legend rock petroglyph site

When it snowed the morning we planned to make the drive up to see this we thought maybe we shouldn't go. But with positive encouragement from the visitor center employee we decided to give it a try. During the off season you need a key to open the gate. Signing out the key gives them some idea of where and who to look for if damage occurs. We got the key and directions from the visitor center. The state bathhouse has keys as well. The drive took about half an hour. After the turn off and once we hit the dirt section of the road we realized the snow wouldn't stop us. The road was well graveled and maintained and we didn't need to worry about muddy conditions. We enjoyed watching several birds flocks and species along the way.The walk to and past the petroglyphs is about half a mile with 15 different stops to look at along the way. Known as the Dinwoody style these have a different look from the southwestern rock art I am more familiar with and were interesting to look at. Each one was unique and different and as usual it is a puzzle to contemplate their meaning. Many of them are very old, with patina beginning to cover the glyphs. While the visitor center there is open only in the late spring through early fall, the rest rooms were open and available to us.

I have visited the site twice and saw something different each time. The petroglyphs are truly remarkable and I like the fact that it is off the beaten path and a key is needed to access the area. There has been some vandalism in the past. Angers me that people can be so stupid and disrespectful of this treasure.

My husband enjoys Petroglyphs more than any family member, however the entire family loved getting a chance to walk around the discover the area for themselves. We googled how to get to the site, and stopped by to pick up a key. No key was needed since we were during the peak season. Once you arrive at the site, start at the visitor center. It provides a solid background on why the area is important and how the petroglyphs were made. There was a docent who provided a 15 minute overview, and a map that described each petroglyph. The loop was short but you can spend as much or as little time as you want. With three kids we let them roam on the path and stretch their legs before getting back in the car. Everyone gave the trip a thumbs up even though it was a bit out of the way.

no way will I ever go here again. I will bet that who ever wrote a positive comment work for this place even for free not worth the time.

First of all you can't even find where it actually is. I went to Thermopolis for the HOT SPRINGS WATER (Star Plunge)! Then I had picked up the visitors guide and saw "Legend Rock" What a joke that was. I am even more shocked that "legend rock" is the #3 attraction!! HAHAHA Do not waste your time!!

This was a drive to the middle of nowhere. The State should take notice on how other states manags their petroglyph sites to make it a worthwhile attraction.

A wonderful collection of petroglyphs dating back to ancient times that gave me a real sense of history. This is a precious resource that has already been defaced by some. There is a caretaker on site from Apr-end Sept, otherwise you must pick up a key in Thermopolis Visitor Center.Well worth a little detour!

WOW, Impressive! Who would have thought this treasure would be right off a road that I have travel on frequently. Such a wonderful place, please don't do as I have and drive past, take the short drive off the highway and you will not be disappointed.

If you're in Thermopolis, take 2 hours to visit this amazing place. Stop first at the Thermopolis Visitor Center to get a map with directions and key to the site's security gate if you're visiting Oct. - Apr. A scenic 30 minute drive through Big Horn Basin's expansive vistas will bring you to Legend Rock. Be sure to visit the small visitor center which has brief but good interpretive displays on "Dinwoody tradition" rock art, unique to the Big Horn Basin area. Legend Rock was a sacred place to Native Americans of the area, a place of power where Native peoples are believed to have had visionary experiences and then recorded those experiences and other imagery in the rock. A trail of less than 1/2 mile takes you past the amazing rock art; 15 markers along the trail correspond to details provided in the interpretive trail guide you'll pick up at the visitor center. This site has a large number of well-preserved petroglyphs; they are indeed very different from petroglyphs you will see in the southwestern U.S., and have an almost other-worldly feeling to them. We were mesmorized by this place and its extraordinary historical record on view. A nice covered picnic area and restrooms are adjacent to the visitor center.

The gates are open through September. A Map obtained from the visitor center in Thermopolis was helpful in navigating the dusty roads. The key things that distinguish this site from other petroglyph sites are the abundance of petroglyphs coupled with the openness of the site. In some cases it is possible to walk right up to the cliffs containing the drawings. Although there has been some damage, it has been minimal. We hope this continues so that the site can remain so very accessible. In the covered picnic area, a barn swallow nest with four chicks and two very busy parents provided an extra bit of fun this year.

The Legend Rock petroglyphs are pretty well preserved. The easy trail leads from the visitor center to about 16 stations where you can see the carvings fairly close-up. Covered picnic area & restrooms are also at the visitor center. The area is far out from Thermopolis & easy to find w signs. Ask for directions & map at Thermopolis visitor center, in town, before you go

Worth the drive! Neat stop to see unique history. A short easy hike to see original petroglyphs in a natural setting. Unguided so you can go at own pace. Our 4 year olds liked finding each marked spot on the "treasure map" The handout was very informative and helped us to understand what we were looking at and possible meanings. Better than expected stop. Friendly volunteer staff.

My first experience with the petroglyphs was as a youngster in the late 1950's. This was long before any real scientific study ever occurred there. Fast forward to this July when I had an opportunity to take my New York City grandson to visit. Such a change! A small visitor center hosts diorama, photos and information. The attendant was extremely knowledgable and I learned many facts about the area I never knew. The archaeological studies that have been done are immense and information is nicely laid out for the lay person. Anthropological studies have also been abundant and the linkage of the petroglyphs with ancient Native American religious beliefs is fascinating. Yes, it's out of the way, a little hard to find, the road can be dusty and the walk down to the bottom of the gulch isn't like riding an escalator but spend the time, ingest the history, project the conditions the artists lived through some 9000 years ago. When you leave, you'll be one of a select few in the world who have had the chance to view this wonderful piece of history.

This was a total waste of time. Had to get keys from bath house from rude older lady who said she has worked there for 20 years. 30 plus min drive from thermopolis . as soon as we arrived were attacked by horse flies and deer flies .. Drawing were ok Will not go back.

The drive is approximately 21-22 miles north of Thermopolis, but it's definitely worth the drive. It is also a very short walk to the petroglyphs. You will see 15 different stations of petros. To think that someone did those up to 11,000 years ago. Our group of 4 people were the only ones there. It was so peaceful. A must see!