About Red Hills
 
 
 
- About the Red Hills -
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.