Last updated: October 8, 2022
Place
Devil's Gate Interpretive Site
Quick Facts
Location:
Martin's Cove, 47600 West Hwy 220, Alcova, Wyoming
Significance:
Many an emigrant wrote diary comments about this geological oddity
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
3 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Restroom, Trailhead
A map of Passport and Places to Go locations for National Historic Trails.
Devil's Gate is a 370 feet deep, 1,500 feet long, and only 50 feet wide canyon that was created by the Sweetwater River when it cut through a ridge of solid rock. Many an emigrant wrote diary comments about this geological oddity. They walked and waded in the Sweetwater River through the gorge, while their wagons followed the trail through the pass to the east. The emigrants puzzled, why would the water chew directly through the rock instead of flowing around it?
Site Information
Location (Martin's Cove, 47600 West Hwy 220, Alcova, Wyoming)
Today's visitors can ponder that question at a Bureau of Land Management pullout on the north side of the highway. The pullout has an ADA paved walkway, interpretive exhibits, and a restroom. For a closer look at Devil's Gate, continue west to the Mormon Handcart Visitor Center.