The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The White Mountain Petroglyphs are a set of historic petroglyphs, carvings made by area natives on the sandstone walls of White Mountain in Wyoming. These petroglyphs are estimated to be over 200 years old and were created by the Plains and Great Basin Native Americans. White Mountain itself was formed over 30 million years ago on top of Lake Gosiute, a lake that has since dried but has remnants of prehistoric aquatic fossils. Because of the mountain's roots in this lake, some fossils and shells may remain to be seen around the petroglyphs.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees the White Mountain Petroglyphs site and keeps it open to the public to explore completely free year-round. This site is a part of the Greater Sand Dunes of Wyoming and can be explored by foot only although wheelchair accessibility options are available when you call the Rock Springs Field Office ahead of your visit.
The Wilkins Peak Trail is a loop of multiple interconnecting trails that is most popular with mountain bikers. The terrain of this trail is very challenging to follow, and it takes its route through the mountainous desert landscape.
Length: 12.6 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Comparable to the Grand Canyon, the Red Canyon and Flaming Gorge Reservoir can be found along the Canyon Rim Trail in Utah, right along the Wyoming border. A moderately steep path, it offers incredibly scenic views fit for photographing along the route.
Length: 4.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
For a short, easy hike, try out the West Greens Lake Nature Trail in Utah. This trail is fairly shaded and features access to picnic areas and fishing docks for small Greens Lake.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Perhaps the most popular activity at the White Mountain Petroglyphs site is photographing the petroglyphs. The petroglyphs themselves are stone carvings that are tan to orange in color from iron build-up over the centuries. Many of the petroglyphs are easily recognizable and feature the shapes of bison, elk, horses, humans, and weaponry. Some of the petroglyphs can be "read" like a storybook of the natives' history from tribe hunts to contact with early European settlers in the area.
While exploring the White Mountain Petroglyphs, you may be able to catch a glimpse of some local wildlife. Large species that roam this mountainous area include bison, mountain lions, wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, elk, moose, deer, pronghorn antelope, and even wild horses. Bald eagles are also frequently spotted.
While there are no picnic areas at the White Mountain Petroglyphs site, there are some other picnic sites nearby that you can use before or after exploring the mountain. One area is the Sweetwater County Picnic Grounds, which has shelters with roofs and is available to use on a first-come, first-served basis. This picnic site is also adjacent to a park with a fishing pond, two playgrounds, and a boat launch for Green River. You can also check out the Pioneer Trails Picnic Grounds, which features pavilions on the banks of the Green River.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are great for those who don't mind primitive camping, but if you'd like to have full hookups at your campsite, consider staying at a privately owned campground instead. Consider taking your RV camping at a place like Rock Springs/Green River KOA. This campground has full hookups for your rig plus amenities like a pool, a fitness center, a camp store, and free Wi-Fi. You could also stay at the Little America Wyoming RV Park, which has hookups and spaces that can be reserved for long periods of time.
When you're searching "BLM camping near me," check out some of the BLM-managed campgrounds near the White Mountain Petroglyphs since camping is not permitted at White Mountain. One option you have is the Teton Reservoir BLM Campground, a highly rated campground on a reservoir with fire pits at each campsite and access to a vault toilet. Another Bureau of Land Management free camping option is the New Fork Campground, which has picnic tables and fire rings at each of its campsites.
If you're planning to visit the White Mountain Petroglyphs, know that you will have to make a trek of a little less than a mile, all uphill, from the parking lot to White Mountain upon arrival. You can prepare for this hike by packing plenty of drinking water and by wearing appropriate hiking shoes. If you would like to reach the site via handicap access, be sure to call the BLM ahead of time so that officers can grant you access via the administrative use gate.
If you are planning to stay at a BLM campground, be sure to pack for a primitive experience since most of these campgrounds do not offer water or electricity to camp users. You can plan ahead by packing water jugs and battery or solar-operated equipment. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All White Mountain Petroglyphs visitors are required to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace guidelines to help keep the site clean for future visitors to enjoy. To follow these guidelines, be sure to pick up after yourself, and make sure to bring a small bag to keep your trash in if you plan on snacking or drinking on your hike to the petroglyphs site.
To reach the White Mountain Petroglyphs from the north or south, start out on State Highway 191. Turn off the highway at mile marker 10, and then travel east on County 4-17 for 13 miles. From there, turn west on the White Mountain Petroglyphs access route. Follow the road for three miles, and then you will reach the parking lot for the hike to the petroglyphs site.
Ready to visit White Mountain Petroglyphs? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
