Information
Landmark: Baku Port and Marine StationCity: Baku
Country: Azerbaijan
Continent: Asia
Baku Port and Marine Station, Baku, Azerbaijan, Asia
Vedauwoo Recreation Area is a geological formation located in southeastern Wyoming, USA, approximately 32 kilometers east of Laramie.
Visual Characteristics
The area features large, weathered granite rock formations, primarily composed of Sherman Granite. These formations exhibit distinct hoodoos and balanced rock features, sculpted by erosion over millions of years. The rock color ranges from light gray to pinkish-tan. Vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and various grasses and sagebrush.
Location & Access Logistics
Vedauwoo Recreation Area is accessible via Interstate 80 (I-80) at Exit 323. The site is located directly off the interstate. Parking is available in designated lots at the base of the rock formations and along the access road. No public transport services operate directly to Vedauwoo.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The rock formations at Vedauwoo are composed of Sherman Granite, which formed approximately 1.4 billion years ago during the Precambrian era. The current shapes are the result of millions of years of weathering and erosion, primarily by wind and water, acting on the granite outcrops.
Key Highlights & Activities
Rock climbing and bouldering are primary activities. Hiking trails, including the Turtle Rock Trail and the Vedauwoo Trail, offer exploration opportunities. Photography of the unique rock formations is common. Picnicking is permitted in designated areas.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available at the main parking area. Limited shade is provided by pine trees in some areas. Cell phone signal is intermittent and generally weak. No food vendors are present within the recreation area; visitors should bring their own supplies.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for hiking and climbing is from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather but can be crowded. Mornings and late afternoons provide optimal lighting for photography due to the angle of the sun on the rock formations. Winter visits are possible but require preparation for snow and ice.
Facts & Legends
Local Native American tribes, including the Arapaho and Cheyenne, have historically used the area. One local legend suggests the rock formations were created by a giant serpent or by ancient giants. A specific tip for visitors is to explore the smaller, less obvious formations off the main trails for unique photographic subjects.
Nearby Landmarks
- Curt Gowdy State Park (16km West)
- University of Wyoming Geological Museum, Laramie (32km West)
- Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary State Historic Site, Laramie (33km West)
- Medicine Bow National Forest (Access points vary, generally West/Southwest)