Embrace Winter Adventures in Rock Springs & Green River

Planning a winter road trip to Wyoming’s national parks? Sweetwater is a perfect stopover location conveniently located between Yellowstone and Grand Teton and less than 100 miles from the Utah border. Jump out of the car and into adventure in Rock Springs and Green River with comfortable places to stay, outdoor activities and exciting things to do on your way to and from the national parks.

Winter in Rock Springs

Most people come to Rock Springs for its rich history — a former coal mining town where the Union Pacific Railroad laid its tracks. Stay a little longer and you’ll discover a vibrant cultural hub boasting no shortage of activities and events year-round. Even when winter rolls in with fresh snow and crisp temperatures, Rock Springs keeps buzzing with seasonal fun.

Places to Shop & Eat in Rock Springs

Downtown Rock Springs is home to a variety of locally owned businesses, including shops, restaurants and pubs. Also savor local flavors at eateries like Eve’s for a leisurely Sunday brunch, Jack's Crepes for savory crepes and creamy carbonara pasta or Square State Brewing for a refreshing pint or two.

Then, stroll along the storefronts, popping in to check out seasonal sports gear and unique souvenirs at spots like Sweet Sage, Mack & Co, Wyoming Raised Apparel & Gifts and many more.

Things to Do in Rock Springs

While exploring downtown Rock Springs, be sure to stop by the corner of Elk and North Front streets for a view of the ‘Pronghorn’ mural. The public art piece depicts Wyoming’s natural wildlife in a colorful display that makes for the perfect photo background.

Escape the winter chill and head indoors to the WWCC Natural History Museum. You’ll be transported back to a time when dinosaurs roamed Sweetwater County as you get up close with prehistoric pottery, ancient fossils and life-size dino replicas. In the mood for more history? Stop by the Rock Springs Historical Museum for a look into the mining industry that kick-started our area.

Get your adrenaline rushing with a trip to the Sweetwater Events Complex for the RSMX High Altitude Arena Cross Series. These indoor motocross races include athletes of all ages. The dirt will be flying, and so will your spirits!

Explore a myriad of recreational activities at the Rock Springs Civic Center. No matter your skill level, you can take to the 56-foot indoor climbing wall or boulder around. After climbing, swim a lap in the pool or get in a game of racquetball.

Winter in Green River

Twelve miles away from Rock Springs, Green River is a nature-lover’s paradise with a lively, historic downtown. During the winter, visitors to Green River can cozy up with a hot beverage, travel back in time at the local history museum or layer up for snowy outdoor adventures.

Things to Do in Green River

After strolling around charming Green River, consider stopping at the Sweetwater County Historical Museum to learn more about the history and culture of southwest Wyoming. Discover what life during westward expansion was like and get an up-close view of antique artifacts and photos. For an outdoor photo op, head to the ‘Spirit of the Wild’ mural on the side of the CenturyLink Building. In homage to the spirit of Wyoming’s wild side, the wall painting features colorful horses, a winding river and a train.

Outdoor Activities in Green River

Breathe in crisp, fresh air along the Greenbelt Pathway. The plowed trail runs along the river where wildlife can often be seen. The wide route is family friendly — including four-legged friends (on a leash). Or stay active without the chill at the Green River Recreation Center, home to an indoor swimming pool and gym facilities.

Nearby, Flaming Gorge Country is the perfect spot to chase outdoor winter adventures. From stargazing to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on peaceful snow-covered trails, a magical wonderland awaits.

Winter in the National Parks

From erupting geysers and scenic byways to towering waterfalls and majestic mountains, Wyoming’s national parks — Yellowstone and Grand Teton — are home to some of the American West’s most iconic and jaw-dropping natural landscapes. 

Most visitors experience the busier summer season at Wyoming’s national parks, but if you’re an adventurer in search of beauty off the beaten path, you owe it to yourself to explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton during the spectacular, snow-filled winter months. Start your road trip from a convenient base camp in Rock Springs or Green River.

6 Popular Winter Activities in Yellowstone National Park

1. Go snowshoeing across Yellowstone’s vast, open lands.
2. Cross-country ski on an extensive network of backcountry and groomed trails.
3. Take a guided snowmobile or snowcoach tour to Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and other incredible destinations.
4. Snowmobile through the park on your own via the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Program.
5. Observe buffalo, bears, wolves, elk and other wildlife among the snowy landscape.
6. Watch in awe as steam rises off geyser basins and evaporates into the air.

4 Popular Winter Activities in Grand Teton National Park

1. Take in the glory of Grand Teton National Park as you snowshoe or cross-country ski on Teton Park Road — open exclusively to non-motorized travel from the Taggart Lake Trailhead all the way to Signal Mountain Lodge.
2. Visit the National Elk Refuge and book a horse-drawn sleigh ride to get up close and personal with the herd.
3. Grab a rod and go ice fishing on Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake or Phelps Lake — just remember your snowshoes or skis if you’re heading to Jenny or Phelps. You’ll need ‘em.
4. Book a guided cross-country skiing or snowshoeing tour with one of the park’s licensed guide services.

Seeking a warmer winter adventure?

From your homebase in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, you’re less than a day’s drive to all five of the national parks in our neighboring state to the south, Utah: Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park.