Hell's Half Acre (Wyoming) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hell's Half Acre
Southwest view from Hell's Half Acre summit
Location	Natrona County, Wyoming
Area	320 acres (1.3 km2)
Governing body	Natrona County, Wyoming

Hell's Half Acre is a really cool natural area in Wyoming. It's about 40 miles (64 km) west of Casper, Wyoming. This unique place covers 320 acres (1.3 km2) and has deep ravines, interesting caves, and cool rock formations. The ground is also very hard and eroded.

What Makes Hell's Half Acre Unique?

Hell's Half Acre is known for its amazing geology. It's a large scarp, which means it's a steep slope or cliff. This area looks very different from the flat land around it. It's like a giant natural maze carved into the earth.

A Place with Many Names

Before it was called Hell's Half Acre, this spot had other names. Some people called it "The Devil's Kitchen" or "The Pits of Hades." Others thought it looked like a "Baby Grand Canyon." The name "Hell's Half Acre" stuck after a cowboy visited and thought it was similar to another area with that name, known for its tough, boggy land.

Featured in Movies

You might have seen Hell's Half Acre without even knowing it! This unique landscape was used as a filming location for the movie Starship Troopers. In the film, it became the fictional planet of Klendathu.

History and Use of the Area

Hell's Half Acre has a long history, especially with Native American tribes.

Native American Hunting Grounds

Long ago, Native American tribes used the deep ravines of Hell's Half Acre for hunting. They would use a method called a Buffalo jump. This involved guiding large herds of bison (buffalo) towards the cliffs. The bison would then fall into the ravines, making it easier for the tribes to hunt them for food and resources.

Visiting Hell's Half Acre Today

For many years, there was a small restaurant and motel at Hell's Half Acre. However, these were closed down in 2005 because not many people were visiting anymore. The buildings were later taken down.

Current Access and Safety

Today, the area around the cliff edge and the valley itself is fenced off. This is for safety, as the cliffs can be dangerous. There isn't public access directly to the edge. However, you can still get a good view! There's an interpretive sign west of where the old restaurant used to be. As of 2021, some gates in the fence were open, letting cars get closer to a gravel parking lot. From there, you can get a better look at the amazing landscape.

Images for kids

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  The sign on the restaurant formerly located at Hell's Half Acre.

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  A vertical formation just off the overlook.

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  A cave formation in Hell's Half Acre.

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  Interpretive sign marking Hell's Half Acre.

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  Wind River Formation exposed at Hell's Half Acre