7 Must-See Sights on the Way to Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
Stop in Rock Springs & Green River for Must-See Wyoming Attractions
A family road trip to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park is among the most quintessential of American vacations. From the freedom of the open highway to endless blue skies, jagged mountains and abundant wildlife, southwest Wyoming is filled with must-see attractions that deserve a stop.
Whether you’re building your Wyoming road-trip itinerary or simply searching for the best attractions on the way to see Yellowstone’s extraordinary geysers, these Sweetwater County destinations deliver.
1. Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Green River canyons have long enthralled explorers ranging from John Wesley Powell to modern-day outdoor adventurers. One of the most accessible and majestic stretches of this river can be found at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a massive lake that stretches across the Utah-Wyoming border. Here, red-colored buttes and sage-dotted hills line a crystalline lake that has been a favorite stop for boaters, anglers and campers planning a Yellowstone road trip. With zero light pollution, the area is also a haven for stargazers.
2. Historic Pioneer Trails
No other place in the United States has more miles of still-visible pioneer trails than Sweetwater County. Travelers can still follow portions of the Oregon, Overland or Pony Express trails, making this region one of the most fascinating places to see in Wyoming for history lovers.
3. White Mountain Petroglyphs
If you think the pioneer trails of Sweetwater County are cool, wait until you see the petroglyphs on White Mountain near Rock Springs — a Wyoming national parks road trip essential. Here, an assortment of etchings into sandstone — created by the ancestors of the present-day Plains Indians — capture the narrative of life for Indigenous people across centuries.
4. Fossils of an Ancient Lake
Go further back in time, and discover what life was like in the area 58 million years ago at the Natural History Museum at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs, which holds a massive collection of fossils from Lake Gosiute, an ancient lake that once covered much of Sweetwater County.
5. Killpecker Sand Dunes
The Killpecker Sand Dunes, found just outside the town of Eden, is home to the only herd of desert elk in the world; and the area is a biological, as well as geological, anomaly. Photographers will delight in the area’s simple beauty, while ATV riders will have a blast riding on the sugary sand.
6. Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
If you are giddy at the prospect of Yellowstone National Park’s wildlife viewing, then stopping by Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge will serve as a nice taste of what’s to come. Bring your binoculars for trumpeter swan, prairie falcon, greater sage grouse and antelope, or pursue trout in the Green River, which offers excellent fishing.
7. Pilot Butte Wild Horses
Between Rock Springs and Green River you may see one of the most iconic images of the American West — wild horses on the range. The area is home to an abundant assortment of other animals, especially antelope, but it’s these wild horses that stir the imagination most.
Ready to head out on the open road? Remember to travel responsibly and help us keep our wide-open spaces safe for all! Stay clean, stay safe and stay informed while adventuring in Sweetwater County.
Wyoming Road Trip FAQs
What are the best stops on the way to Yellowstone National Park?
Some of the best stops on the way to Yellowstone include Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the Killpecker Sand Dunes, White Mountain Petroglyphs and Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Wyoming.
What are some stop-worthy hidden gems near Yellowstone National Park?
Some hidden gems near Yellowstone include ancient petroglyph sites, scenic wildlife refuges, historic pioneer trails and Wyoming’s expansive desert landscapes.
Is southwest Wyoming worth visiting on a Yellowstone road trip?
Yes. Southwest Wyoming offers scenic drives, outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing and unique geological attractions that make it a valuable addition to any Yellowstone or Grand Teton road-trip itinerary.
What are the best scenic stops in Wyoming?
Popular scenic stops in Wyoming include Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge and the Killpecker Sand Dunes.