10 Things to Do This Summer in Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Explore Some of the Best Places to Visit in Wyoming in Summer
Looking for Wyoming things to do in summer with family or friends? Sweetwater County is one of the best places to visit — and it still feels like a hidden gem. A road trip through the Great American West isn’t just a family getaway; it’s the kind of tradition Wyoming summers are made for.
Explore what awaits and start planning your next shared adventure this summer in Wyoming.
1. Have Lakeside Fun in Flaming Gorge Country
Fourteen miles west of Rock Springs, Wyoming, you'll find the immense Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Flaming Gorge Country. There's an abundance of unforgettable outdoor recreation available around the lake, making this area popular with locals and visitors alike.
Grab a pair of hiking boots or your mountain bike — and don't miss these awe-inspiring views. Bear Canyon Bootleg and Red Canyon Rim are great hiking and biking trails for any skill level. The Wilkins Peak Trail System is an expansive network of mostly singletrack trails made for horseback riders, mountain bikers and hikers. For some laidback entertainment, try fishing in one of America’s most scenic trophy trout destinations. Even camping is a sight to behold at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, because the elevation brings cool evenings and a sky full of stars.
2. Get on the Water at Flaming Gorge Reservoir
One of the best ways to cool off in summertime is our bounty of aquatic recreation. With enough marinas to cover the 66 square miles of open water at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, you can easily launch your own boat or rent one of the many available watercrafts from Buckboard Marina.
Rent a kayak, paddleboard or canoe for a tranquil outing, or launch your Jet Ski and wakeboards to turn it up a notch. Whatever your pleasure, make sure to follow an identified route for the best sights of Flaming Gorge. Want to stay on the grid with an organized activity? Expedition Island and the Green River Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel both provide on-the-water adventures closer to town.
3. Explore Ancient History With White Mountain Petroglyphs
Sweetwater County is home to the White Mountain Petroglyphs — a remarkable series of sandstone carvings etched 300 feet off the ground by early inhabitants, the Plains and Great Basin Native American tribes, whose presence here goes deep. From handprints to hunts, the etchings depict indigenous people’s lives approximately 200–1,000 years ago.
Other geological wonders built by the Green River Formation include eye-popping, ancient rock formations peppered throughout the high-desert scenery. Grab your camera to capture these one-of-a-kind vistas — you won’t want to forget them anytime soon!
4. Catch a Concert This Summer in Wyoming
Summer in Sweetwater County means sunshine, all kinds of outdoor adventures and a bounty of travel-worthy events.
Wyoming's Big Show draws crowds with its energetic concert lineup — featuring past artists like Tyler Braden, Trace Adkins and Chris Lane — alongside hands-on petting zoos, the family-friendly Brown’s Amusements carnival, local dining options and a rotating lineup of daily entertainment.
5. Adventure Off-Road at the Killpecker Sand Dunes & Beyond
If you’re craving a dose of adrenaline in the American West, Killpecker Sand Dunes and Flaming Gorge Country deliver exceptional OHV and ATV experiences. At Killpecker, a vast stretch of dunes is set aside specifically for off-roading. Nearby, Flaming Gorge offers a network of trails and riding areas designed for off-roading, combining rugged adventure with striking Wyoming panoramas.
6. See Extraordinary Wyoming Wildlife Like Wild Horses
With its high-desert terrain and mountainous landscapes, Sweetwater County is home to a number of rare species making the area ideal for wildlife viewing. Pilot Butte’s famous wild horses, descended from 1800s ranch horses, are best viewed around a 23-mile scenic loop.
Another can't-miss wildlife spot is the 27,000-plus-acre Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, home to rough-legged hawks and cool migratory birds like trumpeter swans. Not only can you explore 36 meandering miles along the Green River and fish in Gold Medal waters; you can hunt, birdwatch, camp and ride ATVs.
7. Take a Scenic Drive in Wyoming This Summer
Seeing the Western frontier is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a trip to Sweetwater County. Navigating such a large area can be tricky, but taking a ride through it simplifies your trip, while giving you access to some remarkable destinations. For instance, you can easily see Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Killpecker Sand Dunes and the White Mountain Petroglyphs by taking this loop.
See what locals call "the best of Sweetwater County" on the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway, a route that is appropriate for any vehicle and hits some of the best sights, like the Green River and Expedition Island. Insider Tip: This drive follows one of only 37 All-American Roads in the U.S.
A shorter trek, the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop is ideal for an afternoon, off-grid journey. An excellent four-wheel-drive excursion, Muddy Creek Historic Backway travels through the ghost town of Piedmont. Suitable for most cars, Bridger Valley Historic Byway gives a fantastic glimpse of still-visible pioneer trails and Pony Express routes.
8. Delve Into Western History at Local Museums
A crossroads for weary travelers during the 1800s, Sweetwater County is steeped in Old West antiquity. Rock Springs is a perfect place to bring Wyoming history to life. Visit the Rock Springs Historical Museum and take a ghost-town tour of Reliance Tipple. Afterward, see pioneer and outlaw trails with your own eyes. The Sweetwater County Historical Museum in Green River is another great place to discover historical artifacts and photography, and experience the life of 19th-century settlers and Native Americans. To explore abandoned mines and structures, as well as learn about the town's coal mining history, visit the Town of Superior Museum.
9. Learn About Archaeology in Sweetwater County
One fascinating aspect of Sweetwater County is its geologic history. Part of the Green River Formation, an ancient lake and basin system, the region is rich with fossils. Experience Lake Gosiute to glimpse nearly 60 million years into the past. If you're looking for ancient giants, like triceratops and plesiosaur fossils, Rock Springs offers dinosaur displays at the Western Wyoming Community College Natural History Museum.
10. Must-Try Restaurants in Green River & Rock Springs
Fuel your daily adventure in southwest Wyoming with all the delicious, authentic flavors of the area. From juicy bison burgers and flavor-packed burritos to locally crafted microbrews and Food Network-featured treats, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your taste buds at these can’t-miss restaurants.
Want More Ideas for Wyoming Things to Do in Summer?
Explore more of Sweetwater County this summer with a scenic drive or tour that’s both inspiring and educational. Then continue your road trip through this beautiful region on your way to Wyoming’s famed national parks.