At certain angles, Green River can be seen through a local landmark known as Mansface Hill – an outcropping of rock that looks similar to a man’s profile face and thus its name. Residents have even dedicated housing developments, strip malls, and liquor stores after this iconic hill.
Geologists from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) monitor these areas for rockslides that could affect traffic on state highways. In addition, they look out for any signs that indicate potential problems that require further monitoring or treatment.
Castle Gardens
Castle Gardens Sandstone Formation is an extraordinary archaeological site. Here, the wind has eroded it into whimsical forms resembling castle turrets and towers. Additionally, this archaeological site holds an array of Native American “rock art,” known as petroglyphs etched into the sandstone by Native Americans using pigments that still leave visible traces today – warriors carrying shields as well as figures such as Great Turtle Shield Petroglyph, which was cut out of rock in 1940 can all be found here!
Castle Gardens offers visitors a chance to see pronghorn antelope, mule deer, prairie dogs, birds, and mammals that call this region home, as well as numerous plants native to this region.
Castle Gardens Petroglyphs should be an essential stop for anyone interested in the history and culture of its people who once resided there. For best viewing conditions, plan a visit during summer when temperatures are warm and dry – car access may be available, but be wary that some roads may require clearance modifications from low-clearance vehicles.
Vedauwoo
Vedauwoo (meaning Land of Earth Born Spirits in Arapaho), located within Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, is an intriguing mixture of geological artistry and biological wonder. Dotted with boulders made of Sherman granite, Vedauwoo attracts rock climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, picnickers, and rock climbers – as well as being easy to navigate for all. Offering plenty of outdoor adventure for the whole family to enjoy.
Climbers come to Vedauwoo during spring, summer, and fall to test their skills on some of the most challenging trad lines in the Rocky Mountains. Flaring cracks and bruised knees are familiar sights to veterans of climbing. Popular routes in Vedauwoo include Edward’s Crack (5.7), Walt’s Wall (5.8+), and Mother #1 (5.13).
Turtle Rock Trail, at 2.8 miles in circumference, is one of the most beloved trails in the area and can become extremely busy on weekends during spring, summer, and fall. On weekdays, however, it is much quieter, with more remote areas being accessible off-trail. Visitors may also admire its natural theater, which is formed from granite.
Register Cliff
Register Cliff is a famous historic campsite where travelers on the Oregon Trail carved their names into soft sandstone to signify their passage across this continent. Today, these names remain legible despite erosion from wind and water damage; some date back as far as 1829!
Emigrants used Register Cliff as a respite from overland travel. Here, they could rest their livestock, pasture new stock, and recover from an arduous overland journey, leaving behind inscribed names as a testament to their passing through this pristine and isolated landscape; most were made during peak travel years 1840s-1850s.
This sandstone cliff is home to various animals, such as American cliff swallows and mule deer. Situated near Guernsey, the location was once home to Charles Guernsey Ranch that served as a Pony Express stop from April 1860 until October 1861 – its namesake cattleman, Charles Guernsey, operated his ranch until 1926 before selling it off to Henry Frederick, who donated it back to the state in 1932; today this land is managed by Guernsey State Park.
Independence Rock
Independence Rock, an impressive Wyoming historical landmark, features a monolith etched with the names of pioneers who journeyed west. Situated near the base of the Granite Mountains in central Wyoming and rising 130 feet, Independence Rock provides an invaluable opportunity to learn about Oregon Trail history as well as other pioneer trails.
This remarkable rock was once a gathering place for Native American tribes and later served as a landmark along Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express trails. The incredible history depicted by its inscriptions tells an astonishing tale of America’s westward expansion as thousands traveled this road toward new lives.
The rock is easy to locate and makes an excellent stop along a Wyoming road trip. Located at a rest area on Highway 220, approximately 55 miles southwest of Casper, there is a path surrounding the rock that wraps for more than one mile and offers excellent insights into its historical significance.
Names Hill
Names Hill was a beloved stop along the Oregon Trail, drawing visitors from far and wide. Emigrants carved their names onto its soft sandstone face – including mountain man James Bridger in 1844, who claimed not to read or write! But this inscription remains contentious as Bridger had limited literacy abilities himself.
The Cliff is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and can be visited today. It’s also a favorite spot among photographers, hikers, and horseback riders, though due to exposure to freezing and thawing cycles and sunlight, its inscriptions have faded over time.
Rock River is located in Albany County, Wyoming, with a population of 245. It boasts rural charm with small-town charm and top-rated schools, one of Wyoming’s premier places to live. Rock River’s natural surroundings boast numerous parks and trails, and closeness to Double K Ranch and Valley Station are other critical factors to its appeal.
