Fort Phil Kearny Historic Site
Wyoming State Historic Site, National Historic Landmark and Interpretive Center
4.2 Mile Trail
_JPG.jpg)
New recreational opportunity has been added at Fort Phil Kearny! This decision was made with conservation and view shed preservation at the heart of design, and a philosophy of "preservation through access" in mind.
As we continue to work toward aiding our visitors in experiencing the dynamic and broad narrative that FPK has to offer, we added 4.2 miles of pedestrian and bike trail to guide visitors to the historic cemetery, Pilot Knob lookout, and west toward the 1864 Bozeman Trail. World-renowned trail design team Trail Solutions worked to created a trail that would provide the ultimate recreational experience without interfering with FPK's open space and largely undisturbed view shed. By adding access, we advocate for our cultural and historic site through education and valuable visitor experiences.
The trail launches from the FPK parking lot and travels southward offering three "loops" so that visitors can vary their return trips and explore the shade of Little Piney and the sagebrush of the Pilot Knob ridgeline. In the future, the trail will include interpretive signage.
.
UPDATE April 15, 2019
WEATHER and GROUND CONDITIONS PERMITTING
The trail is open for use - all access is through the main parking lot at the Interpretive Center. Dogs are allowed on leash, please clean up after them. Site fees do apply - $3/day for Wyoming Residents ages 18 and up, $5/day for Non-Residents ages 18 and up. Envelopes/fee canisters are available by the large sign over at the stockade entrance, or mounted on the south side of the interpretive center.
As of May 1, 2019 the Interpretive Center will be open for accepting payment of site fees between 8 am and 6 pm. Annual permits are also available: an annual resident permit costs $40 and covers the cost of the bearer and the occupants of their vehicle! Annual day use permits are available only to Wyoming Residents.
Our new trail was installed in the late fall of 2018 - we're still working on moving fence lines and installing water crossings. The trail accesses the top of Pilot Knob, via the Lower Corral of the Interpretive Stockade Reconstruction and across Little Piney Creek.
It is open to bicycles - but because of the remaining work to do, bicycles have to be lifted over/through existing fences at this time (this will be remedied this spring).