Crookston Ranch Cultural Site

Crookston Ranch is an 1880s homestead, located on the banks of Nitchie Creek. The ranch was homesteaded by Joseph Crookston, who came to Sweetwater County from Illinois as a young boy. After spending a few years as a laborer in Rock Springs, he started the ranch in 1887 at 22 years old. Joseph lived and worked at Crookston Ranch for 28 years until his death in 1915. He never married but lived and worked with his ranch hand, Frank Baker. History claims Butch Cassidy would use the Crookston Ranch to rest and re-horse when on the run from the Federal Marshals.

The site is located on publicly managed land due to an error in the filing of homestead papers. The associated spring is fed by ice cells in the adjacent sand dunes.

CROOKSTON RANCH PHOTOS

Crookston Ranch

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

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 see the BLM's trip-planning tips. 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.

 

 

Phone

Addresses

280 Highway 191 North
Rock Springs
Wyoming
82901

Geographic Coordinates

41.956601, -109.082414

Directions

Take State Highway 191 north to mile marker 10. Head East on County Road 4-17 22 miles to BLM 4115. Go West on BLM 4115 two miles to the Crookston Ranch Access route. Keep east at the fork, 1 mile to the site.

Fees

No fees.