Wyoming’s dramatic, wind-sculpted landscapes hold some of the nation’s most outlandish rock formations—many worth every mile of hiking and rough driving it takes to reach them. For lovers of geology, photography, or wild Wyoming surprises, here are 10 outlandish rock formations that promise unforgettable adventure:
Devils Tower (Crook County)
Standing over 1,200 feet tall, Devils Tower is a massive igneous monolith rising abruptly from the plains, sacred to Native Americans and a bucket list pilgrimage for hikers and climbers. Its columns and eerie vertical striations have inspired legends—and movies like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Its summit is reached only after a strenuous climb, while a paved trail circles its base for walking and wildlife watching.
Vedauwoo (Medicine Bow National Forest)
Pronounced “Vee-da-voo,” this “Land of the Earth-born Spirit” is a surreal wonderland of billion-year-old Sherman granite towers, hoodoos, and balanced boulders. Hiking the popular Turtle Rock Loop reveals craggy formations resembling stacked giants, animals, or castles—a favorite for both families and adventurous boulderers.
Boar’s Tusk (Sweetwater County)
The volcanic core of an extinct volcano, Boar’s Tusk soars 400 feet above the desert and is accessible only via rough, sandy roads requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. It’s a truly isolated Wyoming marvel—and a must-stop for intrepid explorers seeking landscape photos.
Hell’s Half Acre (Natrona County)
Carved by ancient rivers and winds, this eroded badlands area is famous for its spikey, otherworldly clay and shale spires that look like something off a sci-fi set. Visitors can hike among bizarre trenches, ridges, and hoodoos—also the filming location for “Starship Troopers”.
Castle Gardens (near Riverton)
These wind-carved sandstone formations resemble castles, towers, and turrets. Besides the geology, Castle Gardens is home to ancient petroglyphs dating back nearly 1,000 years, rewarding the curious with both history and geology.
Pilot Butte (Sweetwater County)
Used as a landmark by Westward-bound pioneers, this isolated butte provides panoramic desert views. It’s famed for its accessible wild horse herds—reached only by long gravel roads ideal for 4WD adventure.
Man’s Face Hill (Green River)
A naturally sculpted outcrop that, from the right angle, astonishingly resembles a human profile gazing skyward. Locals decorate it seasonally—spot the holiday tree if you travel in December.
Washakie Badlands (near Ten Sleep)
Gravity-defying pillars, warped ridges, and rainbow-hued rock layers make this relatively unexplored tract of badlands a dream for those seeking raw, alien landscapes. Some formations here even resemble castles or mushrooms.
The Sinks & Rise (Lander)
On the eastern slopes of the Wind River Mountains, the Popo Agie River vanishes into a limestone cavern—the Sinks—only to emerge, seemingly impossibly, 2,000 feet away at The Rise. The karst geology has stumped scientists and offers mysterious beauty for hikers.
Heart Mountain (near Cody)
This 8,123-foot peak once sat 25mi away, but a cataclysmic geologic event slid it into its current place, stumping scientists for years. You can hike to a viewpoint or simply marvel at its odd location—a testament to Earth’s shifting forces.
These Wyoming wonders reward hikers and road trippers willing to stray from the interstate. Their outlandish forms, isolation, and stories add to the thrill—inviting adventurers into landscapes shaped by time, water, wind, and a bit of Wyoming magicic.
Sources
[1] https://www.livescience.com/52770-devils-tower-rock-formation-photos.html
[2] https://travelwyoming.com/blog/stories/post/five-long-weekend-summer-road-trips-in-wyoming/
[3] https://www.visitlaramie.org/blog/post/vedauwoo-land-of-the-earthborn-spirit/
[4] https://nanpa.org/2022/01/19/vedauwoo-capturing-natures-beautiful-rock-formations/
[5] https://www.explorewy.com/explore/sightseeing-and-attractions/rock-formations
