Sweetwater County in Southwest Wyoming is characterized by wide open spaces
– 10,500 square miles of room to escape from the hustle and bustle of every
day. Located halfway between Yellowstone and Canyonlands National Parks, Sweetwater
Country is known as “Flaming Gorge Country.” The area is characterized by the
91-square-mile Flaming Gorge Lake, the famed Green River, expansive deserts,
and rugged mountains.
Sweetwater County is
best experienced in summer, when outdoor recreation opportunities are at their
peak. Get there via The Rock Springs-Sweetwater County airport which was
recently ranked 37th on a list of 322 airports from around the country by
Travelmath.com.
Here are the top seven
ways to spend summer days in Sweetwater County.
Lake Flaming Gorge:
Visitors can enjoy the same recreational opportunities as Lake Powell offers,
without the crowds. For this reason, the lake has become a haven for boating,
jet skiing, waterskiing and fishing.
Killpecker Sand Dunes:
Nature’s sandbox--the huge sand dune field--spans 100 miles from east to west
and reaches heights of up to 100 feet. At 11,000 acres, it’s the second-largest
moving sand dune field in the word. A herd of rare desert elk found nowhere else
in North America makes its home here. The dunes are a popular spot for hiking
and exploring the area on ATVs.
White Mountain Petroglyphs:
Explore history through the carvings in the sandstone walls of White Mountain
that beckon history buffs, photographers and hikers. The etchings are the story
book of the Plains and Great Basin Native Americans who lived in the area up to
1,000 years ago.
Mountain Biking: Sweetwater County features some of the
nation’s most sought-after mountain bike trails. Wilkins Peak Bike Trail
System, accessed on the southeastern side of Green River, has been named the
top trail system in Wyoming. The extensive, well-maintained trails have
something for any rider – from beginners to experts.
Camping:
Sweetwater County has 17 campgrounds and RV parks, allowing plenty of
opportunity to get out and breathe fresh air. The campsites offer something for
everyone – gorgeous views, RV connections, perfectly flat tent pads and just
the right amount of roughing it, depending on the site choosen.
Whitewater Fun: Green
River runs through the town of Green River and can be accessed from many points
throughout the county. The Whitewater Park and North Channel Tubing section at
Expedition Island Park are fun for frolicking. Near the outdoor Splash Park
there is a lazy river and tubing channel that features a series of drops and
three large pools. The Castle Falls Feature, a state-of-the-art whitewater park
and play area, is located at the southeast tip of Expedition Island Park.
Fishing:
In Sweetwater County anglers have their pick of tail waters, reservoirs,
streams and a river that lead to some of the best coldwater fishing in the
country. The Green River runs into Lake Flaming Gorge, which is the largest
reservoir in Wyoming and offers Burbot, as well as four types of cutthroat
trout.
Information and
photo courtesy of Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, and Jenissa Meredith, Sweetwater
Travel & Tourism.
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