Legend Rock Petroglyph Site

About

Legend Rock Petroglyph Site sits about 30 miles northwest of Thermopolis, Wyoming, tucked into a dramatic sandstone canyon along Cottonwood Creek. It's one of the largest accessible rock art sites in the country, with over 300 petroglyphs carved into the cliff face spanning thousands of years of human history. The oldest carvings here may date back more than 10,000 years, making this one of the most significant archaeological sites in the American West.

The quarter-mile-long site features images of animals, humans, and abstract figures etched into the rock by generations of Native peoples. You'll see bighorn sheep, elk, birds, and human-like forms, some rendered in striking detail. The carvings range from the early Archaic period through roughly A.D. 1700, offering a remarkable window into the cultures that called this region home.

Legend Rock has been a sacred site for Native Americans for thousands of years, and that history is treated with deep respect. The property was acquired as a Wyoming State Petroglyph Site in 1973 after local residents pushed for its preservation. Today it's maintained by staff from Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis.

Visiting requires a bit of planning. Tours are free but must be arranged ahead of time by calling Hot Springs State Park. You'll need to pick up a gate key at the Bath House in Thermopolis before making the drive out. Bath House hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5:30 p.m.

The site includes a picnic area and restrooms, so you can take your time exploring. While Legend Rock isn't heavily promoted, it's already world-renowned among archaeology enthusiasts and rock art researchers. It's a quiet, powerful place where you can connect with history in a way few other sites offer.

Accessibility

Legend Rock Petroglyph Site is noted as one of the largest accessible rock art sites in the United States. According to Wyoming State Parks, facilities at Legend Rock are handicapped accessible, including the picnic area and restrooms on site.

The petroglyphs are arranged along a quarter-mile stretch of sandstone cliff face beside Cottonwood Creek. The viewing path runs along the base of the cliff, allowing visitors to see the carvings up close. Specific details about trail surface materials, grades, and width are not published online, so visitors with mobility concerns should contact Hot Springs State Park directly for current trail conditions.

Free guided tours are available but must be arranged in advance by calling Hot Springs State Park. Guides can provide spoken descriptions of the petroglyphs and their history, which is helpful for visitors with low vision. The site is outdoors with no indoor exhibits, so plan for weather conditions during your visit.

Parking is available at the site, though details about designated accessible parking spaces are not confirmed in available resources. The drive from Thermopolis takes roughly 45 minutes on a mix of paved and gravel roads. Visitors must pick up a gate key at the Bath House in Hot Springs State Park before heading out.

For the most up-to-date accessibility information, including trail conditions, available accommodations, and any seasonal closures, contact Hot Springs State Park at (307) 864-2176. Staff can help you plan a visit that works for your specific needs.

More accessible places in Wyoming

• Star Plunge at Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis)
• Wyoming Dinosaur Center (Thermopolis)
• Grand Teton National Park (Moose)
• National Museum of Wildlife Art (Jackson)
• Devils Tower National Monument (Devils Tower)
• Fort Laramie National Historic Site (Fort Laramie)