Independence Rock State Historic Site

Between 1846 and 1866, S Wyoming would see more than 70,000 Mormon emigrants traveling by wagon and handcarts over the Mormon Pioneer Trail. Now, Independence Rock is a polished, smooth rock standing 6,028 ft above sea level. The tallest point of the rock is only about 136 ft above the terrain encompassing it. To walk around the base of the rock, you would be traveling about one mile, 5900 ft. The mass of Independence Rock is about 2,481 acres.

Though many people believe that the glaciers created this landmark, it was created from a process called exfoliation, which in part contributed to its sleek, round form. Exfoliation is when erosion uncovers a landmark, and the great pressure of the weight of the overlying rock were made less. The rock expanded upward shedding its surface layers, similar to an onion. The layers of granite eventually broke off, leaving the landmark as we see it now. Windblown sand and silt have polished the rock by "windfaceting". West of Alcova.