SightseeingHistory BuffOutdoor Adventure

Independence Rock

WY-220 rest area, about 60 miles southwest of Casper · Alcova, WY

Why you should go…

Independence Rock is a granite monolith on WY-220 that rises 136 feet above the surrounding terrain southwest of Casper. More than 5,000 names are part of its surface, and one of the earliest reads 1824. It took its name from an Independence Day celebration and became a goal for the more than 550,000 travelers heading west. A walk around the base covers more than a mile, and in the distance you can see Devil's Gate, a 330-foot cut carved by the river.

#oregon trail
#historic site
#pioneer names
#granite rock
#state historic site

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

The forecast is part of the ticket
Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.
Golden hour sells out first
Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.
Dress a layer warmer
It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.
Timed entry is common
Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Independence Rock, ordered by straight-line distance.

Sightseeing
Local Gem
Casper
Free
Official visitor guide for Casper, Wyoming, covering outdoor adventures, dining and itineraries.
45 mi awayMore like this