Summary
It offers a variety of activities and features that make it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Verified information from multiple independent sources provides the following summary:
Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: Wildcat Hills boasts stunning landscapes with rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and picturesque views. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers.
2. Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot and observe these animals in their natural habitat.
3. Outdoor Activities: Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and camping. The extensive trail system caters to both beginner and experienced adventurers.
4. Birding: Wildcat Hills is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 100 bird species documented in the area. It serves as an important stopover for migratory birds, making it a great place for bird enthusiasts.
5. Unique Geology: The region is known for its unique geological formations, including sandstone bluffs, rugged canyons, and ancient fossils. It provides an opportunity to learn about the geological history of the area.
Points of Interest:
1. Robidoux Pass: A historical landmark, Robidoux Pass, located within the recreation area, was once a significant route used by fur traders and westward travelers during the 1800s.
2. Trails: Wildcat Hills offers several hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The trails provide access to stunning viewpoints, wildlife viewing opportunities, and geological points of interest.
3. Visitor Center: The Wildcat Hills Nature Center is a great starting point for visitors. It offers exhibits about the park's flora, fauna, and geology, as well as information about local history.
Interesting Facts:
1. Wildcat Hills is located in Goshen County, Wyoming, approximately 20 miles southeast of the town of Guernsey.
2. The area covers approximately 2,700 acres and is managed by the Wyoming Division of State Parks and Historic Sites.
3. The Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area is named after the wildcat (bobcat) population that historically inhabited the area.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) seasons when temperatures are mild, and wildlife activity is abundant. Summers can be hot, so early morning or evening visits are recommended. It is advised to check local weather conditions and trail accessibility before planning a trip.
Please note that it is always advisable to cross-reference this information with reputable sources or official websites to ensure accuracy and obtain the most up-to-date information before planning a visit to Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Wildcat Hills State Rec Area
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Primitive Campsites
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Robidoux RV Park
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Riverside Park - Terrytown
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