Work begins to improve Gooseberry Badlands Trail

Improvements to the Bureau of Land Management-administered Gooseberry Badlands Scenic Overlook Trail west of Worland will begin in July and continue into the fall. The site will remain open throughout the project, but sections of the trail will close temporarily while under construction. 

 The project, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, will improve public access to the Gooseberry Badlands, including improved access for people with disabilities. 

 “Visitation to the Gooseberry Badlands has steadily increased over the past few years, so the GAOA funding is good timing,” said BLM Worland Field Manager Mike Phillips. “I think people will enjoy the safer, more sustainable trail when the work is complete, and we’ll be able to more easily maintain it in the future.”  

 The project will stabilize the existing natural trail; reroute sections of trail to address drainage and erosion concerns; repair the existing boardwalk; and replace culverts. A notable result of the project is that the parking lot, upper trail and boardwalk will be accessible to people with disabilities. Other improvements will include sheltered picnic areas, benches and interpretive signage. 

 The Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law in 2020, provides major investments to address deferred maintenance needs, increase recreational access to public lands and improve the conservation of our lands and waters. 

 For more information, please contact the BLM Worland Field Office at (307) 347-5100.