Frequently Asked Questions about Trekking at the Wyoming Mormon Trail Sites

To make a reservation, return to the trekking webpage by clicking here.

If you don’t find the answer to your question, please contact the missionaries at martinscove.ts1@ChurchofJesusChrist.org or 307-328-2953.

Overview

In what months are treks allowed at the site?

End of May through mid-August. Trekking typically begins the Tuesday after Memorial Day and runs for 12 weeks.

What is the cost?

$15 per person, including all adult trekkers, leaders, staff members—even if they do not walk the trail. This fee is the same regardless of the length of the trek. The fee will be withdrawn from unit funds.

How many participants can be in one group?

The site accommodates groups up to 600 people. Groups will be divided into subgroups of 150 people for trekking at Martin’s Cove and Sixth Crossing. Groups will be divided into subgroups of 300 for trekking at Rocky Ridge. Each subgroup will start on the trail an hour apart. Some of the trek itineraries are not available for all group sizes.

How many handcarts are available?

The site will provide up to 15 handcarts for every trek of 150 people. It is recommended that 6-10 people be assigned per handcart.

Do missionaries accompany us on the trek?

Yes, two missionaries accompany each trek group on the trails. The missionaries set the pace for the group.

If you want missionaries to tell stories along the trail (either in addition to or instead of members of your own group preparing stories to share), please communicate this to the trek coordinators prior to your arrival.

How many medical people does each group need?

Each ward or stake must have two medical professionals for each trek. These must be licensed health care professionals. Medical doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses are top-tier candidates, especially if they have had emergency medicine exposure and experience. You might consider calling a trek medical coordinator to handle finding and securing medical assistance for your trek. Accepted licensed professionals include MD, DO, DDS, PA, NP, LPN, RN, EMT-P, and EMT. If a unit does not have the required licensed medical support two weeks prior to their trek, the Wyoming Mormon Trails Sites will cancel the group’s trek reservation.

A trek is defined as a group of 150 people. If a ward or stake is large, they will need to calculate how many separate treks their group will be divided into and provide two medical professionals for each trek. (Example: if a group has 450 participants, they will be divided into three treks and need six medical professionals.)

Scheduling

Who may schedule a trek?

Wards, stakes, families, and other groups.

How far in advance can treks be scheduled?

Requests for trek reservations are accepted beginning September 15 for the next summer.

How can I schedule a trek?

You will need to know three things to schedule a trek: (1) approximately how many people will be in your group, (2) which trek itinerary you prefer and itinerary you’d choose as a backup in case your preference is unavailable, and (3) three choices of dates for your trek. Once you have this information, request a trek reservation through an online form. Missionaries will review the request within a week and let you know if your trek can be scheduled. To make a request, go click here.

Itineraries

What are the itinerary options?

Trek itinerary options vary by group size. Click on the number of people in your group to view the itinerary options available for your group: 25-150151-300, 301-450, 451-600.

How long are the trek trails?

Martin’s Cove loop is 6 miles.
Sixth Crossing loop is 6 miles.
Rocky Ridge loop is approximately 10 miles.

Are the trails set routes, or is there flexibility for different schedules and routes?

Groups must stay on the designated trail routes.

Trek start times are assigned by the missionaries. Martin’s Cove and Sixth Crossing treks start at 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:00 a.m. Rocky Ridge treks leave Sage Creek at 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

What trek activities can be done at the site?

Martin’s Cove and Sixth Crossing have river crossings, which are available depending on weather conditions and water levels.

Martin’s Cove and Sixth Crossing have parts of the trail that are ideal for a young women’s or young men’s pull.

Campgrounds at Martin’s Cove and Sixth Crossing have areas for square dancing. You will need to request to reserve the square dancing when you request a trek reservation. Each group must provide their own music, sound equipment, and caller.

Many groups choose to stop at one of the amphitheaters in Rock Creek Hollow. Reservations for day use of these amphitheaters can be made at here.

Essentials

Is water available at the site?

All campgrounds have available drinking water. Groups are responsible for filling up water containers before trekking. There is limited drinking water on the trails. Groups should bring two five-gallon jugs for each handcart.

Are pit toilets or portable toilets available on the property?

Each campground has pit toilets, and the site stocks these with toilet paper. There are portable toilets along the trails.

The Rocky Ridge trail has only two toilet locations, which are several miles apart. Groups trekking at Rocky Ridge might choose to bring a garbage sack, bucket, and pop-up tent for emergency restroom needs along the trail.

How are trek groups to handle trash?

We are a “pack in, pack out” site. Groups must take their trash with them when they leave the site. You may dispose of your trash at a city dump in one of the Wyoming towns for a fee. Please do not leave trash at any service stations or roadside rest areas.

While trekking, we recommend each handcart have a garbage bag tied to it. We encourage “leave no trace” trekking and camping, which helps preserve these sites for other groups.

What is the fire protocol?

Open fires are only allowed in fire rings at the campsite. Groups may bring propane stoves for cooking. Dutch ovens may be used in fire rings or on appropriate stands. Regulations in the area may restrict fires due to weather conditions.

Is there electricity in the campgrounds?

No. Please contact the missionaries if you need to charge something during the day, such as medical devices. Generators and refrigerator trucks may run in the campground from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Is there a place for cooking?

There are no cooking facilities. However, there are designated areas for groups to set up as kitchen areas.

What is the group’s responsibility for cleaning?

The campground host will provide you with a cleaning checklist when you check in. Cleaning supplies are provided at the campgrounds. Before you check out on the last day, you will need to do a walk-through with the campground host. You are responsible for picking up all litter and cleaning restrooms and firepits.

Training

What training is provided to trek leaders?

All groups trekking over Rocky Ridge are required to take the National Historic Trails (NHT) training within 24 hours before they trek on that trail. This training will be provided at 7:00 p.m. in the Sixth Crossing Visitors’ Center the evening before each Rocky Ridge trek. Adult trek leaders (including either the “ma” or “pa” for each “family”) must attend this training.

There is a one-page medical informational sheet that we recommend each medical personnel read in preparation for accompanying a trek at this site.

There is no other onsite training required for trekking at Martin’s Cove or Sixth Crossing. It is recommended that you review Preparing to Trek at the Wyoming Mormon Trail Sites.  If you have questions, please contact the missionaries at martinscove.ts1@ChurchofJesusChrist.org or 307-328-2953.

Does the site have a specific handbook?

Yes. See Preparing to Trek at the Wyoming Mormon Trail Sites. The trek chairperson and ecclesiastical leader (if applicable) are both required to sign the last page of this book and email a copy of that page to martinscove.ts1@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Other

What vehicles are we required to have?

Groups trekking on Rocky Ridge must travel in buses and must provide a four-wheel drive, high-centered vehicle and driver for each trek. (One trek is up to 300 people.)

Each group trekking at Martin’s Cove and Sixth Crossing is required to have one medical vehicle for every trek. (One trek is up to 150 people).

Are recreational vehicles, tent trailers, campers, camp trailers, or semitrucks allowed at the trek campgrounds?

No. Leaders who want to stay in a tent trailer, camper, or camp trailer will need to make a personal reservation at a nearby campground, such as Ranch 66 (near Martin’s Cove) or River Camp (near Sixth Crossing).

Semitrucks and anything larger than two axles are not permitted, but enclosed utility trailers work well.

Are mountain bikes, horses, dogs, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, fishing equipment, drones, or ATVs allowed at the site?

No. The missionaries have ATVs to retrieve participants in emergency medical situations. No other ATVs are permitted on-site.

Can people be transported in the handcarts?

Only if a member of the medical team says it is necessary for medical reasons, and even then, only temporarily. If you have someone who wants to go on trek but is unable to walk the trails, there are a limited number of rickshaws available. (A rickshaw is a chair with two large wheels that is pulled like a handcart). If you have a special need, please request a rickshaw when you submit your trek request.

Where are the nearest medical facilities?

(60 miles from Martin’s Cove)
Wyoming Medical Center
1233 E 2nd St
Casper, Wyoming

(40 miles from Sixth Crossing)
Lander Regional Hospital
1320 Bishop Randall Dr
Lander, Wyoming

Can we use drones to take pictures?

No. The Church does not allow drones on Church-owned property due to safety issues. The Church’s agreement with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also does not permit drones to be used on BLM land.

Is there sound equipment available?

The missionaries will have a microphone and speaker that can be used on the trail. Groups must provide their own sound equipment for activities at the campgrounds or at the Rock Creek Hollow amphitheaters. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. Air horns, bugles, and similar items are not permitted.

Can we use water at the campground for washing hair and feet?

No. Water is for drinking, cooking, and washing hands only.

How much can we put on the handcart?

We recommend that you limit how much you carry in the handcarts. Make sure to have two five-gallon jugs of water, individual water bottles, and lunches. Some groups have taken tarps to sit on for the lunch break. Overloading the handcarts may damage them and create undue hardship for those pulling them.

Do we need to wear pioneer clothing for trek?

Pioneer clothing is not required. Whatever your group decides to wear, it is recommended that participants wear natural-fiber, lightweight clothing that cover the arms and legs to protect them from the sun and from bugs. Cotton, linen, and wool are best because they allow the skin to breathe. Synthetic fibers can cause the wearer to sweat more, which increases the chance of dehydration. Hats offer protection even if participants use sunscreen. Shoes should be closed toed and appropriate for walking several miles.

Do we need coats and rain gear in the middle of summer?

Yes. The weather in the area is unpredictable—a sunny day can easily turn to rain, hail, snow, or high winds.

Does the site rent handcarts for use at other locations?

No.

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