Red Canyon

Red Canyon is a gorge that cuts through Highway 28, exposing layered walls of brick-red sandstone, shale, and siltstone in tilted formations carved by water erosion. The walls reveal different rock ages stacked at angles, telling the story of ancient earth movements.

The canyon formed roughly 60 million years ago when uplift of the Wind River Range tilted ancient rock layers and water action carved through them. This slow carving exposed the geological layers we see today.

Shoshone and Arapaho peoples traveled through this canyon corridor for countless generations as a vital route between hunting grounds and seasonal camps. The passage shaped their knowledge of the land and remains part of their traditional geography.

The overlook sits roughly 24 miles south of Lander and can be visited in any season, though clear days offer the best views of the rock formations. Plan time to walk around the overlook and observe the landscape from different angles.

A working cattle ranch operated by the Nature Conservancy sits on the canyon floor, surrounded by public lands teeming with mule deer, pronghorn, and other wildlife. This blend of ranching and conservation on protected land is unusual.

Location: Wyoming

GPS coordinates: 42.67210,-108.65800

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:22