Stories unfolding in the rock in Wyoming: LAPC

When I drove the highway west of Cody, Wyoming, I saw stories unfolding in rock formations along the road.

The short paved trail in the photo below takes you to a place of wonderment along the North Fork Shoshone River.

Stories unfolding from a distance

The rock formations along the ridgetop are a village of homes with a view carved by the common folk. At one time, the richest man in town lived in a round home atop the tallest tower. He bragged about his wealth to anyone who would listen. One day, he danced with glee around and around inside the house. It fell to the ground, but he survived. From then on, he lived a humble life in a square home and he never danced again.

Stories unfolding in rock

Sheep Mountain is a distinctive landmark about 15 miles southwest of Cody.

Read more: Stories unfolding in the rock in Wyoming: LAPC

Predators kept chasing bighorn sheep herds grazing in the Absaroka Mountains. One ram, larger than all the rest, laid down to keep watch atop a mountain. His immense size frightened the predators away, and he stands guard to this day.

Unfolding stories Sheep Mountain, Wyoming

Traveling farther west, you’ll notice a sign for another attraction. This is Chimney Rock, one of several places by that name in the United States.

Stories with a closer view

The best chef in the land baked a luscious layer cake of soft and hard rock for a special celebration. She told everyone not to touch it until the party.

Chimney Rock

Unfortunately, a hungry, mischievous child cut off a slice before the big event. Uh oh!

Chimney Rock

This appears to be a peaceful scene of multi-colored mountains bordered by trees growing near the river’s edge. Do you see the rock fence on the left side of the photo above the thick stand of green trees?

Stories unfolding Shoshone National Forest

If you look a little closer at the “fence” you’ll see where an angry giant tried to rip the earth apart, forming a deep rift. Stories unfolding in the rock are not always what they seem.

Rift in wyoming

The Palisades stand like elegant castles alongside one section of the road.

The Palisades, Wyoming

The royals wanted their people to have a comfortable place to live. Each shelf on the towers serves as a home for scaled, feathered, and furred residents. The grateful residents tend the gardens growing next to the towers, providing food for all.

The Palisades, Wyoming

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Earth story

Word of the Day – Wonderment

20 thoughts on “Stories unfolding in the rock in Wyoming: LAPC

  1. I love how you’ve woven these stories around the rocks in your photos 😀 Funnily enough I nearly used a shot of that rock formation in your first photo in my own post, but I wouldn’t have been able to tell such a great tale about it so I’m glad I left it to you!

  2. I can’t love this enough. I love the stories/history/legends you have told here. I think this makes us all want to look a little closer at everything. It has been a few years since I have seen the Absarokas. I want to return for a search of what you explored. This was an enjoyable read. Donna

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