Rock Formations

FACT: There are six different rock formations created by eons of rain and wind for you to marvel in Sweetwater County.

Southwestern Wyoming is a high desert that resulted from a playa, or ancient lake. Stansbury, a topographical engineer, was searching for a route for the Transcontinental Railroad when he passed through this area over a century ago and recorded his observations. As it turns out, he was right on the money. Standing in this area of what is now southwestern Wyoming, he was perched on a high desert that resulted from a playa, or ancient lake.

The lake receded and dried up thousands of years ago, leaving behind soil formed by the erosion of sandstone and shale. Although few green things grow willingly here besides sagebrush and prairie grass, such a setting made conditions ripe for the natural phenomena of stunning rock formations.

Stansbury went on to record how awed he was by the formations along the Green River and how inspiring he found the work of Mother Nature. Since that time, millions have traveled the east-west route, marveling at the formations created by eons of rain and wind. Here are six of those marvels:

• Castle Rock, high above I-80, is probably the most formidable landmark. It has been called many names through the years, including Citadel and Indian Head Rock. This imposing sentinel of the valley consists of regular horizontal strata. The many layers are rich with fossilized fish and plants, a testimony to the vast lake of the past.
• The Palisades, west of Green River, was used as a reference point for trappers and traders during the days of the American Fur Company in the early part of the 19th century. Native Americans used the area to cross the river during low water and found excellent protection from the elements. A popular subject for painters and photographers, the Palisades was most notably depicted by famous artist Thomas Moran, especially in his painting “Cliffs of the Green River.”
• Pilot Butte seems to dominate its surrounding landscape, as those traveling any direction through the county will see this flat mesa far in the distance. Pilot Butte has been used as a landmark since the first people came to the region. Native Americans used it to find camping and hunting grounds as well as rivers and streams. Today, it is still used by stock men, pilots and hunters to orient themselves in the area. A staircase is built into the east side. The climb to the summit allows a breathtaking, panoramic view for miles.
• Kissing Rocks, just east of Green River, are suspended in time and space. Depending on the direction of travel, the two rock formations appear to come together in a kiss or pull away from a just-completed kiss. Native Americans believed the spirits of two doomed lovers from opposing tribes inhabited the rocks and would spend eternity just out of each others’ reach. In a modern twist on this ancient myth, rival teams who come to play against Green River teams don’t look at the rocks because legend says that doing so will cause the visitors to lose.
• Tollgate Rock was so named because of the number of tolls collected at its location. Stories vary, but one of the mostoften told tales is that early-day Mormons cut a road through a natural gate on the south side of the rock. A chain was installed and a fee charged to those who wanted to use the road. Sweetwater County records do show that a toll was assessed many times over the years for use of the road or for a ferry on the river.
• Boar’s Tusk, just off Highway 191 north of Rock Springs, is the core of an ancient volcano, rising 400 feet above the desert floor. Like its famous cousin, Devils Tower (in northeastern Wyoming), it has great religious importance to Native Americans.