic site, and Devils Tower National Monument are sure to be remarkable from behind the lens.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Sure, Wyoming is packed with history! Hike around the Buffalo Bill Dam, visit the Fire Towers of Bighorn National Forest, discover history all around Old Faithful, and walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite.
Which state parks should I visit in Wyoming?
Guernsey State Park is the coolest park to visit if you want to see history in front of your eyes. The park shows off Oregon Trail Ruts carved into the rock! Curt Gowdy State Park and Glendo State Park are also fun spots to visit for anyone who likes a scenic picnic spot, fishing, or peaceful walks.
Where should I go to take photos of Wyoming?
You can’t beat Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park for top photography spots in Wyoming. If you’re looking to travel a little more off the beaten path, though, the Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site, Fossil Butte National Historic site, and Devils Tower National Monument are sure to be remarkable from behind the lens.
