WY Walks with an Expert: Be a tourist in your own backyard

The University of Wyoming Extension’s WY Walks with an Expert program offers the opportunity to experience remarkable history, scientific wonders and hidden treasures. See below for the Bighorn Basin’s 2024 schedule and prepare to be a tourist in your own backyard.
The WY Walks with an Expert program promotes physical wellness, increased activity levels and community engagement. The walks are accessible to all at no charge.
Program benefits extend beyond physical activity. Participants report personal growth through educational experiences and enhanced community connections, which collectively contribute to the community’s overall vitality and well-being.
For history buffs, the adventures begin with a tour of Otto Franc’s historic Pitchfork Ranch near Meeteetse. Travel an hour outside Lovell for an outing to the Caroline Lockhart Ranch—a trailblazer from a century ago.
May 18 – Step into the Wild West: Exploring the Pitchfork Ranch with Ben Anson – Pitchfork Ranch headquarters at 10 a.m.
Sept. 7 – Lockhart Ranch Heritage: Wyoming’s Trailblazer Caroline Lockhart with Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Lead of Interpretation & Education Christy Fleming & Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s membership & historical archaeologist Hollie Gilbert
For outdoor explorers, celebrate National Get Outdoors Day by strolling along the petroglyphs at the Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site. Experience the morning light revealing ancient dinosaur tracks at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite near Greybull. Gain captivating geological insights on a hike near Sheep Mountain Anticline by Greybull.
May 25 – Hike with YouTube Geologist Myron Cook near Sheep Mountain Anticline – Greybull rest area on HWY 14/16/20 (2.7 miles west of Greybull) at 9 a.m. for the Spanish version, 10:30 a.m. for the English version
June 8 – Rock Art Tour with Petroglyph Expert & Park Superintendent Heather Jolley – Medicine Lodge Archaeologic Site near Hyattville at 10 a.m.
June 15 – Walk with the Dinosaurs and Dr. Erik Kvale – Red Gulch Road Dinosaur Tracksite at 9 a.m.
Falling under the category of small-town delights, participate in a fun scavenger hunt as part of the Big Horn County Fair edition of WY Walks, marvel at the Hot Springs historical and geological facts at the Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, accompany “Son of a Poacher” author Scott Werbelow on a relaxing evening walk in Otto and enjoy the vibrant fall colors with arborist Jason Byerley in Cowley.
July 31 –Scavenger Hunt County Fair Edition with UW Extension – Big Horn County Fairgrounds by office at 10 a.m.
Aug. 22 – Walk with “Son of a Poacher” author Scott Werbelow – Otto Ball Park at 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 31 –Heat and History: Exploring the Secrets, Science and Stories of the Hot Springs with Hot Springs State Park Superintendent Chris Delay – Washakie Shelter at 10 a.m.
Sept. 26 – A Walk through Autumn in Cowley’s Tree City USA with Arborist Jason Byerley – Cowley Park on Division at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the UW Extension office in Basin at (307) 568-4160 or bighornc@uwyo.edu.