Near Lander in Fremont County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Rocky Ridge

Photographed by Tracy Scussel, July 19, 2016

1. Rocky Ridge Marker

Inscription. At 7000 feet above sea level, Rocky Ridge is the highest point on the Mormon and Oregon Trails. This elevation, lack of water, and rugged landscape presented a challenge to early pioneers. The trail over Rocky Ridge is approximately two miles long and ascends over 700 feet in elevation . This ridge was particularly difficult during the 1856 rescue of the Mormon Willie and Martin Handcart Companies. The Willie Company crossed Rocky Ridge in severe winter conditions in a state of starvation. Their ascent began on October 22, 1856. It took 27 hours for the journey of 15 miles from the base of Rocky Ridge to Rock Creek. Poor clothing, including worn out shoes, was the cause of this area being called the Trail of Blood.

Erected 1992 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Riverton Wyoming Stake.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Mormon Pioneer Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 22, 1856.

Location. 42° 27.773′ N, 108° 26.225′ W. Marker is near Lander, Wyoming, in Fremont County.

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It is on Oregon Trail, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lander WY 82520, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Wind River Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Willie Rescue Site (approx. 1½ miles away); Willie’s Handcart Company (approx. 9.6 miles away); Beaver Rim and the Wind River Range (approx. 11.3 miles away); Gold Flakes to Yellowcake Historic Mine Trail (approx. 11.3 miles away); Red Canyon Wildlife Habitat Management Area (approx. 13.3 miles away); Red Canyon (approx. 13.6 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker is approximately 15 miles, as the crow flies, south west of Sweetwater Station on the Oregon Trail.

Photographed by Tracy Scussel, July 19, 2016

2. Rocky Ridge Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 3,192 times since then and 213 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.