Hell Canyon Trailhead

Facility · Wyoming ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Jewel Cave National Monument (National Monument) · Open Access

5,296 ft
Elevation

From Custer, the Hell Canyon Trailhead is approximately 11 miles west on Highway 16. This trail is maintained for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. No motorized use is allowed. The 1/2 of mile of trail climbs at a steep pace with one switchback until you top out on the limestone crest. This trail follows a bench below limestone cliffs and provides outstanding views of Hell Canyon and the surrounding area. The last 2 miles follows a two-track road along the bottom of Hell Canyon drainage.

Getting there

43.73800, -103.84600 · 43°44'16.8"N 103°50'45.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 85°F in Jul, down to 36°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F363747556576858474594536
Low °F111323304151585646322112
Precip in0.40.60.81.72.93.32.91.71.21.20.50.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Hell Canyon Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Hell Canyon Trailhead?
No. Hell Canyon Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Hell Canyon Trailhead

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.