Hell's Half Acre
4.5(84)google
FilmQuirkyRock FormationScenic Lookout
Overview
Hell's Half Acre is a spectacular, jagged 320-acre canyon landscape located in the high plains of Wyoming, featuring a surreal maze of deep ravines, volcanic basalt rock spires, and stark clay badlands formations. Formed over millions of years of intense water and wind erosion, this dramatic geological depression was historically used by Native American tribes to drive buffalo herds over the steep cliffs during hunts, and later served as a futuristic alien planet filming location in the Hollywood movie 'Starship Troopers', capturing travelers' imaginations.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 30-60 minutes
Best TimeLate afternoon to sunset from May to October is prime time. The setting sun sets the rugged ravines and eroded spires ablaze with eerie red hues, perfectly capturing the alien landscape that famously served as a filming location for Starship Troopers.
Getting ThereSituated roughly 40 miles west of Casper right off US Highway 20/26. The unique badlands gorge is fully visible from a large highway scenic pullout. While the interior canyon floors are fenced off for safety, the roadside overlook provides excellent views and parking.
Travel Tips
- The geological site is currently fenced off and fully closed to the public for safety and preservation; descending into the canyon bottom for hiking or photography is highly illegal. Visitors must remain strictly behind the designated chain-link perimeter overlooks.
- Located right off US-20/26, the turnout lacks giant commercial signs and is easy to bypass at highway speeds; decelerate early 40 miles west of Casper. Roadside gravel pullouts are poorly plowed in winter; avoid steering onto soft, un-compacted deep snow drifts.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The cliff-edge overlook is entirely unsheltered, facing intense prairie wind shear with zero modern restroom structures. The premier photographic window is sunrise, where low-angled rays carve high-contrast cast shadows across the colorful badland spires.
Reviews
Positive
- A massive badland ravine hidden below the plains; the jagged black rock spires look like a sci-fi extraterrestrial landscape.
- It was the filming location for the bug planet in the sci-fi cult classic Starship Troopers, a sentimental must-visit for movie fans.
- The overlook is right off Highway 20, equipped with a wide free viewing platform and safety railings, highly convenient for a 20-minute stop.
- It lacks the noise of surging tourist crowds, preserving its raw, desolate, and decaying beauty—a highly unique off-the-beaten-path vista.
Heads up
- Currently, for safety and ecology preservation, the canyon core is fenced off; visitors can only view from the platform and cannot hike down.
- The once-bustling roadside motel and visitor center are long abandoned; the site looks run-down with zero usable restroom amenities.
- Aside from taking photos at the fence, there are zero extended hiking trails; driving a long distance just for this might feel underwhelming.
- The roadside signs are somewhat obscure, making it easy to zip past on the highway, and there are no food stops for dozens of miles.