Drove over to see Hell’s Half Acre the other day. I have been by it a hundred times and never stopped to look. It is obviously, not huge…hence the Half Acre part of the name. The colors and the depth of the rock formations are beautiful. It has been called Wyoming’s baby Grand Canyon.
In the early days, Hell’s Half Acre was populated with bank robbers, murders, bordello’s, hotels and saloons. Later on, a roadside restaurant, motel and campground also inhabited the area, but was closed down in December of 2005. However, it’s most famous claim to fame was as a movie star, playing the planet Klendathu in the movie Starship Troopers.
If you read the sign, it talks about the Native American’s using this site as a Buffalo Jump. They ran the buffalo off the cliff to their death, in order to have food to eat and warm clothes to wear for the harsh winters.
The one thing I really felt cheated on though, was the fact that the entire space, including picnic area, was surrounded by chain link fence. They have closed this gorgeous place to the public. I do understand part of it. I believe the rescue crews had to make way too many trips out there before the fence. It does take away from the natural beauty of the formation though and makes it difficult to get a great picture.
I had planned on going on a hike and picnic with my dogs. Even had the below requisite backpack on my boy Beau. (You can see other recommended outdoor tools at https://wyadventures.com/?page_id=147 or just look in the “Store” tab above.) Unfortunately, we were unable to use it. Apparently, people used to be able to go down into the ravines.
This place has seen its share of changes, but I personally would love to see it turn into an educational center. It is such a geological oddity right in the middle of grassland plains. It seems to be going to hell. Please excuse the pun.