Take The Short Hike Into Wyoming’s Devil’s Gate

If you've never seen Wyoming's historic and awe-inspiring Devil's Gate in person, it's worth the trip. If you have seen it but have never walked down to it, I suggest you do. It is an easy trek and well worth the stroll.

Devil's Gate in Wyoming was formed by the Sweetwater River eroding a narrow, 370-foot-deep, and 1,500-foot-long gorge through a hard granite ridge. The river existed before the current landscape was fully exposed, creating a "cleft in the rock".

That was the boring science version of how this gap was created. I like the Indian legend better:

According to Native American legends (notably Shoshone and Arapaho), Wyoming's Devil's Gate was created when a monstrous, tusked beast ravaged the Sweetwater Valley, preventing hunting. The Great Spirit commanded warriors to attack, and as the beast died, its massive tusks tore through the mountains.

Walking to Devil's Gate begins at the Mormon Handcart Historic Site at Martin's Cove & Devil's Gate in Wyoming, located at 47600 West Hwy 220 near Alcova. Walk west from the parking lot and cross the bridge. That is Veil Crossing.

After crossing the bridge... Forget that. Pause on the bridge and enjoy. It is beautiful. You'll love the river flowing under, and you'll see some wildlife.

From there, walk toward the gate, mind the cow patties, and you'll see a sign that says the Gate is 1/2 mile away, through the cow patties, which are everywhere.

DID I MENTION THE COW PATTIES? They are EVERYWHERE!

Once you arrive, you'll see trails to the left and right along the river, giving you the best opportunity to take photos of the mouth of the gate.

You'll have to post those photos later; there is ZERO cell service out there.

To the left is a unique wooden ladder that you can use to get up on the rocks to follow a trail into the canyon. I found an easier way closer to the river, where I just walked up the rocks. That trail is a bit rugged, but not at all bad. I was able to get most of the way through the cut in the rocks before a pile of huge boulders stopped me. I bet I could have climbed over them and kept going, but enough for one day. Besides, there is private property on the other side.

There are benches to sit and enjoy the view and a historic marker.

Speaking of the view, on the way back, you'll LOVE the mountains all around.

This is a Wyoming walk worth taking.