Outdoor Recreation
Sweetwater County and the Rock Springs area are an adventurer’s treasure chest. The landscape offers a little bit of something for anyone who seeks to fill their souls with nature, excitement, adrenaline, or peace. Many of the geologic formations in the area allow for great photography, trail riding, hiking, and camping. With nearly 75% of the land accessible to the public, there’s no shortage of places to go and things to see. Cast a line on the Green River, sleep under the stars along the shoreline of Flaming Gorge, or bike one of the many trails in the Wilkins Peak Bike Trail System, all while seeing landscapes, wildlife, birds, and plant life like nowhere else in the world. The desert that surrounds us is full of mystery, beauty, and adventure, as well as stories from the ancestors who came before us. We encourage you to enjoy what is offered here in a respectful and responsible manner. The need to take care of what we have today so we can enjoy it tomorrow has never been at a higher priority than it is right now.
BIKING
Miles of dusty single-track flowing along the edges of steep mesas make the trails south of Rock Springs and Green River a destination for mountain biking. The Currant Creek and Wilkins Peak mountain bike trail systems offer rides for all skill levels from easy to challenging. The trails cross both public and private land, but groups like the Sweetwater Mountain Biking Association have done a good job building relationships between riders and landowners, allowing access across the majority of private lands.
FISHING
Rock Springs’ backyard has opportunities for any and every type of fisherman and woman throughout all 12 months of the year. Fly fishing on the Green River can produce world-class brown trout, ice fishing on the Flaming Gorge can land an angler upwards of 40-pound Mackinaw Trout, and shore fishing along Fontenelle can feed the whole family with young rainbow trout. Kokanee salmon can also be found in the Flaming Gorge with anglers coming from all over the country to cast a line at them.
WATER SPORTS
The Flaming Gorge and Fontenelle reservoirs are playgrounds for anyone who likes to leisurely boat and take in the scenery or the daredevil who seeks an adrenaline fix on a wakeboard, water skis, surfboard, or jet ski. Both bodies of water are peppered with coves throughout their shorelines for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, or kicking back on a float tube. Camping is allowed at both sites and although Fontenelle only has one paved boat ramp, Flaming Gorge has nine, plus three full-service marinas.
HIKING
There aren’t towering mountains in the background of every image, but the secrets this desert keeps can and will take your breath away. Sometimes you just have to get out there and enjoy it, and there’s no better way to do that than on foot. Hearing the thumping of a strutting sage grouse, seeing the vibrant red blooms of the Indian Paintbrush, or finding yourself in the midst of a peaceful snowfall, there is no shortage of things to amaze your senses.
OFF-ROADING
Exploring the back roads in a truck or jeep or on an ATV, OHV, or dirt bike is one of the best ways to experience the high mountain desert. With thousands of miles of trails, it’s almost impossible to cover them all. The access to public land is a privilege and should be treated as such, with respect and appreciation. Be sure to follow basic laws like wearing a helmet and obtaining the proper permits for what vehicle you are using. Always stay on designated trails and remember to tread lightly.
HUNTING
The big game animals of Southwest Wyoming are sought after by sportsmen and women throughout the country and include mule deer, pronghorn, white-tailed deer, and Rocky Mountain elk. Licenses can be difficult to draw but the pursuit will end in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Pacific flyway west of the Continental Divide is utilized by ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes along the Green River corridor. It makes for a great experience for waterfowl and migratory bird hunters.