Oregon Trail Deep Ruts Historic Preserve
Drive in 500,000 pioneer wagon ruts carved in stone
You’re driving in the same tracks where half a million emigrants ground their wagon wheels through Wyoming sandstone between 1841 and 1869, carving ruts so deep they’re visible from satellite photos today. This 12-mile interpretive route follows the actual Oregon Trail corridor southwest of Guernsey, where continuous wagon traffic wore grooves up to five feet deep into solid rock. Register Hill at mile 8 still shows the carved names of pioneers—some dating to 1849—who stopped to scratch their mark into the bluff overlooking the North Platte River.
Easy driving suitable for any vehicle, but respect the historic preserve rules and stay on designated routes. Open year-round though winter weather can make access roads tricky. No permits required but donations appreciated at the visitor center. The BLM maintains this route with interpretive signs every quarter-mile explaining what emigrants experienced on this exact ground. Pack water and snacks—it’s a half-day experience that connects you to the largest voluntary migration in human history, right under your tires.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4600 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Guernsey, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | blm.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 4x4 or high clearance to drive this trail?
No. Any stock vehicle — sedan, minivan, whatever — can handle this. It's a dirt scenic drive rated easy with minimal elevation change and no technical sections.
When does the trail close for the season?
Best window is May through October. Winter snow and mud can make the dirt surface slick and potentially impassable for low-clearance vehicles, and there's no guaranteed maintenance or plowing out here.
Is there a fee or permit required to visit the Oregon Trail Ruts?
No permit required. The BLM manages the site and access is free. No registration, no day-use fee.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
There isn't one — this is a historical scenic drive, not a technical trail. The most demanding thing you'll deal with is a dusty dirt road and possibly some washboard. Manage your expectations accordingly.
Is there cell service on the trail and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Cell service is spotty and unreliable out here, so download offline maps before you leave. Guernsey, Wyoming is the nearest town and has gas — fill up there before heading out, about 5 miles from the site.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.