Rock Creek Hollow Campground

Lander, Wyoming

About

Rock Creek Hollow: Mormon Trail Site, located about 38 miles (61 kilometers) south of Lander, Wyoming, is the place where the Willie handcart company sheltered after the difficult ascent of Rocky Ridge during a severe snowstorm in the fall of 1856. In the 1850s, Rock Creek Hollow was a well-used campsite west of Rocky Ridge, a challenging segment of the Oregon-Mormon-California Trail that climbs 600 feet (180 meters) over a distance of about 3 miles (5 kilometers). The site features a memorial honoring the Willie handcart company’s faith and sacrifice. During the summer months, missionaries greet visitors at Rock Creek Hollow and share stories related to the Willie handcart company’s crossing of Rocky Ridge. Also during the summer season, Latter-day Saints participate in trek reenactments at this site. The company buried 15 members before leaving their camp on October 25. Rescue parties helped the survivors travel the remaining 266 miles (428 kilometers) through South Pass on the Continental Divide to their destination in Salt Lake City. Arriving by November 9, they received donated provisions from local Relief Society organizations and were placed in warm homes.

Amenities

Available Site Types

• Tent Sites

Local Attractions

• Rocky Ridge
• Sixth Crossing
• Martin’s Cove
• Sweetwater River
• Continental Divide
• South Pass
• Salt Lake City