Red Desert, Wyoming: Tourism, Sites, and Activities

Last Updated on February 22, 2023

Wyoming’s Red Desert is a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure and a chance to explore the beauty of the western United States.

The Red Desert is located in the southwest corner of Wyoming, approximately 100 miles southwest of Casper, and is accessible via State Highway 70 and other roads. It is known for its wide open spaces, rugged landscape, and diverse wildlife.

The Red Desert

It is called “Red Desert” because of the reddish color of the soil in the area. The soil in the Red Desert is composed of reddish-colored sedimentary rock that was formed millions of years ago. The reddish color of the soil is due to the presence of iron oxide, which is a common component of sedimentary rock.

In addition to outdoor activities, the Red Desert is home to a number of small towns and communities that offer a variety of amenities and services for visitors. These include restaurants, hotels, and other accommodations, as well as cultural and historical attractions.

Overall, the Red Desert is a great destination for those seeking a unique and exciting outdoor adventure in the western United States.

Things to do in Wyoming’s Red Desert

There are a variety of activities to enjoy in the Red Desert, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, and off-road driving. The area is also home to a number of ATV trails and is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts.

Below, a list of activities you can enjoy in Red Desert of Wyoming.

Hiking

The Red Desert is home to a number of excellent hiking trails that offer the opportunity to explore the rugged landscape and see a variety of wildlife.

There are a number of excellent hiking trails in the Red Desert that offer the opportunity to explore the area by foot. These trails range in difficulty and length and offer a variety of terrain, including sagebrush flats, rocky hillsides, and sand dunes.

Some popular trails in the Red Desert include the Little Sandy Trail, the High Desert Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, and the Sand Dunes Trail.

Sandboarding

Sand dune surfing can be practiced at the Killpeckers Sand Dunes, just north of Rock Springs. Despite not being very steep, this is actually the largest dune field in North America. The Open Play Area Campground is the best spot for sandboarding as ATV vehicles are not allowed there.

Off-road driving

The Red Desert is home to a number of ATV trails that offer the opportunity to explore the area by off-road vehicle.

The Killpeckers Sand Dunes are also one of the most ideal locations for dune bashing and driving ATVs as there are many areas which are free from vegetation.

Camping

The Red Desert is home to a number of campgrounds and other accommodations that offer the opportunity to experience the beauty of the area.

There are a number of campgrounds and other accommodations available in the Red Desert, including developed campgrounds with facilities such as restrooms and drinking water, as well as dispersed camping areas where you can pitch a tent or park an RV.

See the Coyotes

The Red Desert in Wyoming is home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes. Coyotes can be found in a variety of habitats within the Red Desert, including open grasslands, sagebrush flats, and rocky hillsides. They are adaptable animals and can thrive in a range of environments.

Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk, and they are known to be vocal animals, often communicating through howls and yips. It is best to be cautious when encountering coyotes, as they can be unpredictable and may pose a threat to humans and pets.

If you are interested in seeing coyotes in the Red Desert, it is a good idea to be respectful of their habitat and to follow all safety guidelines and regulations. You may be able to spot coyotes while hiking, driving, or camping in the area. It is important to keep a safe distance from coyotes and to never approach or feed them.

Visiting small desert towns and communities

The Red Desert is home to a number of small towns and communities that offer a variety of amenities and services for visitors, including restaurants, hotels, and other accommodations.

Some of these towns include:

1. Rock Springs: Located in the southern part of the Red Desert, Rock Springs is the largest city in the area and is home to a variety of amenities and services for visitors.
2. Green River: Located in the eastern part of the Red Desert, Green River is a small city that is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, and hiking.
3. Farson: Located in the western part of the Red Desert, Farson is a small town that is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and its proximity to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
4. Pinedale: Located in the northern part of the Red Desert, Pinedale is a small town that is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and its proximity to the Wind River Range.

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Read also: Sand dune surfing in Wyoming