[2] The original volcanic cone built through that vent was based high above the present ground level and was eroded away long ago.

The rock's caves were carved by waves during the Last Glacial Period, when Lake Tahoe's water level was hundreds of feet higher.

The formation remained a hindrance to travel despite these trails, leading to the construction of a trestle bridge around the outside of the rock in the 1860s.

[3] The formation is the subject of a conflict between the Washoe tribe and rock climbers, with whom it is a popular climbing site.

[4] In 1997, the Washoe people complained about visitors to the rock, and sought to ban women altogether from the area.