Did you know you can hike to the Castle Gardens 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!
Looking to feed your wanderlust? Click here to sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter for a weekly peek at the best destinations throughout the country to inspire your next adventures.
The Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site in Wyoming 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The petroglyphs are protected by a fence, but you can easily see them and take some great pictures.
This area contains hundreds of rock carvings, most of them shield-style. You'll find all sorts of scenes depicted in the drawings.
Experts believe they were created between 1000 AD and 1250 AD by native Wyomingites seeking to document their lives here in the mountain prairie.
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.
This remote place doesn't have any services. Make sure to bring plenty of water and gas up your vehicle before making the drive.
Have you ever hiked to these remarkable petroglyphs at one of the best gardens 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 like the Castle Gardens petroglyphs? Take a look at this hidden valley and you'll realize there's always something new to discover way out here.
If you are interested in seeing more of the beauty of the Cowboy State, you can hop on the highway for our road trip to nine natural wonders in Wyoming. We've even put together a road trip packing list for you so you don't forget anything important.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!