Last updated: January 18, 2023
Place
Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site
Quick Facts
Location:
vicinity of Guernsey, Wyoming
Significance:
Location of Oregon Trail ruts that are five feet deep
Designation:
Wyoming State Park
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
4 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Picnic Table, Restroom, Trailhead
A map of Passport and Places to Go locations for National Historic Trails.
Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site , also called the Guernsey Ruts, is located where the geography of the area forced the Oregon Trail to change course. At this point, the Trail was blocked from continuing along the North Platte River by a steep ridge of sandstone rock. It had to go up and over the ridge in order to continue heading west. The ridge's soft sandstone was no match for thousands of iron-shod wheels and hooves and quickly eroded. By the time Oregon Trail travel ended, ruts five feet deep had been chewed into the rock.
Site Information
Location (vicinity of Guernsey, Wyoming)
The state historic site provides an opportunity to view, and walk in, these ruts. To reach them, follow the short, paved path (steep in some places) that starts at the parking lot. Interpretive signs along the path tell the story. The historic site also offers a small group picnic shelter and a public restroom.
More Site Information
Oregon National Historic Trail