Home to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Sweetwater County, Wyoming is an ideal destination for those who love the beauty and diversity of the national parks but don’t love the crowds.
The county is located in the southwestern portion of Wyoming, borders both Utah and Colorado, and is just a couple hours from Salt Lake City. It is known for its natural beauty, Native American history, and Western culture.
Interstate 80 cuts right through the county’s most populous city, Rock Springs, which is a popular stopping point for many road trippers in the Western states or those heading across the country. What many may not realize is that Sweetwater County is a destination unto itself and deserves more than just an overnight pitstop.
Recently, I was invited to explore Sweetwater County and discovered a portion of Wyoming that was new to me and might be new to your family as well. Here are some activities and eateries you won’t want to miss when visiting the region.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Flaming Gorge is a reservoir formed by the construction of the Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River in the 1960s. The Gorge gets its name from its red-hued cliffs which can appear to “flame” or glow when the light hits them at sunrise or sunset.
This is a destination that is popular for fishing, boating, water sports, hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting; pronghorn antelope, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep are commonly seen.
The tour I took of Flaming Gorge which was hosted by Sweetwater Tourism and Explore WY was my favorite activity during my visit. I found the The Flaming Gorge tour to be an excellent way to experience both Sweetwater County and parts of northern Utah. This bus tour includes a great variety of locations, and the value is exceptional!
Here is a quick overview of all the places you will see on this tour. as well as some of my favorite highlights:
Flaming Gorge Gateway Sign – Map orientation/ Photo Op
- At this scenic stop the tour leaders will go over what to expect for the rest of the trip and as well as the scavenger hunt they prepared for the kids. At the end of the tours, kids will be able to pick a prize after completing their hunt.
Firehole Canyon Stop – Cowboy Donuts and Restroom Break
- This is your first bathroom break and opportunity to stretch your legs. Here you will have Cowboy Donuts, which are award-winning donuts from Sweetwater County. There is also an opportunity to interact with some items found in the local area. Be sure to check out the table with pelts, bones, and different types of rocks and minerals.
Antelope Flat Turnout
- This is a quick stop where you can get out and stretch or wait in the bus
Flaming Gorge Dam – View Site and Restroom Break
- This is one of the longer stops on the tour. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the dam and visit the souvenir shop. You will have the opportunity to walk over the dam and look down into the deep gorge below.
Lunch at West Greens Lake Nature Trail (outside) – Lunch from WyoWifey
- For your lunch break, you are treated to a delicious packed lunch, which you can enjoy at the picnic tables around the lake.
Red Canyon Visitor Center – View Scenic Overlook
- You’re given a substantial amount of time to the visitor center as well as take in the very scenic viewpoints down along Flaming Gorge. This is also where you will find a tree with severe lightning damage, it’s a very interesting sight.
Sheep Creek Bay Overlook (MM 17)
- This is a quick stop in another chance to stretch your legs. Some may choose not to exit this stop as it includes a slippery hill.
Salmon Interpretive Site (MM 22) – View Site and Restroom Break
- At the Salmon Interpretive Site you’ll be invited to walk a nature trail as you learn about the salmon in the area as well as the local vegetation.
Lucerne Valley Marina or Buckboard Marina – Ice Cream and Restroom Break
- At this stop, you will be able to use the restroom as well as visit the marina shop. Be sure to grab an ice cream treat of your choice because it is included in your tour!
Green River – View Expedition Island
- This was a quick stop and optional for some tours. It is based on the weather and time.
Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Trail
There is more outdoor fun to enjoy in Sweetwater County beyond Flaming Gorge.
Start your day with a 24 mile dirt-road adventure exploring the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Trail. With fantastic views of the entire county, this route will take you along historical sites and your family will be certain to encounter a lot of wildlife.
When we took this road, we were hoping to see wild horses which frequent the area. We did not see them this time, but we encountered a variety of animals including rabbits, coyotes, deer, and a multitude of birds and squirrels.
Although we did not see horses on this trip, it was still a beautiful drive and thankfully, we did end up seeing wild horses later in the trip!
Trekaroo tip: Be sure to use a four-wheel drive vehicle when taking this road. There are no restrooms on the route so be sure to do your business before you head out or bring your own porta potty. Trekaroo loves this collapsible model.
White Mountain Petroglyphs
Next head over to the White Mountain Petroglyphs where your family can uncover historical drawings and become archaeological detectives!
The White Mountain Petroglyphs are an interesting place to visit when in Rock Springs, Wyoming. This collection of drawings/carvings on the side of White Mountain are between 100 to 1000 years old and tell stories as well as keep records of events in the area. It is fun to try to interpret the meanings of the drawings yourself.
This land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Please be respectful of the space and do not touch or trace the carvings. There is a restroom located at the parking area and it is approximately a quarter mile walk up to the petroglyphs.
Trekaroo tip: This is a great place to stop on your way to Boars Tusk or the Killpecker Sand Dunes. Be sure to bring some bug spray or lemongrass essential oil with you as there are gnats in this area.
Go Sand Surfing at Killpecker Sand Dunes
If your family is still up for adventure, I suggest you make your way to the Killpecker Sand Dunes. This is a great place for recreational sand play. Here you will encounter large white dunes perfect for riding ATVs or sand surfing!
Bring a sandboard or sled as well as wax to assist in sliding down the dunes. You can purchase sand boards at the Visit Wyoming center in Rock Springs or one of the nearby sporting areas. You can also look for rentals in town.
Climbing up the dunes is a fun and physical activity. Be sure to bring lots of water with you and prepare yourself for a bit of a hike to reach a good dune.
There is a restroom next to the parking lot. This area is a nice place to picnic and spend the afternoon, letting the kids burn off some excess energy!
If you would rather rent ATVs to cruise around the sand dunes, head to Rockin Rollin Rentals in Rock Springs. They also have sand board rentals here as well.
While at the Killpecker Sand Dunes make time to check out Boar’s Tusk, the solidified core of an ancient volcano that serves as a prominent geological feature in the region as it rises 400 feet above the surrounding area. Keep your eye out for wild horses and pronghorn antelope which are often seen in the area.
Visit the Rocksprings Historical Museum
The County of Sweetwater has its fair share of history work exploring and is surprisingly home to some of the best museums we’ve encountered on the road. The museums feature a range of topics, from geological to societal and the docents do an excellent job of sharing their knowledge.
If you only have time for one museum in the area, I recommend the Rock Springs Historical Museum. It is housed in the former City Hall and Civic Center of historic Rock Springs, and hosts significant cultural experiences and talks about the unique makeup of the town. Many people immigrated to Rock Springs to work in the coal mines and the area is home to over 27 different ethnic heritages.
Did you know Wyoming had a lot to do with women’s suffrage? Wyoming was the first state in the union to provide women with the right to vote. Female citizens were held in high regard and many early female residents served on important boards and held positions of high respect in the community.
I appreciate this museum’s ability to cover both joyful and sad parts of their history. It is important to learn about the good and the bad of our past so that we do not repeat our mistakes.
Children will especially love the attached firehouse and jail. They can learn about fires were fought before modern technology, as well as listen to tales about some of the jail’s more famous inmates. This is also a great place to buy souvenirs! I noticed that the prices were far more reasonable at the museum than anywhere else in town and your money will go to supporting an important harborer of history.
Community Fine Arts Museum
The Community Fine Arts Museum in Rock Springs is attached to the local library. It is a small museum and easy to miss, but it is not one that you will want to write off.
The museum is home to an original Norman Rockwell painting as well as local art done by citizens from the area that is definitely worth checking out. This gift shop is also a “must visit” where you can purchase a unique piece of art that will help you tell the story of your visit to Wyoming.
The attached library is a great place to stop in with the kids. Take a moment to explore the Fine Arts Museum, and then let the kids head over to story time or sit down and read a book together. Restrooms are located inside of the library, making it a nice place to have a bit of a rest with the kids.
Sweetwater County Historical Museum
The Sweetwater County Historical Museum is located in Green River. It is focused on the history of the area, as well as some of the archaeological and natural formations nearby.
The museum curator is one of the most enthusiastic and well-informed individuals I ever had the pleasure of encountering! Aiden is well-versed in all things historical and archaeological. The kids will love asking him questions and he will enjoy answering them! This is not always something that you encounter in museum spaces, but I found it to be a complete joy.
I learned so much about the area and the community that we were visiting, as well as the geological formations that we had been seeing all around Sweetwater County.
Satisfy your Inner Foodie in Sweetwater
Food in Sweetwater County will not disappoint the family. All of these spots deliver great food but they are served with a side of history!
Farson Mercantile
The Farson Mercantile is a one stop shop! The location has options for quick bites, snacks, souvenirs, and a variety of conveniences.
The main reason you will want to stop here is the exceptional ice cream! The kids will love the large portions and the great variety of flavors.
I ordered a baby scoop, which is the smallest scoop they have and that ended up being too very large scoops , and it took some time to finish it! I highly recommend the honeycomb ice cream, which has great flavor and a unique experience as honey is a resource in Farson. Also has restrooms and indoor seating as well as outdoor seating.
Boars Tusk Steakhouse
Boars Tusk Steakhouse is in Rock Springs, the location was formerly a Pacific Union Store. This was one of the stores operated by the Pacific Union Railroad.
I highly recommend the macaroni and cheese, and the pork belly fries were exceptional! This is a great place for a nice meal and it’s located in a great part of town. Be sure to ask them about their specials because they offer unique and exciting dishes each and every day. Reservations are a good idea.
Grub’s Drive-In
Grub’s Dive In is a community staple in Rock Springs. This location is home of the Shamrock Burger! Its long and rich history in the community is a great reason to stop in, but the food is an even better reason to belly up to the counter!
I tried the deluxe Shamrock Burger which is served with cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onions, and a side of fries and found it very delicious. I highly recommend grabbing a malted shake as well- I loved my malted chocolate shake. Unique to Grub’s is the option for gravy with your fries, a tasty treat you will want to add to your meal.
Coal Train Coffee Depot
The Coal Train Coffee Depot is located along the train tracks in downtown Rock Springs. This location was a functioning depot for the train years ago. The train-stop-turned-coffee-shop is a cute place to grab breakfast like pastries and coffee for a quick breakfast. I am a bit of a coffee snob and Coal Train held up well against my high standards!
It is a great place to start a walking tour of Downtown Rock Springs and it is located next to a cute grassy lawn, which is great for letting the kids let off some steam and play a bit before starting your day.
Overall, spending a few days in Sweetwater is a great way to experience what southern Wyoming has to offer. Consider adding this a couple days here to a future family vacation. If you are looking for more information on Wyoming check out 10 Fun Things To Do in Wyoming.
Disclaimer: The author was hosted by Sweetwater County so that she could write this unbiased story. All opinions are her own.
