Sweetwater County, WY Sports & Recreation
Options include paddle boarding, off-roading, biking and more
Local residents and visitors have many opportunities to enjoy recreation and outdoor adventures because about 75 percent of Sweetwater County land is open to the public for hiking, camping and exploration. Here are some highlights:
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Paddle Boarding
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area houses Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which is ideal for stand-up paddle boarding and wind surfing. Another destination is Red Canyon Lodge and nearby Dutch John, Utah.
Historic Trails
Many visitors are drawn to Sweetwater County by the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, Pony Express and other western migration trails. The area has the most miles of visible pioneer wagon ruts in the United States.
Off-roading
Killpecker Sand Dunes provides a perfect off-road venue for adventurers who ride ATVs or motorcycles. The dunes’ huge berms are great for big air jumps.
Hunting
Avid hunters can enjoy 75 percent public land access. The Muley Fanatic Foundation in Green River promotes mule deer conservation, sport hunting and sound wildlife management.
Expedition Island
Located in Green River, Expedition Island is a community park with a modern playground, interpretive nature trail and access to the Greenbelt Pathway. The park’s bike trails range from easy to challenging.
Wataha Recreational Complex
Wataha Recreational Complex in Rock Springs offers three softball fields, a baseball diamond, fishing pond, picnic pavilions and the 27-hole White Mountain Golf Course.
Scenic Loop Tour
A self-guided trail that requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle is the 24-mile Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour, which brings visitors close to Sweetwater County’s free-roaming wild horses. Wildlife officials say the best times to see horses are from sunrise to 10 a.m.
Family Recreation Center
In Rock Springs the Family Recreation Center‘s amenities include a 25-meter lap pool, ice skating rink, five racquetball courts, a one-eighth-mile indoor track, exercise equipment and workout classes.
Biking
Within a short drive of Rock Springs lie hundreds of miles of trails that can accommodate cyclists of all abilities. One of the most popular trails is the 20-mile-long Cherokee Trail/Currant Creek Ranch Loop. Other top biking spots include Boar’s Tusk, Firehole Canyon, Green River Bike Park, Pilot Butte, White Mountain and Wilkins Peak.
Shooting Ranges
The Sweetwater County Shooting Range features a 500-yard and two 200-yard shooting lanes with 12 shooting benches and target stands, and the Sweetwater County Archery Range. Hunters and gun advocates can also access Sweetwater Trap Club just west of Rock Springs.
Sweetwater Events Complex
Sweetwater Events Complex hosts a variety of activities throughout the year, with venues like a dirt track, indoor arena, exhibit hall and agricultural center.