Hell's Half Acre — Travelrags

National GeographicJul 16, 2026

Explore Hell's Half Acre, Wyoming's most unusual badlands landscape

Recently reopened after a 20-year closure, this quieter alternative to the state's ultra-famous national parks makes an easy detour for road trippers heading west.

9 things in this story

Starship TroopersPlacefilm location
Yellowstone HighwayPlacehistoric highway families stopped at Hell's Half Acre
National Historic Trails Interpretive CenterMuseumhighlights Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express trails
Independence RockSightlandmark settlers aimed to reach by Fourth of July
Casper MountainSightoffers hiking and views
Garden Creek FallsSightwaterfall on Casper Mountain
North Platte RiverSightblue-ribbon waterway for fishing
Tate Geological MuseumMuseumlearn about the region's prehistoric past
Hell's Half AcreSight320-acre landscape of ravines and badlands

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