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- About the Red Hills - |
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The Red Hills of the Gros Ventre Mountains are
an exposed sandstone deposit that are leftover
from when the region was under a shallow sea,
roughly 50 million years ago. They form a
striking contrast with the green and gray slopes
of the surrounding peaks, and offer a unique
hiking experience in Wyoming. |
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In this blog post, I will share some tips and
insights on how to explore the Red Hills and the
nearby Lavender Hills, which are another
colorful geological feature of the area. You
will learn about the best trails, the wildlife,
the history and the scenery of this hidden gem. |
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The Red Hills are located east of Jackson Hole,
just outside the Grand Teton National Park
boundary. To reach them, you need to drive on
Gros Ventre Road, which is a scenic dirt road
that follows the Gros Ventre River. Along the
way, you will pass by several ranches,
campgrounds and historic sites, such as the
remains of a massive landslide that occurred in
1925. |
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The most popular trail to access the Red Hills
is a 3-mile round-trip hike that starts near the
Red Hills Ranch. The trailhead is not marked,
but you can find it by looking for a path and
some signs that prohibit motorized vehicles. The
trail climbs steadily through a small canyon,
where you can see red and orange sandstone
formations on both sides. The trail then turns
west and reaches a ridge that offers a stunning
view of the Lavender Hills, which are composed
of different layers of sediment from ancient
seas. The Lavender Hills have a purple hue that
contrasts with the reds and greens of the
landscape. |
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The trail ends at this viewpoint, but you can
continue along the ridge to explore more of the
area. You can also take a spur trail to the east
that leads to another viewpoint overlooking the
Crystal Creek and Gros Ventre River valleys.
From here, you can see the Wind River Mountains
in the distance. |
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The Red Hills and Lavender Hills are home to a
variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep,
elk, deer, bears, eagles and hawks. You might
also spot some reptiles and amphibians in the
sagebrush flats and wetlands. Be sure to respect
the wildlife and keep a safe distance from them.
Also, be aware of potential hazards such as
rattlesnakes, ticks and poison ivy. |
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The Red Hills and Lavender Hills are a great
destination for anyone who wants to experience a
different side of Wyoming. They offer a chance
to see some unique geology, history and ecology
in a remote and beautiful setting. If you are
looking for a short but rewarding hike with
amazing views, I highly recommend visiting this
area. |