Located in the southwestern corner of Wyoming, Sweetwater County is ideally situated for those heading to the famed national parks. It makes a perfect stopover, but once you realize how much there is to see and do here, you'll most likely want to extend your stay. There's something for everyone, from the adrenaline junkie to the history buff and rock hound.
Start in Rock Springs, where you can take a trip back in time and dig into the state's mining and railroad past. You and your family can easily get your history fix at the Rock Springs Historical Museum and the Sweetwater County Historical Museum in nearby Green River. Explore exhibits on everything from coal mining and the Union Pacific Railroad to early settlers and notorious outlaws, like Robert Leroy Parker (AKA Butch Cassidy).
One of the highlights of Sweetwater County is getting to see the wild horses that make their home in this corner of the state. These beautiful creatures run free and untamed, reminding visitors that the frontier spirit is still alive and well in our country. Though you can drive the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop on your own — a 24-mile route on an often rough road (reliable transportation is a must!) — the best way to view these magnificent beasts is via a guided excursion with Green River Wild Horse Tours & ECO Safaris.
Owner and guide Rich Nobles has extensive knowledge of the wild horses, their history, and the high desert country they inhabit. Not only will you be able to see the horses and possibly other creatures such as pronghorn, coyotes, mule deer, hawks, eagles and more in their natural environment, but you'll get a real taste of the landscape of sandstone, shale, sagebrush and buffalo grass, dominated by White Mountain.
Your tour might also include visiting the Killpecker Sand Dunes, where you can marvel at one of nature's largest sand boxes. Created via a combination of volcanic action and subsequent wind erosion, the dunes can reach heights of over 100 feet and run for over 100 miles from west to east. They are traveling sand dunes, constantly on the move, which gives the vegetation in this environment a real challenge. If you're lucky, you might spot the herd of rare desert elk that roams across this unique landscape.
Visit the White Mountain Petroglyphs to see ancient artwork carved by the ancestors of present Plains and Great Basin Native Americans. The petroglyphs include drawings of elk, buffalo, horses, teepees, and different kinds of human figures. Many date to about 200 years ago; others appear to be older and are estimated to be as much as 1,000 years old. Kids will have fun trying to decipher the drawings and their possible messages.
Another major highlight of Sweetwater County is Flaming Gorge. The Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic routes in the country with a wide variety of dramatic landscapes from the high desert plains to the upper elevations of the Uinta Mountains. Designated a National Recreation Area, Flaming Gorge is rich in wildlife and Western lore, and serves as a grand outdoor play arena, minus the crowds.
This area offers one of the most diverse fisheries in the world, with hundreds of waters within an hour's drive of the gorge. It's a trophy trout destination, known for setting state records for Lake, Rainbow, and Brown trout. The Green River, below the Flaming Gorge Dam, is also regarded by fishermen as trout haven. If you're hardy enough to come in the dead of winter, you’ll even be able to do some ice fishing!
There are miles of hiking trails of varying levels to give you a sense of the grandeur of the Flaming Gorge. One of the more popular walks is along Red Canyon Rim, where you'll get great views of Red Canyon, a 1,700 feet deep gorge carved by the Green River eons ago. The route follows the south side of the rim, providing many spectacular overlooks of the lake below. Stop in at the Red Canyon Visitor Center for a million dollar view of the immense canyon.
There are plenty of places to camp in and around the Flaming Gorge, as well as a number of lodges for those wishing additional comfort. One in particular, Red Canyon Lodge, is a top-rated establishment with a dose of rustic charm, offering private cabins, fine dining, and plenty of activities to please all tastes and ages. It's definitely a kid-friendly environment, where little ones have their own fishing hole to haul in a "big one" just steps away from the on-site restaurant with its made-for-children special meal options.
Though it's the wow factor that certainly impresses visitors to Sweetwater County, it's also the opportunity the area offers for rejuvenation and peace of mind that is equally appealing. Most importantly, however, it's a place where treasured memories can be made.
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