Castle Gardens

One of my favorite places in Wyoming, and one of my fondest memories is Castle Gardens. There are actually 2 Castle Gardens in Wyoming. This is the southern location near the center of the state. The landscape is beautiful with cliffs and hills that form a small valley of rock outcrops and boulders in colorful soil dotted with juniper and pine trees. Some impressive petroglyphs are located along the cliffs. The area is remote enough that it doesn't receive much visitation, which makes it a perfect destination. There is no official camping; however, the site is on BLM land, so camping is allowed just about anywhere. When I visited, we camped in the parking area.

Hell's Half Acre

As you drive along the plains west from Casper along US-20/26 you will encounter a sign for Hell’s Half Acre. If you are not paying attention you will drive right by this large 150 ft deep badlands canyon of colorful eroded rock formations. The canyon is quite unexpected and looks like something you would find in Utah rather than Wyoming. This is actually one of several badlands areas in the state, but is probably the most intricate and striking. The canyon can be viewed just off the road or you can walk around the area for a more complete viewing. There is no access to the bottom of the canyon, and access is not permitted.

Ayres Park and Natural Bridge

On my first serous excursion to Wyoming in 2007, the first stop was Ayres Park and Natural Bridge. This oasis on the plains is located in a red sandstone canyon and features a 50 ft high and 100 ft long natural bridge with a 90 ft wide x 20 ft high opening cut by LaPrele Creek. A short, steep hiking trail leads to the top of the natural bridge. The park is beautiful, green, and shady and provides an excellent place to have a picnic lunch. The park is located 5 miles south of I-25 about 17 mi west of Douglas, and is popular with Douglas residents.