I think despite all my driving across Wyoming, I never drove this section between Muddy Gap and Casper. And never visited Independence Rock - one of numerous geologic landmarks along the old trails (Chimney Rock, Scott's Bluff, Pompey's Pillar, City of Rocks, Register Cliff, etc) - that lent themselves to carving initials and graffiti.
Independence Rock was so-called because travelers on the Oregon Trail typically reached this area in early July and may have often celebrated Independence Day here. This would have been an amazing place to watch the wagon trains go through during the 1850s and 1860s.
I guess this qualifies as a granitic inselberg or a bornhardt, although it's not as large or as isolated as many better examples. It is an easy clamber to the top - just beware nooks and crannies hiding poisonous snakes. And no need to add initials - the originals are interesting, the recent ones are not.
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