If you’re looking for a nice hike in Wyoming that you can take your kids on, visit the Red Beds Trail at Devil’s Tower for a scenic hike
I want to share on of our favorite hikes that is close to where we live! On Sunday earlier this week we took a last minute trip over to Devil’s Tower to have a little time outside and hike around a bit. We usually get the annual park pass each year so we can go many times without paying every time. It’s close to where we live and it’s a nice quick hike that the kids can handle.
The Red Beds Trail is a nice last-minute hike: it’s not too steep, it’s a nice distance for a quick family jaunt, and there are some beautiful views!
The trail started out being pretty nice, but about half the trail was overgrown with sweet clover (some of it was growing to 4 feet or higher). If you happen to have seasonal allergies, bring plenty of Benedryl or load up before you go!
The weeds normally aren’t this bad, but we have had quite a bit of rain in our area earlier this year and the weeds took off like crazy. It would be great if they could clear some of the weeds around the trail, but I know that is probably a tall order. Next time we will bring our machete 😉
We ran into one serious mosquito patch along the trail (my son got 6+ bites just on his neck and ears), so bug spray is good if you’re hiking at dusk. Our legs didn’t get attacked by the mosquitos just because the weeds were brushing our legs, so I guess that’s one good thing about the weeds!
A view of the North-West side of Devil’s Tower from the trail. We were passed by some people who were running the trail (this would make a nice 5K trail race), but I can’t imagine they ran the entire trail since the weeds were so thick in places.
Our favorite hiking essentials:
- Camelbak hydration pack (I’m not sure that the one I use is for sale anymore, mine is a small one that works perfect for short hikes and bike rides)
- Takeya water bottle
- SPI belt
- Natural bug repellent
How Red Beds Trail got it’s name
Cranky-pants caterpillar we found on the trail. I’m not sure what kind it is, but it had a sharp spine and got pretty mad when we touched it.
The best views are on the West and South sides of the trail
Right after the mosquitoes. Everyone took a break from itching to smile 😉
Check out other places to see and hiking in Wyoming, the Black Hills, and Montana:
- Garden Creek Falls, Casper, WY
- Crow Peak, Spearfish
- Ayres Natural Bridge
- Community Caves (Wildcat Caverns), Spearfish, SD
- The M Trail Missoula
- Devil’s Bathtub, Spearfish Canyon
- Crazy Horse Volksmarch
- Red Beds Trail, Devil’s Tower
- Trail End Museum, Sheridan
- Koltiska Pumpkin Patch, Sheridan
Sarah Jane Parker is the founder, recipe creator, and photographer behind The Fit Cookie. She’s a food allergy mom and healthy living blogger based in Wyoming. Sarah is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Certified Health Coach, Revolution Running certified running coach, and an ACE Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist
BEAUTIFUL!! Nature does lend itself to bugs & stuff! 😉
And it’s one of my favorite things to do: hike! I love getting outside and being in the fresh air and sunshine. I need to hike and trail run MORE! 🙂
Beautiful views! Even the cranky caterpillar 😉
It is such a nice hike, and so beautiful in the evening 🙂