Gooseberry Badlands Scenic Overlook Trail
Wyoming
Gooseberry Badlands Scenic Overlook Trail offers a striking 1.5-mile non-motorized hiking route through Wyoming‘s dramatic desert landscape. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this area showcases vividly colored soil formations and intricately eroded rock spires that shift in hue with changing seasons and light conditions.
The trail suits hikers, mountain bikers, and photographers seeking otherworldly terrain without crowds. Wildlife viewing opportunities include desert species, though visitors should watch for rattlesnakes along the route. The open badlands provide exceptional photography conditions, particularly during golden hour when the multicolored formations intensify.
As BLM land, dispersed camping is generally permitted in the surrounding area, allowing visitors to set up camp away from developed sites. No facilities exist beyond the trail itself, so pack adequate water—the exposed desert environment offers no shade or natural water sources.
Spring and fall provide the most comfortable hiking temperatures, while summer brings intense heat. Winter access may be limited depending on road conditions. The remote location rewards visitors with expansive views of carved desert terrain beneath wide Wyoming skies.
Explore Nearby
- Legend Rock State Archaeological Site — State Park in Wyoming
- Hot Springs State Park — State Park in Wyoming
- Shoshone National Forest — National Forest in Wyoming
- Bighorn National Forest — National Forest in Wyoming
- Beartooth Highway — Scenic Byway in Montana
Nearby Discoveries
3 places to explore within 30 miles
