When hundreds of thousands of immigrants made their way through Wyoming on the Oregon Trail between 1843 and 1869, certain spots along the way became landmarks. There was Fort Bridger, South Pass, Ayres Natural Bridge, and more - but perhaps none of these waysides were more famous than Independence Rock. This large stone rises up from the mountain prairie and is impossible to miss! Its location meant that a majority of travelers who were making good time got here by the 4th of July (hence the name Independence Rock), and if they did get here "on time", chances are they would make it through the Sawtooth Mountains before snow made travel through the rugged terrain too difficult.
For many, seeing Independence Rock was the biggest landmark of their trek! It meant their journey was more than halfway over, and that they were close to passing through the most difficult part of their travels.
Travelers and wagon trains who made it to Independence Rock had reason to celebrate - and celebrate they did. Oftentimes this was a spot where trains would rest and relax for a few days, perhaps cook a better meal than they usually enjoyed, and spend the time reflecting on their journey.
While they were here, hundreds of travelers carved their names into the rock. It became known as the "register of the West", and you can still see many of these name carvings today.
The State Park service asks that you avoid climbing on the spots of the rock that are carved, so the history does not get erased, and that the carvings are not defaced.
Don't worry, though - it's easy to make the hike up to the top while keeping your distance from the names! The trek itself is not particularly difficult and is appropriate for kids and adults alike.
On a clear day, you can see for miles from the top of the Rock!
It's remarkable to see the view and imagine just how far these immigrants traveled across foreign, already occupied land in order to seek out a better life for their families.
Explore an Active Coal Mine on This Unique Mine Tour in Wyoming
Your guides are typically experienced coal miners who will treat you to a larger-than-life, history-rich, and science-filled tour of Wyoming's coal mining industry.
The gold rush was a pretty big deal here in the West, but all too often, we turn to books and movies for our understanding of the American Frontier and how it came to be. However, discovering Wyoming’s rich history often goes far beyond opening a textbook, and we're incredibly fortunate that our state has so many opportunities to get firsthand peeks into the past through history tours, curated museum visits, and even strolls through both living and abandoned ghost towns.
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The origins of Wyoming go far beyond gold and boom towns, and it doesn't take much traveling around the state to realize that Wyoming has a diverse mining history that ranges from iron ore and quartz to Uranium, coal, and even our state gem – nephrite jade.
Over the years, you've no doubt done it all: panned for gold at the Carissa Mine in South Pass City, explored the remnants of the Aladdin Coal Tipple up north, or even checked a few of our most famous mining ghost towns off your bucket list. One of the best ways to experience it is with the Gold Flakes to Yellowcake Mining Driving Tour – it's an awesome way to get a fantastic overview of Wyoming's mining history all at once, and we highly recommend it! For serious history and industry buffs who want to extend that road trip just a tad (and/or check out some living history), follow I-25 and 50-N to Gillette to add one more stop to the journey.
Unlike many states, Wyoming's mining history isn't all past tense. The Eagle Butte Coal Mine in Gillette is a fascinating place to visit for those looking for a unique activity as it's one of just a handful of modern-day mines that allow visitors to take a tour and experience firsthand the process of coal mining.
loadout silos in the Powder River Basin coal mines in Wyoming
First, some quick background: Eagle Butte Mine has been a key player in Wyoming’s surface coal scene since the 1970s. It’s part of the Powder River Basin, a major coal hotspot, and it’s been powering homes and businesses across the country for decades, as well as much of Gillette itself - a.k.a. the "Energy Capital of America." It produces a whopping 17 million tons of coal per year.
rail cars loaded with coal being transported from nearby mines to power plants in Wyoming
If you’re planning a visit to Eagle Butte, you’re in for an eye-opening experience.
Climate-controlled bus transportation is included, and the buses head straight into the heart of the action. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close with massive mining machinery and learn how coal is extracted, transported, and reclaimed. It really puts the scale of things into perspective!
The Eagle Butte overlook has some of the coolest views, but you'll find quite a few photo ops around the area that are seriously larger-than-life.
Tours of Eagle Butte take about two hours and are booked through the Gillette Visitor Center. They are led by knowledgeable guides who often have on-the-job experience with the mine – and likely a few stories to share! Hours may vary but tours are typically available from May to September by request.
Whether you’re a fan of colossal heavy machinery at work, the evolution of large-scale mining operations post-Industrial Revolution, or are just curious about the industry as a whole, this is a super unique experience! Of course, we also know this trip might not be for everyone, in which case check out some of the other tours available above.
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If you're in Gillette, make the most of it! First, you're definitely going to want to check out the Frontier Auto Museum or take a side trip through Thunder Basin National Grassland. Then, when those hunger pangs start rearing up, pay a visit to Pizza Carrello for some crazy awesome flavor combos.
Ready to swap your skis for a harness and helmet? When the snow melts at Sleeping Giant Ski Area in Cody, Wyoming, the mountain morphs into a playground for warm weather thrill-seekers, featuring the state’s largest zipline course. Imagine zipping through the air with the stunning backdrop of Yellowstone National Park and the Big Horn Basin below you. If you’re craving an adrenaline rush and a unique way to soak in the breathtaking scenery, this fantastic zipline adventure is calling your name!
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For many, Sleeping Giant Ski Area is a winter wonderland known for its family-friendly slopes and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. But in the off-season, this ski area transforms into a thrilling zipline park, offering a totally different way to experience Wyoming’s wilderness.
Wyoming is known for staying true to its wild and rugged roots, which means developed ziplines around these parts are few and far between. Fortunately, Sleeping Giant knows how to seamlessly blend nature and adrenaline! Located just 50 miles from Yellowstone’s East Entrance, Sleeping Giant is one of the oldest ski areas in Wyoming, dating all the way back to 1936. Its longevity speaks to its charm, but the zipline? It’s a fresh way to take in the stunning views of the Absaroka Range and the surrounding wilderness, especially in the summer and fall months when the landscape is painted in greens, oranges, and golds.
Teenage boy enjoying high ropes course in adventure park. The boy is wearing safety harness and a helmet. The boy is zip lining from one platform to another. Spectacular view of Austrian Alps mountains in the background. Sunny summer day. Canon R5
The Sleeping Giant Zipline is not for the faint of heart – or maybe it is, because even though it’s fast and high, it’s also an incredibly smooth and scenic ride. The course consists of five different ziplines, each one offering a new perspective of the surrounding landscape. Some are shorter and designed to ease you into the experience, while others are built for pure speed, with the longest stretching 3,520 feet (more than half a mile) and launching you over the Shoshone River. Although, for those looking to ease into it, you can also choose to tackle just one of the lines.
Throughout the ride, you’ll get to take in sweeping views of the Absaroka Mountains, the river below, and forests that seem to stretch forever. If you're lucky, you might even spot distant wildlife in the trees below – this is Wyoming, after all, where elk, deer, and even bears occasionally wander by.
The zipline is built for thrill-seekers, but it all starts with a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the ski hill where you can take in the panoramic views before stepping off the platform and whizzing through the air. You’ll be securely harnessed in, but once you’re out there, it’s just you, the line, and the wind!
This shot shows two distant zipline riders descending through the trees in a pine forest on a mountaintop.
By the time you hit the fourth zipline – aptly named “The Grand Finale” – you’ll be cruising at speeds up to 45 miles per hour over the river and through the trees. The combination of speed, height, and the beauty of the landscape makes this one of the most exhilarating zipline experiences in the region.
One of the best things about the zipline at Sleeping Giant is that it’s built for all ages and experience levels. You don’t have to be a ziplining pro to take part, and it’s perfect for families looking for a unique outdoor activity. Kids as young as 8 years old can participate, making it an ideal way to introduce younger adventurers to the thrill of ziplining. But do note that there are height and weight restrictions for safety. And don't worry – guides will be by your side from start to finish.
While most people think of ziplining as a summer activity, Sleeping Giant’s zipline runs even into early fall, and there’s something magical about flying through the autumn air just as the leaves are starting to change color.
Then, if you’re looking to make a full day or weekend of it, the Sleeping Giant Zipline is just one part of the adventure. Cody, a short 30-minute drive away, is packed with things to do, from exploring legendary stops, like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, to the Dug Up Gun Museum, Old Trail Town, Buffalo Bill Dam, and so much more. Plus, you’re right on the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park, so you can easily combine a day of ziplining with some time exploring one of America’s most iconic natural wonders.
Buffalo Bills Irma Hotel & Restaurant in Sheridan Avenue at dusk, Cody, Wyoming, USA
Before you head out to Sleeping Giant, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, this epic zipline is only open during the summer and fall months, typically from mid-June through early October. You’ll want to check ahead for specific dates and make a reservation to secure your spot. Cost varies by season and how many of the ziplines you plan to cruise on.
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Sleeping Giant Zipline offers an experience that’s part adrenaline rush, part scenic tour, and entirely unforgettable. It’s the kind of activity that’ll make you see Wyoming’s wild beauty from a whole new perspective – and have you grinning from ear to ear the whole way down. Whether you’re soaring over the Shoshone River or catching glimpses of the Absaroka Mountains in the distance, one thing’s for sure: This is an adventure you won’t forget!
If you need a place to stay, there are some awesome options in the heart of Cody and equally cool campgrounds. Be sure to grab some grub after your sky-high adventure! You can't go wrong with any of these iconic Wyoming restaurants.
