After leaving Willow Springs, emigrants toiled up the 400-foot ascent of Prospect/Ryan Hill along a sharply crested ridge. The name "Prospect Hill" may have originated with William Clayton, who described it in his 1848 guidebook, Prospect Hill (Summit). "Pleasant view of the surrounding country to the Sweet water mountains." the name was also acknowledged by J. Goldsborough Bruff in his diary in 1849,
In one mile from the last camp (Willow Spring) we ascended a high hill, from the summit of which is a grand prospect of the surrounding country, and hence it is named 'Prospect Hill...
This is an improved dirt road that is travelable by passenger car; however, caution should be used when the weather is or has been bad recently before you attempt to travel this road. This road is about 40-45 miles long and will take you to Poison Spider Road which will take you to Casper. As you travel along this road, you will be able to see parts of the Oregon Trail where the wagons of long ago made their mark. Also, you will also see about four foot tall white fiberglass stakes that were placed along the actual Oregon Trail. Much of this area besides a few homes, roads, and power lines have remained unchanged since the days of westward expansion. Enjoy your travel in time, the Wyoming scenery, and of course the hunt for geocaches. :)
Information provided in part by the Natrona County Historical Preservation - http://www.nchistorical.info/index.html