White Mountain Petroglyphs

Venture 26 miles northeast of Rock Springs to see ancient artworks known as the White Mountain Petroglyphs. Over a dozen Panels bearing hundreds of figures were etched into sandstone bedrock of the Eocene Bridger formation.

These incised petroglyphs were carved by the ancestors of present Plains and Great Basin Native American people. The petroglyphs include drawings of elk, buffalo, horses, teepees and several kinds of human figures, including riders with feather headdresses. Many of the petroglyphs date to early historic times, about 200 years ago, as evidenced by the horse figures which were introduced by the Euro-Americans. Other figures appear to be much older and are estimated by archeologists to be as much as 1,000 years old.

Thus, they should be treated accordingly. Visitors are asked to view the petroglyphs with reverence befitting of their spiritual significance. Nothing should be removed from the site and no marks or other evidence of visitors’ presence should be left behind.

The petroglyphs are located on a brown sandstone cliff on White Mountain in the Upper Wasatch formation. The cliff containing the petroglyphs faces south and runs west to east. It is about 300 feet long and varies from a height of 10 feet at the west end to 40 feet at the east end. In general, the figures are 30 to 60 inches above the current ground level. A spring is located about three quarters of a mile south-southwest of the petroglyphs. This spring is the only one in the general vicinity and probably furnished water in the time period of the petroglyphs. However, no large campsites are located near the spring. This probably occurred so that game would have freer access to the spring, thus providing good hunting.

Vegetation:
An assortment of shrubs, forbs and grasses represent the major vegetation, although Utah juniper is also present. The shrubs included in the area are big sagebrush, spiny hopsage, shadscale,
spiny horsebrush, spineless horsebrush, greasewood, and rubber and Douglas rabbitbrush. Forbs in the area include prickly pear cactus, dwarf goldenweed, desert sandwort and winterfat.
Western wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, Sandburg bluegrass and basin wild rye make up the grasses in the vicinity.

Wildlife:
Wildlife is represented by mammals, reptiles and birds. Mammals in the area year-round are deer, antelope and coyote. Occasional use of the area is made by elk, mountain lion and
bobcat. Cottontail and jackrabbits, dear mice, wood rats, chipmunks, Richardson ground squirrels and golden-mantled squirrels are also found in the area. Reptiles consist of the Great
Basin gopher snake, western fence lizard, sagebrush lizard and short-horned lizard. The bird population includes the golden eagle, great horned owl, kestrel, red-tailed hawk, prairie falcon
and various migrant birds.

Getting There:

From Rock Springs, travel north on U.S. 191. Approximately 10 miles north of Rock Springs, turn right at Sweetwater County Road 4-18 (at sign that reads Petroglyphs, Sand Dunes, Boar’s Tusk) and then turn left at County Road 4-17. Soon you will travel under three sets of overhead electrical lines. As you drive, you can see the Wind River Mountain Range directly in front of you,which is approximately 60 miles north. When you reach the White Mountain Petroglyphs sign, about 14 miles from U.S. 191, turn left and proceed along a rougher dirt road. As you continue along this road about 2 miles, you can see Boar’s Tusk to your right (Boar’s Tusk is a volcanic formation that stands out among the sand dunes and flat terrain). After a slow 10-minute drive, you will see the BLM parking signs for the White Mountain Petroglyphs. The petroglyphs are about 1/4 mile on a packed footrail on the face of sandstone cliff. At an elevation of 7,100 feet, the White Mountain Petroglyphs are located in the Killpecker Creek drainage system.

Survival Guide Precautions: To begin your travel to the petroglyphs, it is recommended that you do the following:

• Have a high-clearance vehicle; trucks or 4-wheel-drive recommended.
• Travel in nice weather, mornings recommended.
• Have a full tank of gas.
• Carry plenty of water and food.