Bessemer Bend

The distinctive Red Buttes stand above Bessemer Bend, the last fording site of the North Platte River on the Oregon Trail. This river, which the emigrants had followed for hundreds of miles, now turned to the south and became impassable. Toll ferries and bridges downstream of the Bend were established after 1847, but emigrants, including the handcart companies of 1856, who did not want to pay the tolls, used Bessemer Bend as a low-water crossing.

There is a BLM interpretive site at the crossing. This site has a parking area, picnic tables, a vault toilet and an interpretive trail. It is a non-fee area and is ADA accessible.

BESSEMER BEND PHOTOS

Bessemer Bend

BLM WYOMING KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The BLM welcomes you to explore, enjoy, and make positive memories from your outdoor experiences on America's public lands and waters. Please remember these are wide-open spaces and wildlands. Plan ahead and be aware of potential hazards. It is everyone's responsibility to take the necessary steps to minimize chances of becoming lost or injured on public lands.

When visiting public lands, please also practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles.

For other key advice on various recreation activities, please visit the BLM's trip-planning tips page. These helpful tips can help you make the most of your recreation experience. However, for more information about local conditions, regulations and recreation resources, there is no substitute for visiting the closest BLM office.

 

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Phone

307-261-7600

Email

casper_Wymail@blm.gov

Geographic Coordinates

42.773284, -106.531194

Directions

Travel 8.1 miles south of Casper from CY Ave./Wyoming Blvd. intersection on WYO-220, turn right and take the Bessemer Bend Road west for 2.1 miles to the bridge.