Wyoming’s Forgotten Volcano

If you saw something like this sticking out of the ground here in Wyoming, what would you think it was? Besides a rock, I mean.

How did it get there?

Each rock outcrop like this might have different origins.

In this case, you're looking at an ancient volcano.

Boar's Tusk is a dormant volcanic structure out in a flat desert area in southwest Wyoming.

At an elevation of 7100 ft, it rises 400 ft above the valley floor.

Because it's about the only thing out there it has been used as a landmark for anyone traveling out there, from ancient people to modern mountain bikers.

In the video below a Wyoming geologist explores the tusk and takes us along with him.

He explains this is not just any rock, but the remains of a volcano. But how do we know its age? And why does it look like that today?

It's thought to be about 2.5 million years old.

A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the access road.

Getting there is not easy, and four-wheel drive is strongly recommended. The dirt road out there is CRAP!

Follow this link to find the way... if you dare. It will take you north of Rock Springs on Highway 191.

It's a long, but relatively flat, 11-mile loop trail from the parking area and wraps around the base of the tusk.

You can climb up the sides. Millions of years of weather allow for it plenty of hand holds.

Once you're up there, take a look around. The view is breathtaking.

If you're a stargazer this is the place. You won't see any light pollution out here.

The odds of meeting another human as you explore are not zero, but close to it.