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Sand Castles On The High Plains by AZLOT69 Overview When you leave Riverton headed east you are crossing the high plains. Barren land with only scrub grass and not a tree or shrub visible for miles. Your destination is a geologic feature of sandstone 6 miles long and 1 mile wide. The official trailhead starts at The Far East end of this geologic feature. History The unusual feature obviously held a special meaning to the local Indians who incised art work into the sandstone. It was a four part process. First wet and soften the sandstone. Secondly smooth out the surface. Then carve your work of art. Then they would color it in. Hike The hike starts off on a gravel path meandering thru the Castle like structures and hoodoos . There is a tremendous amount of graffiti and vandalism early on. There are also some signs of theft. You will encounter about six fenced in areas protecting some of the best rock art along the designated trail. The site features some of the most unique depictions of Shields of the Plains Indians. You can accomplish the designated trail and return for a total of two miles but I believe the true adventure here begins beyond the designated trail. Exploring all the nooks, crannys and side canyons. The vandalism drops of significantly. Explore to your heart's content then return the way you came. Check out the Triplog. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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