Ganges Ghats | Varanasi

Information

Landmark: Ganges Ghats
City: Varanasi
Country: India
Continent: Asia

Ganges Ghats, Varanasi, India, Asia

Visual Characteristics

Register Cliff is a sandstone escarpment exhibiting layers of sedimentary rock. The cliff face displays varying shades of tan, brown, and grey, with visible striations and erosion patterns. Its height averages approximately 50 feet.

Location & Access Logistics

Register Cliff is situated approximately 10 miles east of Wheatland, Wyoming. Access is via Wyoming Highway 34 East. Turn north onto Register Cliff Road (a gravel road) for approximately 2 miles. Parking is available at the base of the cliff in a designated dirt lot. No public transport services this location.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The cliff is composed of Tertiary-era sedimentary rock, primarily sandstone and conglomerate, formed by ancient river systems. It gained historical significance as a landmark on the Oregon Trail, where emigrants carved their names and dates into the soft rock face.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe historical inscriptions carved into the cliff face. Short walks along the base of the cliff are possible. Photography of the inscriptions and the geological formations is a primary activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no permanent facilities at Register Cliff. Restrooms are not available. Shade is minimal, provided only by natural overhangs. Cell phone signal is unreliable.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is in the late afternoon when the sun casts shadows that highlight the inscriptions and rock textures. Spring and fall offer the most moderate weather conditions, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and the cold of winter.

Facts & Legends

One of the most notable inscriptions is that of "O.K." attributed to O.K. Allen, a member of the 1849 California Gold Rush expedition. The sheer volume of names carved into the cliff serves as a direct historical record of westward expansion.