Nestled within the heart of Wyoming’s rugged landscapes lies a larger-than-life portal to the state’s pioneering history: the Devil’s Gate. It’s an aptly named natural wonder, imposing and mysterious in both size and significance. Those who are familiar with Wyoming’s many historical sites have likely spotted the strange monoliths that jut out of the landscape, but perhaps fewer have explored each of the unique historical trails here, like the Devil’s Gate Trail. This easy trail near Alcova, Wyoming, a testament to the resilience of early American settlers, winds through a landscape steeped in the lore of the Oregon, California, and Mormon Pioneer Trails. Together, the towering rock formations and surrounding vistas tell a unique story of hardship and hope, as intrepid pioneers forged their way westward in pursuit of new horizons.
Standing as a sentinel along the Sweetwater River, Devil's Gate is a geological marvel that has fascinated travelers for centuries. This narrow, 30-foot cleft between two granite walls, which stand nearly 400 feet tall, was formed by the ancient erosive forces of wind, water, and time.
Looking at the Sweetwater River now, although deep, it's hard to imagine the forces and water levels needed to bore through the rock, but eons ago, they certainly were! As a result, today the 1,500-foot Sweetwater Canyon is one of the most imposing places in Wyoming.
Due to the sheer size and impressiveness of the dark, narrow chasm, Devil's Gate is among the most spectacular geographical landmarks found along this stretch of cross-country emigrant trails.
The rocky gorge was impassable to wagon trains in the 1800s, forcing pioneers to pass to the south of the ridge. But the ominous, looming towers that flank the river beckoned numerous travelers to ogle them up close, wading through the water just to admire the sky-high formations.
“The chasm is one of the wonders of the world,” emigrant Charles E. Boyle wrote in 1849. Another wrote that the waters here raged "with great impetuosity."
Much like nearby Independence Rock (pictured below), Register Rock, and other historical sites in Wyoming, many emigrants left their mark on the rock faces of the canyon. Numerous weathered inscriptions, etched by pioneers from centuries ago, can still be found carved and scrawled on the stone facades.
These names and dates tell stories of families, adventurers, and visionaries who undertook this arduous journey. The markers, though weathered by time, stand as enduring testaments to the courage and tenacity of those early pioneers.
But that's not all that was left behind. Cholera took its toll here. In fact, there are likely around two dozen graves in the area, although only one is marked: that of Frederick Fulkerson in 1847.
The Devil's Gate is intimately linked with many other iconic landmarks in Wyoming found along the Oregon, Mormon, and Wyoming Historic Trails. While Independence Rock served as a symbol of progress, Devil's Gate was one of many formidable obstacles travelers faced before entering the vast expanse of the American West.
You can take a short, flat (but exposed) one-mile trail to check out Devil's Gate up close via the Devil's Gate Trail, which is typically accessed from the Martin’s Cove trail at the Mormon Handcart Visitors' Center. You can also see the formation from a distance.
Martin's Cove has its own history to share. We highly recommend visiting the Mormon Handcart Visitors' Center to get a comprehensive picture of this area!
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The BLM Devil’s Gate interpretive turnout off Highway 57 boasts spectacular, sweeping views of the Sweetwater Valley. And although you can't see the Gate from here, there is a paved interpretive trail that tells a vivid story of this well-traveled area through numerous interpretive panels and historical markers.
Today, the Devil’s Gate Trail sits as a convergence of trails and stands towering above the landscape as a living museum, inviting modern adventurers to retrace the steps of those who shaped the destiny of Wyoming and the American West. If you’ve ever explored the entire Oregon Historical Trail or one of Wyoming’s many other trails, we’d love to hear about your favorite stops and memories.
The Cowboy State is full of incredible rock formations, impressive canyons, and geologic wonders. For another larger-than-life natural wonder in Wyoming, the much-loved Steamboat Point is worth a day trip! While you’re in Dayton ogling this incredible natural wonder, rest easy at this cozy barndominium.
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