🌤 Weather at Register Cliff by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–69 °F | 53–89 °F | 23–78 °F | 14–41 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Guernsey 2NW, 3 mi away, elevation 4,480 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Trail Registry — 100-foot sandstone cliff where Oregon Trail emigrants carved their names — the “Register of the Desert” with inscriptions from the 1840s–1860s
Register Cliff is a 100-foot sandstone cliff near Guernsey where Oregon Trail emigrants carved their names, dates, and messages — known as the “Register of the Desert.” Thousands of inscriptions survive from the 1840s through the 1860s — a remarkable historical record of the greatest mass migration in American history. Register Cliff was a popular campsite because of nearby springs and its location — about a day’s travel from Fort Laramie. Emigrants had traveled roughly 600 miles from their Missouri River jumping-off points by the time they reached Register Cliff.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Guernsey, Platte County, WY |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Height | 100-foot cliff! |
| Names | Thousands from 1840s–1860s! |
About Register Cliff
Register Cliff near Guernsey is a sandstone cliff face where Oregon Trail emigrants carved their names from the 1840s through 1860s — creating an “autograph album” of the westward migration. Unlike Names Hill’s fur-trade inscriptions, Register Cliff records primarily the emigrant families traveling to Oregon and California. Thousands of legible names, dates, and messages survive — some from people who didn’t survive the 2,170-mile journey.
Things to Do
Reading thousands of 1840s-1860s emigrant inscriptions, photographing the carved names and dates, visiting nearby Oregon Trail Ruts (2 miles away), and connecting with the human stories of westward migration.
Insider Tips
Oregon Trail register: Register Cliff is one of the most important pioneer inscription sites on the Oregon Trail — thousands of emigrants carved their names into the soft limestone. Pro tip: The cliff was a natural campsite — emigrants rested here after crossing the difficult North Platte River. Time capsule: The inscriptions are a census of westward migration — names, dates, and hometowns from the 1840s-1860s.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Best access and lighting. Fall: Quiet contemplation. Year-round: Always accessible. Spring: Green Platte Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still read the inscriptions?
Yes — many inscriptions from the 1840s-1860s remain legible. Names, dates, and origins are carved into the soft limestone. Some sections have been damaged by weathering and vandalism. The cliff is protected as a National Historic Landmark. Researchers have documented thousands of individual inscriptions — cross-referencing them with emigrant diaries and census records to trace individual families’ journeys west.
More parks nearby: Oregon Trail Ruts is a short drive away, while Guernsey State Park lies a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Wyoming state parks online at reserve.wyoming.gov.
Wildlife & Nature
Register Cliff — a 100-foot sandstone cliff where Oregon Trail emigrants carved their names beginning in the 1840s. Hundreds of names remain legible. The cliff’s North Platte River, sandstone, and sagebrush support pronghorn and raptors.
Nearby Attractions
Guernsey — adjacent. Oregon Trail Ruts — 3 miles north. North Platte River — at the site.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Register Cliff
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Wyoming state parks, historic sites and recreation areas, but must be in a vehicle or on a leash whenever outside a camping unit.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 10 feet, physically controlled at all times (statewide rule)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in public buildings, eating places and food stores; no statewide pet-lodging policy published
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Guide dogs are exempt; hunting dogs allowed where hunting is permitted; pets may not be left unattended longer than one hour; pets are prohibited in the reservoirs at Curt Gowdy State Park
Are dogs allowed at Register Cliff?
Pets are welcome in Wyoming state parks, historic sites and recreation areas, but must be in a vehicle or on a leash whenever outside a camping unit. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via wyoparks.wyo.gov. More: Wyoming state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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