Nestled along the banks of the Sweetwater River in central
Wyoming, the Martin’s Cove area—including Sun Ranch, Devil’s Gate and the
Mormon Handcart Visitor Center—is a tapestry of American pioneering history and
poignant human endurance.
Martin’s Cove: Sanctuary Amidst the Storm
In early November 1856, close to 600 emigrants of the Martin
Handcart Company—many women, children, and elderly—were trapped by brutal snow
and bitter winds in a rocky hollow now known as Martin’s Cove. They
endured five harrowing days while a rescue party from Salt Lake City forded the
river with supplies and wagons, providing shelter and food.
Today, this sacred site covers 933 acres and welcomes around
100,000 visitors annually. A dramatic loop trail (about 5 miles round‑trip)
allows guests to walk in the pioneers’ footsteps, complete with interpretive
signs, monuments, and a solemn monument dedicated by President Gordon B.
Hinckley in 1992. At the loop’s culmination lies the Visitors’ Center—housed in
the old Tom Sun ranch house—offering exhibits, artwork, artifacts, and an
introductory video. Service-minded missionaries and accessible handcarts bring
history to life.
Sun Ranch & Devil’s Gate: Echoes of the Trail
Adjacent to the cove, the Sun Ranch, established by
Tom Sun in 1872, is now a National Historic Landmark. Its preserved bunkhouse,
blacksmith shop, washhouse, and the "Peoples of the Sweetwater
Museum" offer tangible links to ranching life and earlier pioneer passage.
A short trail further leads to Devil’s Gate, a
striking natural gorge where the Sweetwater River cleaves through granite—a
landmark of significance for Oregon, California, and Mormon Trail travelers. This
geological marvel enhances both the narrative and the scenic beauty of the
journey.
Mormon Handcart Visitor Center: Bridging Past and Present
Also referred to as Devil’s Gate Visitor Center, this is the
heart of the historic site . Open daily (summer 9 AM–7 PM,
Sundays 2 PM–7 PM), it
offers free parking, restrooms, drinking water, a picnic area, and trails
leading out into history .
Visitors can borrow replica period handcarts from the center
and pull them along the initial 1.25-mile trail into the Coves—before leaving
them behind to continue on foot. Inside, you'll find exhibits focused on the
stories of the Martin, Willie, Hunt, and Hodgett companies, as well as trading
posts and even a reconstruction of Fort Seminoe where wagon goods were stored.
Why This Matters
Beyond its scenic allure, this trio of sites frames the
powerful, personal narratives of perseverance, sacrifice, and neighborly
compassion. It invites us not only to witness but also participate—be that via
reenacted handcart treks hosted by the LDS Church or simply traversing the
paths where pioneers once walked.
Travel Tips
- Timing:
A full experience takes 2–3 hours, with at least 2 hours for trail walking
.
- Trail
Tips: Use sturdy shoes and bring water; handcarts and docents assist
on portion of trails
- Amenities:
Parking is RV-friendly; restrooms and picnic spots are available.
- Accessibility:
The Visitors’ Center is wheelchair‑accessible; some trails (like Devil’s
Gate) are more rugged
Visiting Martin’s Cove, Sun Ranch, and the Mormon Handcart
Visitor Center is much more than a stop along the highway—it’s a deeply
immersive lesson in faith, resilience, and compassion. Whether you come to
reflect or to learn, these hallowed grounds stand ready to share their stories.
Contact Wild West Curations if you would like a guide
on how to get there from Casper or ideas for nearby historic sites and lodging!
*1st photo courtesy of google.com*
**All other photos taken and owned by Becky Taylor**
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