Forty miles west of Casper (US 20/26) you will find Hell’s Half Acre. It’s actually 320 acres of deep ravines, rock formations, and eroded earth. The earth is relatively flat until you approach this area. It will have you saying “wow!”
The Indians drove herds of buffalo into this area for slaughter. Arrowheads and buffalo bones have been found here.
The location had several names before it was labeled Hell’s Half Acre. It was also known as “The Devil’s Kitchen”, “The Pits of Hades”, and “The Baby Grand Canyon.” A lost cowhand found it and thought he was at Hell’s Half Acre, an area southwest of Casper full of alkali and bogs.
The 1997 Starship Troopers was filmed here. This area was the fictional planet Klendathu.
It was nominated for an Academy Award for best visual effects in 1998.
Hello,
the potos look great. Is it still possible to see all this as the area is all fenced off? We are planning to go to Wyoming next year in the summer and it would be great to see all this.
Thanks for your help,
Kristin
Hi Kristin! The area is all fenced off, but you are still able to view all the very cool landscape and views that Hell’s Half Acre has to offer. It is definitely worthwhile to check out. I hope you enjoy your visit to Wyoming next summer. Thanks you, Kristina.
Hi, we are considering going to Hell’s Half Acre during our trip to Yellowstone. Is there a viewing platform, boardwalk, etc? Is there anything else to do in this area, hiking trails, history, etc? In your opinion, how long should we plan to spend at Hell’s Half Acre?
Thanks & loved looking at your pictures!
Kathy (Alabama)
Hi Kathy! I am thrilled to hear that you will be making the trek to Yellowstone. You definitely will not be disappointed. I am not sure what time of year you will be visiting Wyoming, but most places are accessible most of the year. The landscape of Hell’s Half Acre is so unique that is is worth the one hour drive from Casper. Unfortunately, there are no buildings or sidewalks. There is also a chain link fence that surrounds the area. Having said that, you can walk around and take in the great views. I would plan on staying there maybe an hour or so. Depending on how long you plan on staying in the Casper area, there is the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, Fort Caspar Museum, and the Tate Geological Museum. About an hour, heading in another direction, you can see Independence Rock! If you are feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top. Also, Casper sits at the base of Casper Mountain. It’s a very scenic drive. I have a few blog topics that highlight some of the scenic areas in and around Casper. Here is a link to the Casper Visitors Bureau http://www.casperwyoming.info/ . I hope you enjoy your vacation in Wyoming!
HELLO,I HAVE BEEN TO HELL,S HALF ACRE TWICE I LOVED
IT,,IT WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE,I WOLD LOVE TO GO BACK!!!!!!!!
That is very beautiful and interesting.
We’re headed this way tomorrow. Wondering why it’s fenced off and not accessible? I’m sure many people would LOVE to explore this landscape. Why is it fenced off? Does anyone know??
it is Fenced for a Reason…..
you wouldnt want to fall in !