Independence Rock also known as the Register of the Desert for the more than 5,000 names that are a part of our pioneering history. One of the earliest signatures carved into the large granite rock is 1824 by M. K. Hugh. The Rock received its name after an Independence Day celebration with William Sublette and 80 pioneers. The name stuck and became a landmark and goal of the more than 550,000 westward travelers. The Rock's highest point sits 136 feet above the surrounding terrain. In the distance can be seen what is known as the Devil's Gate where the river has carved a 330 foot deep cut through rock.
Bureau of Land Management to Provide Interpretive Programs at Independence Rock State Historic Site
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will offer a series of interpretive programs and opportunities at Independence Rock State Historic Site during September and October.
Fridays and Saturdays in September, and the first two weekends of October, a BLM interpreter will be present at Independence Rock from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
At 11 a.m., they will deliver a short, formal program about the rock and its significance, and afterward, they will rove the site, offering informal interpretation and answering guest questions until 2 p.m.
The public is invited to learn about the fascinating history of Independence Rock, and the people who traveled through there.
Independence Rock State Historic Site is excited to revive this partnership with our peers at BLM, and the potential for this to grow into a regular offering at the site.
If you have questions about the event, please contact the Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park office at (307) 577-5150, or the BLM office at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center at (307) 261-7700.
Tread Lightly
Hiking is allowed on the Rock; however it is important that we preserve our heritage for future generations. It is for this reason that laws have been instituted for the protection of this National and Historical Monument. It is therefore unlawful to deface, or defile in anyway, shape or form any part of the Rock.
