Sheepeater Cliff In Yellowstone National Park
On our way to explore the Mammoth Springs area of Yellowstone National Park, we noticed a sign for Sheepeater Cliff and were intrigued by the name, so we decided to stop and take a look.
After a short drive, we arrived at a small parking lot and were greeted by this geological wonder.
Sheepeater Cliff is composed of columnar basalt, formed by lava flows around 500,000 years ago. This striking formation occurs when igneous rock cools rapidly and cracks into columns.
The cliff is named after the Tukudika, or Sheep Eaters, a group of Eastern Shoshone Indians who once lived in the mountain region.
I read that there’s an unmarked and unmaintained trail to the right of the cliff. If you navigate around a few fallen trees and rocks, you can hike alongside the Gardner River.
We saw a trail but didn’t explore it ourselves, so I can’t confirm this firsthand.
If you spot the sign for Sheepeater Cliff while driving, it’s worth stopping to check out this unique little site.
It won’t take long, and if you look closely, you might catch a glimpse of marmots playing among the fallen rocks.
There’s also a picnic area with five wheelchair-accessible tables, a trashcan, and a vault toilet.
The road to Sheepeater Cliff is located off Grand Loop Road near Indian Creek Campground (44.88802, -110.73258). Note that RVs, buses, and vehicles with trailers are not allowed on this road.
