2019-10-19 04:59:15
CARVE YOUR VACATION OUT OF STONE. Take one look at the Southwestern Wyoming landscape, and imagine the ancient lake that covered the area millions of years ago. Lucky for us, the receding waters left behind some of nature’s finest works of art—enormous, beautiful formations of sandstone and shale. CASTLE ROCK Towering above downtown Green River, Castle Rock is one of the most formidable geological landmarks in Sweetwater County. Over the years, it’s been called the Citadel, Indian Head Rock and Green River Butte. But the layers of fossilized fish and plants that form its walls stand as a testimony to the watery kingdom it once reigned over. HOW TO SEE IT: Along I-80 on the north side of Green River. You can also hike up the north end of 3rd West Street. THE PALISADES & TOLLGATE ROCK Deeply engrained in U.S. history, the Palisades have served many purposes. Native Americans crossed the Green River here and used the formation’s walls as protection from the elements. Trappers and traders also used this as a landmark. Frontier landscape artist Thomas Moran’s first sketch in the West was of this rock formation, later translated into paintings. Standing at 6,440 feet above sea level, Tollgate Rock is likely the tallest “toll station” in history. Named for the number of tolls collected here, this impressive formation served as a gateway for an early-Mormon road, so the stories go. County records do show that many tolls were paid, but thankfully those tolls aren’t being assessed today. Boar’s Tusk holds great religious importance to the Native Americans of the region. The core of an ancient volcano, it rises out of the ground like a 400-foot-tall guardian to the Killpecker Sand Dunes. Virtually a geological twin to Devil’s Tower in northeast Wyoming, this volcanic spire attracts rock climbers of all abilities. HOW TO SEE IT: Along I-80, northwest of Green River. PILOT BUTTE Dominating the surrounding landscape at 7,949 feet tall, Pilot Butte has been used as a navigational landmark since people first came to the region. Native Americans used it to find campsites, hunting grounds and rivers, and it’s still used as an orientation point today. The summit provides breathtaking panoramic views. HOW TO SEE IT: Take US-191 north of Rock Springs. Turn left on CR 53/Wild Horse Loop, and follow it until you can veer left toward the butte on top of White Mountain. KISSING ROCKS Suspended mere inches from actually “kissing” each other, Native Americans believed that the spirits of two doomed lovers from opposing tribes inhabited the rocks, only to spend eternity just out of each other’s reach. HOW TO SEE IT: Along I-80, between Green River and Rock Springs. BOAR’S TUSK Boar’s Tusk holds great religious importance to the Native Americans of the region. The core of an ancient volcano, it rises out of the ground like a 400-foot-tall guardian to the Killpecker Sand Dunes. Virtually a geological twin to Devil’s Tower in northeast Wyoming, this volcanic spire attracts rock climbers of all abilities. HOW TO SEE IT: Take an AWD vehicle up US-191 about 10 miles north of Rock Springs. Turn right at CR 4-18 (at the sign that reads Petroglyphs, Sand Dunes, Boar’s Tusk) and then left on CR 4-17.
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