Red Rock, Historic rock formation in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.
Red Rock is a sandstone outcrop in western Wyoming that rises roughly 25 feet (8 meters) above the surrounding grassland. The surface shows visible weathering and horizontal layering created by millions of years of geological activity.
The outcrop formed millions of years ago during the geological development of the Rocky Mountain region and the Great Basin area. The National Register of Historic Places added the formation in 1969 because it served as a wayside marker for settlers traveling the Oregon Trail.
The formation takes its name from iron oxide staining the sandstone, which shifts through different shades of red depending on the time of day. Travelers crossing the plains used it as a landmark to confirm their position on routes heading toward the mountains.
The formation sits in open terrain without shade, so sun protection is recommended during daylight visits. A short walk from the roadside brings you directly to the base, and sturdy footwear helps on the uneven ground.
Geologists use the outcrop as a reference point for studying sediment layers that settled in the area during the Cretaceous period. The reddish color intensifies after rain, when moisture brings out the minerals in the rock.
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