Old wagon ruts, rock carvings and historical collections offer different ways to explore the past. At False Parting of the Ways, you can explore original wagon and stagecoach ruts on Bureau of Land Management land north of the highway. The Cedar Canyon Petroglyphs offer another perspective on the past: their rock carvings are more than 200 years old. The motifs include panels with plant depictions; complex markings are thought to represent ancient calendars.
History in Collections and Out in the Field
At the Sweetwater County Historical Museum, exhibits, artifacts, photographs and archival holdings cover topics ranging from Indigenous prehistory to the railroad, mining and settlement of the frontier. The WWCC Natural History Museum offers a natural history focus: in addition to its notable stone collection, wall-mounted fossils of fish, palm leaves and reptiles have been found in the surrounding area. At the Reliance Tipple, a self-guided tour offers a glimpse of mining around the turn of the century.
Expedition Island is also connected to a specific moment in history: the island was the starting point for John Wesley Powell’s expeditions in 1869 and 1871. A recurring opportunity to experience cultural diversity is International Day, held every July in Green River and Rock Springs. Food, exhibits, costumes and live entertainment represent different cultures and celebrate the diversity of Sweetwater County. If you’d like to plan your visit around the festival, check the latest event dates.
Trails, Viewpoints and Rock Art
The Skyline Trail in Green River is an accessible, multi-use, non-motorized trail. It connects the Green River Greenbelt at the Western Wyoming Community College campus with the scenic ridge above the city and offers wide-ranging views of Green River. The trail is open to hikers, cyclists and other non-motorized users. You can reach Castle Rock on foot from the north end of 3rd West Street in Green River. Pilot Butte offers another scenic highlight: the mountain rises to 7,949 feet, and a hike to the summit rewards you with panoramic views.
A steep, two-thirds-of-a-mile footpath leads from the parking area to the White Mountain Petroglyphs; there is no admission fee. The trail distance and steep climb can help you plan this stop. At Killpecker Sand Dunes, sandboarding and sledding are possible on dunes up to 100 feet high.
Refuge, Dunes and Outdoor Routes
Fishing is permitted throughout Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. The main target species include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and brook trout; check the current regulations before your trip. The Environmental Education Center, also known as the Refuge Visitor’s Center, welcomes the public with interactive exhibits about the refuge and its wildlife. A driving loop and the Flicker Trail, for hiking and wildlife viewing, offer more ways to experience the refuge.
Motorized vehicles are permitted in the Killpecker Sand Dunes Open Play Area, as are non-motorized recreational activities such as hiking, hunting and horseback riding. Check the vehicle rules before you go. Killpecker Sand Dunes are also part of the Greater Sand Dunes Area of Critical Environmental Concern, which protects wildlife, cultural, scenic and wilderness resources.
Two Routes, Different Trip Lengths
The Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Tour is a self-guided 24-mile route that takes approximately 1.5 hours. The Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway is a 150-mile loop around Lake Flaming Gorge that you can start in Green River or Rock Springs. The distance and route format highlight the difference between these two options: one is described as a tour of about an hour and a half, while the other is a long-distance loop. This lets you plan according to the kind of outing you want, without assuming both routes take the same amount of time.
Explore More Destinations
Explore more destinations: Rock Springs, Green River, Little America, Laramie, Weston County, Carbon, Big Horn, Uinta County.
For the main travel overview: Wyoming.
