White Mountain Petroglyphs ~ Wyoming

​Flickr album link: White Mountain Petroglyph Site

There is a lot to see and do near Rock Springs, Wyoming, so be sure to set aside some extra time to explore this area. There are several lakeside recreation areas along Highway 191 heading north and setting up a basecamp is easy to do. The Wind River Mountains and an old west mining district with a couple of ghost towns are within reach, while other nearby day trip ventures include Big Sandy and Killpecker Dunes. The White Mountain Petroglyph Site is also located near Rock Springs and this destination definitely offers a unique experience.

The lengthy dirt roads to Killpecker Dunes, Boar's Tusk and the White Mountain Petroglyphs are best suited for a high ground clearance vehicle. These roads can deep and muddy in wet or snowy conditions, so it is best to wait for fair weather when planning the trip. Getting stranded in a remote area in Wyoming will guarantee a very long walk back to civilization, so it is best to check the vehicle prior to the journey and pack some emergency supplies.

After the long bumpy ride, ample parking and basic facilities can be found at the White Mountain trailhead. This trail is easy going and the entire round trip is a little more than one mile. Partway there the bare face of White Mountain will come into full view and it is best to head toward one end or the other, in order to avoid doubling back when reading this gigantic newspaper rock. There is literally one ancient petroglyph after another along the entire face of White Mountain and many depict entire scenes of events that occurred long ago. Some of the inscriptions are only a few hundred years old, while others may date back much further. Several unique artistic styles can be seen and several local indigenous civilizations revere this sacred place. There are also a few small pocket caves to check out too, which certainly add to the intrigue. The White Mountain Petroglyph Site is a very captivating place where hours upon hours can be spent interpreting age old messages, so be sure to chalk this native heritage destination high on the list!