Tree in the Rock
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24/7
- Duration
- 10-15 minutes
- Parking
- Paved pullout parking area in the highway median, accessible from Interstate 80.
- Access
- Paved flat walkway leading from the parking area to the fenced enclosure of the tree.
This resilient limber pine tree has been growing directly out of a solid granite boulder since at least the 1800s. Originally noticed by Union Pacific Railroad surveyors, the tracks were detoured slightly to preserve it. Today, it stands as a unique testament to nature's persistence in the median of Interstate 80.
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Located in the median of Interstate 80 between Laramie and Cheyenne, the Tree in the Rock is a resilient limber pine growing directly out of a crack in a solid boulder of Sherman granite. This natural anomaly has captivated travelers for over 150 years, dating back to the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s.
When Union Pacific Railroad surveyors first encountered the tree, they diverted the tracks slightly to preserve it. Early steam locomotive crews would routinely stop to give the thirsty tree a bucket of water from their engines, cementing its status as a beloved regional landmark.
Today, the interstate highway splits around the boulder, which is protected by a historic wrought-iron fence. A dedicated paved turnout allows motorists to safely pull off the busy highway, stretch their legs, and marvel at this symbol of endurance in the harsh Wyoming landscape.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ The viewing pullout is only accessible from the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80, near mile marker 333.
- ◆ Bring a camera with a decent zoom to capture the details of the tree growing from the rock, as a fence prevents visitors from touching it.
- ◆ Combine this quick stop with a visit to the nearby Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument, located just a few miles west.
- ◆ Visit during daylight hours, as the pullout area is not illuminated at night.
Heads Up
- ◆ Never attempt to cross the median of Interstate 80 on foot or in a vehicle from the westbound lanes to reach the attraction.
- ◆ Exercise extreme caution when merging back onto I-80, as highway traffic travels at very high speeds.
- ◆ This section of highway (Sherman Hill) is prone to extreme winds, dense fog, and sudden winter weather closures.
Common questions
Can you access the Tree in the Rock from both directions on I-80?
No, the parking turnout is only accessible from the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 between Laramie and Cheyenne. If you are traveling westbound, you must pass the site and use a designated highway exit to turn around.
Is there any fee to visit the Tree in the Rock?
No, the attraction is completely free to visit. It is a public roadside pullout maintained by the state with a small paved parking area.
Is the Tree in the Rock pullout open during the winter?
The pullout remains open year-round, but this stretch of Interstate 80 is prone to severe winter weather, high winds, and frequent road closures. You should check Wyoming Department of Transportation road conditions before attempting to stop in winter.