Come see the oldest and best preserved Dinwoody traditional rock art in the world at Legend Rock Petroglyphs. With over 283 different petroglyphs on 92 individual sandstone “panels”. This site is a must see when you are visiting Thermopolis.
Located on a Native American spiritual site. The Ancients believed spirits lived in the cliffs. So they went on vision quests and created these petroglyphs to communicate with them. Even though, Legend Rock is a sacred site for many Native American tribes including the Shoshone, Crow, and Arapahoe. At the present time, it is unknown which tribe actually carved the images. However, we do know that the petroglyphs were drawn over thousands of years. Since they all date from different periods in time. Some as far back as 11,000 years ago.
While it unsure who carved them, Dinwoody art has some special characteristics. Firstly, Dinwoody petroglyphs are only located in the Big Horn and Wind River Basins west of the Bighorn River. Secondly, they are always chipped and chiseled into the rock surface using a stone that is harder than the one they are carving. Contrary to other cultures who scratch the image into the surface instead. Lastly, Dinwoody art consists mostly of large humanlike figures with headdresses. They always have an odd number of fingers and toes, with torsos decorated with lines. Obviously, there are a few zoomorphic images as well. Some of which look like a combination of a few different animals into one.
Do not use a GPS to get here. It will bring you to the visitors center in Thermopolis instead. And you will end up going in circles trying to find a place that is actually 23 miles away.
Legend Rock is open from May-September between 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. No overnight parking.
Bring lots of water as you will not be able to purchase any on site! Plan to spend about an hour and a half here. Wear good walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Don’t forget to bring a camera.
In order to visit between October – April, you will need to contact the Hot Springs State Park at:
Hot Springs State Park
538 N Park St
Thermopolis, WY 82443
(307) 864-2176
Do not use a GPS to get here! Since part of the journey is on a dirt road, you will need a high clearance vehicle to get here. The road gets pretty narrow at one point just before arrival. But it’s ok, as long as there isn’t anyone coming in the other direction. Take your time traveling this road. It’s only a few miles long.
1- Take HWY 120 East towards Thermopolis. Drive about 31 miles. After which you will see a sign for Legend Rock. Turn right on County Rd. Follow step 2 listed below.
1- Take HWY 120 West towards Cody for about 20 miles. You will see a brown Legend Rock sign. Turn left on County Rd 10.
2- Take County Rd 10 until you reach a fork in the road. At the fork, go right unto a gravel road. Immediately after the second cattle guard, turn left. Follow to your destination.
The closest accommodations are in Thermopolis. My link will search through all the online sites to find you the best price available. By purchasing your trip through my link, this site will earn a small commission on your purchase. Rest assured that it will not cost you anything extra! The only difference is that this site will earn a commission instead of another booking site. Thank your sponsorship!
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