Nature Trails and Scavenger Hunt at The Brinton Museum
Explore the natural beauty of the Quarter Circle A Ranch through our nature trails and the interactive Hunt for the Horned Toad. These activities provide unique ways to experience the museum grounds while learning about the area’s wildlife and history.
General Information
Trails are open during museum hours in the late spring, summer, and early fall. Please check in at the front desk in the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Building for maps and updates. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails to protect sensitive habitats and prevent erosion. Dogs, mountain biking, and motorized vehicles are not permitted.
Please call ahead to check trail conditions and check-in at the museum front desk located in the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Building before hiking the trails.
Hunt for the Horned Toad
The Hunt for the Horned Toad is an interactive scavenger hunt on the Quarter Circle A Ranch. This activity features ten bronze sculptures of a horned toad by artist Tony Hochstetler. Nine sculptures are hidden on the museum grounds, and the tenth is located in downtown Sheridan, Wyoming.
Visitors can pick up a Hunt for the Horned Toad Map at the Information Desk. To complete the scavenger hunt, locate each sculpture and record its name on the map. The map and logo for the hunt were designed by Red Lodge, MT artist John Potter.
Brinton Nature Trail
The Brinton Nature Trail is an easy, 0.7-mile walking path that begins at the museum parking lot, follows the driveway under a canopy of cottonwood trees, and continues east toward Trabing Creek. The trail is a mowed grassy path with interpretive signage describing the local wildlife and ecosystems.
This trail is ideal for visitors of all ages and fitness levels, offering a peaceful way to experience the natural beauty of the ranch.
Quarter Circle A Nature Trail
The Quarter Circle A Nature Trail is a 2.4-mile primitive hiking trail that begins across the Little Goose Creek bridge and travels through upland prairie, mountain foothills, and riparian habitat. This trail offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, and visitors may see deer, marmots, reptiles, amphibians, and various bird species.
The Brinton Museum, in partnership with the Bighorn Audubon Society and Audubon Rockies, has designated 620 acres of the Quarter Circle A Ranch as an Important Bird Area (IBA) to protect local bird populations.
The trail is of moderate difficulty and features an underdeveloped, narrow game path. Sturdy footwear and binoculars are recommended for an enjoyable experience.
