Dubois Badlands
Kingfisher Rd
Dubois, WY
Bands of red and tan clay eroded into ridges and benches, on public land you can walk right into from the edge of Dubois.
Most people know Dubois for its mountains and its rivers, so the Dubois Badlands come as a surprise. Right at the eastern edge of town, the land drops into a maze of red and tan hills, ridges, and benches, carved by wind and water out of soft, colorful rock. It is a small pocket of the kind of eroded, painted-desert scenery you might expect much farther south, tucked into a valley otherwise framed by pine and snow-capped peaks.
The whole tract is public land, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as a wilderness study area, which means it has been kept undeveloped and open for people to explore on foot. There are no fees and no crowds. A short walk from the edge of town leads you into a quiet landscape of banded rock and big views, an easy adventure that most travelers drive right past without knowing it is there.
What Guests Love
- Bright bands of red and tan rock eroded into an unexpected badlands landscape
- Short, easy-to-reach trails that leave from the edge of town
- Wide-open views across the Wind River valley to the surrounding mountains
- The quiet and the light, which turn warm and glowing in the early morning and evening
Worth Knowing
- The main way in is a trail from the intersection of Kingfisher Road and Mason Drive, just east of Dubois, where you park and walk in through a gate
- There is almost no shade once the sun is up, so bring water and sun protection and go early on hot days
- The soils and plants here are fragile, so stay on the main trails and avoid trampling the crusty ground between them
- There is no water and there are no services on the land, so carry everything you need and download a map, since side paths can be confusing
Details
Dubois, WY
Learn about Dubois Badlands
A pocket of painted badlands
The Dubois Badlands cover a few thousand acres of eroded hills and flat-topped benches on the north side of the Wind River. Over long stretches of time, water and wind have cut into layers of soft sedimentary rock and clay, exposing bands of red, rust, and tan that stripe the hillsides. The result is a landscape of narrow ridges, small canyons, and intricate drainages, all packed into a surprisingly compact area.
Because the rock is soft and colorful, the badlands change with the light. In the low sun of early morning or late afternoon the reds deepen and the whole hillside seems to glow, which is why photographers love this spot. It is a striking contrast to the green valley and the high, often snowy mountains that rise all around, and it makes the badlands feel like a hidden little world of their own.
Walking the badlands
The easiest way in is a trail that begins near the corner of Kingfisher Road and Mason Drive, just east of Dubois. You park, pass through a gate, and follow the path as it climbs among the ridges and benches, opening up wide views across the Wind River valley toward the mountains. A common loop runs a few miles with only modest climbing, so it fits into a half day and suits most walkers who are comfortable on uneven ground.
One thing to know before you go: the ground here is delicate. The soils form a fragile crust, and rare plants grow between the trails, so it matters to stay on the main path rather than cutting across open ground. Several unofficial side trails branch off and can be confusing, so it helps to download a map ahead of time. There is no shade and no water, so carry plenty and time your walk for the cooler, prettier ends of the day.
Visiting the Dubois Badlands
The badlands are one of the easiest gems to reach anywhere in Wind River Country, since they sit right at the edge of Dubois. From town, it is a short drive to the main entrance on Kingfisher Road, where a gate and parking mark the start of the trail. That closeness makes this a perfect stop to stretch your legs on a travel day, or to catch sunrise or sunset without a long drive.
Plan for a warm-season visit, since the trails are exposed and can be muddy or snowy in the colder months. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes, and treat the fragile ground gently as you go. Give yourself an hour or two to wander the ridges, take in the banded rock and the valley views, and enjoy the quiet of a landscape most travelers never realize is hiding at the edge of town.
Closest Boutels
The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is an independently owned, editorially selected place to stay.
Things to Do Near Dubois
Dubois
About 2 miles
The small Western town at the foot of the badlands, the gateway to the trail and the nearest place for fuel, food, and lodging.
Whiskey Basin
About 5 miles
A public wildlife area southeast of town holding one of the world's largest bighorn sheep herds and ancient Sheepeater rock art.
Brooks Lake
About 25 miles
A clear high mountain lake northwest of Dubois, set below the rock spires of the Pinnacle Buttes in Shoshone National Forest.
Togwotee Pass
About 30 miles
The high mountain crossing toward Jackson Hole, with sweeping views of the Absaroka and Teton country.