It is one of the most famous landmarks along the trail west. Independance Rock, or as some call it, the "Great Register of the Desert." Even by 1847, it was covered with pioneer era graffiti.

Howard Egan:

"THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PERSONS WHO HAVE VISITED IT AND PAINTED THEIR NAMES THERE WITH DIFFERENT COLORED PAINT, BOTH MALE AND FEMALE."

The pioneers passed by Independance Rock this June 21, 1847, pausing briefly to admire it and climb atop it.

Within a few yards of the great rock runs the Sweetwater River. They would cross the river a mile upstream, then follow it west knowing the Sweetwater would guide their passage through the Rocky Mountains via South Pass.