Oregon Trail Ruts

History has left its mark, carved into the stony hills just outside of Guernsey. The Oregon Trail was one of the primary routes used by emigrants heading westward across the American continent in the 1840s. Although many remnants of the trail can be seen in Wyoming, the Oregon Trail tracks here are notable because they were cut into solid rock. A short trail leads uphill to four-foot deep gouges cut by the wheels of thousands of wagons. There are a couple ways to the Ruts. 1) From the park the quickest way to the Ruts is to turn right (south) off of HWY 26 onto a gravel road locally called Rollins Rd.. This road is immediately west of the bridge crossing the North Platte River. Travel on this road for about 1/2 mile as it parallels the river. At this point turn right onto the OTR entrance drive. 2) The second way to get to the Ruts is to go into Town turning south on Wyoming St. Follow this street south through until you cross the North Platte River. Once you cross the river take your first right. Travel about 1/2 mile on this gravel roadway, Rollins Rd., and you will approach the Ruts from the east this time. Turn left onto the OTR driveway entrance.

Register Cliff, located two miles southeast of Guernsey provided travelers with a “chalkboard” where they placed their names.