Finding a Hidden Gem

Saturday the 19th of February, we as a family drove to Rawlins, Wyoming. The intended point of such a drive was for me to visit my brother. Something that I must do without Kevin and the kids. Which left Kevin alone in a Dingy old Wyoming town, with nothing to do. However for Kevin the explorer, this was not a daunting task. After he dropped me off for my visit he returned to the hotel to ask about local attractions,  unfortunately the Lady at the Front Desk seemed unaware of any fun activities to do in Rawlins. Kevin then did the only thing he could do, he set out with the kids loaded up and drove around town to see what options he had. After he spent some time driving around the town he hit the highway and continued east. Seeing a very familiar brown sign, he took an off ramp and found what could only be described as a gem.  To get to this scenic by-way from I-80 look for a brown Park Service Sign that tells you how to get there. Heading From Rawlins towards Cheyenne it is exit 215.

Kevin took this road and followed it around until it dead ended at a parking area, with a play ground and access to the lake which had quite a few Ice Fishermen in attendance. On the way they saw many Golden Eagles and Antelope just as promised by the information sign. One Golden eagle flew so close to the van it's talons scraped the roof as it flew by.


At the playground, Kevin, the kids and our four legged friend Jazzy poured out of the van for a bit of fresh air and enjoyment. After an hour or so they loaded back up and went to town for lunch.

Out of No Where the Killpecker sand dune emerges,
when heading north
keep an eye to the left side of the road.
pay close attention as it disappears as quickly as it appears.

Kevin was so amazed at this off the beaten path gem, that after my visit was done he absolutely insisted on showing me. The second time, we didn't go all the way to the play ground but we did see the sand dune and quite a bit of antelope, no golden eagles. The drive its self is beautiful and remarkable compared to the bleak landscapes viewable from the highway. We vowed to return this summer and follow the road through to the end!

The Odd and Unique Shoshone Lake

One of the many Golden Eagles that call this gem home.

A few of the many antelope residing in Wyoming.