South Bighorn / Red Wall is 13 miles northwest of Casper in central Wyoming. The 101-mile byway follows a series of Natrona County Roads that are a combination gravel and dirt roads. Although the roads are well maintained, a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The byway is usually open May through November; portions may become impassable after periods of rain.
The byway takes visitors across sage-covered plains to lush open pastures of the southern Bighorn Mountains. Portions of the byway follow the original path taken by early livestock pioneers. They would use the trail to move cattle and sheep to the higher mountain pastures during summer. A monument stands in recognition of these early pioneers. Elk and mule deer are likely to be seen in these high mountain pastures.
Byway travelers are also treated to scenic views of the Bighorn Mountains rising to the north. As you descend from the higher elevations, you’ll be traveling alongside a portion of the Red Wall. North of here is Hole-in-the-Wall and Outlaw Cave where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid once hid out. If you decide you would like to hide out also, you’ll find two BLM campgrounds with several sites. Picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets are provided but there is no drinking water.
Roughlock Hill sits 6,200 feet above sea level and provides scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Here pioneers would lock their wagon wheels with thick branches and skid down the steep rocky slope. If you look closely, you may see the evidence left behind.