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Warm Springs.
Courtesy of the National Park Service, Long-Distance Trails Office, Salt Lake City, UT. |
Wagon trains heading west found these springs a convenient one-day's travel twelve miles beyond Fort Laramie. There were two main routes from the fort and emigrants traveling either route could utilize this campground. Though well-known to early mountaineers trapping local streaks, Warm Springs was first described by John C. Fremont who stopped here on July 21, 1842.
Sometimes called the "Big Springs" by emigrants, Warm Springs is best known in Wyoming folklore as "The Emigrants' Laundry Tub." This later term can be confirmed by at least one account, that of Pusey Graves, who camped nearby on June 24, 1850. He wrote, "After I finished my letter to send back to the Ft. I proceeded to the spring a distance of 1 1/2 miles with my bucket of dirty clothes."
Early settlers found this area littered with wagon train debris and many graves. Of the graves, only one remains to be seen today. It is located across the draw southwest of here.
Comments
One of the most famous Oregon Trail springs is still flowing strongly, just as in trail days. Warm Springs Canyon is in nearly pristine condition, little changed since the covered wagon era.
Location
Southwest of Guernsey, Platte County, Wyoming. SW1/4, Sec. 4, T26N, R66W.
Ownership
Charles Frederick, Guernsey, WY 82214. 307.836.2456
Access
Permission is required to visit the site. The Frederick family, who owns the property, welcomes responsible visitors, but asks that the site be left as it is found. Permission may also be required to cross National Guard property bordering Warm Springs Canyon.
Directions
From the eastern edge of Guernsey, cross the river bridge. Turn left on the first road across the river. Approximately 3/4 mile south, turn to the right. Proceed over the hill and then down into a wash, 1 mile. Continue west on a gravel road. Bear to the left at the intersections with dirt roads and proceed about 2 miles to a gate marked: "Private Property. No Motorized Vehicles." The springs are about 1/4 mile beyond this gate. Hike from this point. Close the gate when entering and leaving.
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