INDEPENDENCE ROCK

ON THE REAL TRAIL

Independence Rock is a huge granite dome in central Wyoming. Emigrants tried to reach it by the Fourth of July; if they did, they were on schedule to cross the mountains before winter.

Thousands of travelers carved or painted their names on the rock, which earned it the nickname "the Great Register of the Desert." Many of those names can still be read today.

IN THE OREGANO TRAIL

A landmark stop. If health is slipping, this is a good place to rest a few days before the climb to South Pass.

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