Sightseeing

Fossils of Lake Gosiute in Sweetwater County

Lake Gosiute was formed 58 million years ago. With the lake in place, an ecosystem was born. The environment was tropical. Lots of dinosaurs roamed the shores, and strange creatures lived in the lake. Certain mammals gave way to others, but fossils were already being created. Many vegetation type fossils can be found to the east of Rock Springs. To the west are more basic, oceanic creatures. Now, how do you find the fossils of Sweetwater County, and where are the best sites and displays? Start at Western Wyoming Community College, which has the best collection of dinosaurs on I-80 from San Fransisco to Chicago. Also, don't forget about Fossil Butte on Highway 30, just east of Kemmerer. The Butte has an interpretive visitor center with some great exhibits and tours.

Historic South Pass in Sweetwater County

Remnants of the old towns allow visitors to experience the beauty of South Pass. A museum, a cemetery and old cabins have been restored. Those who catch a case of gold fever can pan for the precious metal in streams. Camping accommodations are available, as well as fishing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Fact: South Pass is a cornerstone in the history of U.S. westward migration in the 19th century. Getting There: Historic South Pass (307) 332-3684 Take U.S. 191 N. Take a slight right onto WY-28 towards South Pass City.

Killpecker Sand Dunes

These dunes can reach heights of over 100 feet and run for over 100 miles from west to east. The biggest dunes are in the Killpecker Dune Field, which begins several miles east of the town of Eden. The area around the Kilpecker Dune Field is home to a herd of rare desert elk, found nowhere else in North America. The rough and rocky terrain of the Leucite Hills, with its numerous springs of fresh water, was well suited to trapping and holding wild horses. The area became known as the Natural Corrals. Many recreationalists enjoy hiking in the area, as well as driving off-road vehicles. Signs are posted as to the specific locations where off-road vehicles can be used. Watch Video

Pilot Butte Wild Horses in Sweetwater County

Listen for the sound of hooves pounding. Look for manes flying in the wind. Feel the rush of awe at the sight of these creatures. The Pilot Butte Wild Horses Scenic Loop Tour is something you and your family will never forget because Sweetwater County's cherished wild horses are living examples of a wide-open landscape and untamed frontier spirit. Watch for wild horses between Rock Springs and Fourteen-Mile Hill, and all the way across the top of White Mountain. You'll also have a chance to take in some of the best vistas in Wyoming. In fact, this route offers several scenic overlooks of the area's prominent features, such as Pilot Butte, Boar's Tusk, Killpecker Sand Dunes, Steamboat Mountain, North and South Table Mountains, Leucite Hills, Aspen Mountain, Wilkins Peak, and the Overland Trail and Union Pacific railroad corridors.

Rock Formations in Sweetwater County

Southwestern Wyoming is a high desert that resulted from a playa, or ancient lake. The lake receded and dried up thousands of years ago, leaving behind soil formed by the erosion of sandstone and shale. Although few green things grow willingly here besides sagebrush and prairie grass, such a setting made conditions ripe for the natural phenomena of stunning rock formations. Millions travel the east-west route, marveling at the formations created by eons of rain and wind. Boar’s Tusk Just off Highway 191 north of Rock Springs, is the core of an ancient volcano, rising 400 feet above the desert floor. Like its famous cousin, Devils Tower (in northeastern Wyoming), it has great religious importance to Native Americans. Castle Rock High above I-80, is probably the most formidable landmark. It has been called many names through the years, including Citadel and Indian Head Rock. Kissing Rocks Just east of Green River, are suspended in time and space. Pilot Butte Seems to dominate its surrounding landscape, as those traveling any direction through the county will see this flat mesa far in the distance. A staircase is built into the east side. The climb to the summit allows a breathtaking, panoramic view for miles. Tollgate Rock Named because of the number of tolls collected at its location.

Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge in Sweetwater County

Established in 1965, the refuge encompasses more than 26,000 acres along the river between Fontenelle Dam and Green River. In addition to providing an opportunity for excellent bird watching, Seedskadee offers world-class trout fishing along with waterfowl, upland bird and big-game hunting. Native bird species making the refuge home are prairie falcon, peregrine falcon, owls, hawks and Canadian geese. Bald and golden eagles also inhabit the area. Public roads or refuge tour routes provide access to much of the refuge. Except for a small area around the headquarters building, the entire refuge is open for walking, with fence walkover structures positioned at some of the more popular spots. Historic sites related to early ranching and several crossings of the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, Pony Express and California National Historic Trails can be found within Seedskadee's boundaries. Green River, WY Phone: 307-875-2187

The Reliance Tipple in Sweetwater County

It's important to know that the mining and railroad industries created towns throughout much of Wyoming. At Reliance, you can see the remains of one such mining town. Built entirely by the Union Pacific Coal Company, the town of Reliance came into existence in the first decade of the twentieth century. To handle the massive amount of coal that was being mined, the railroad built a tipple in the town. Experience a true turn of the century mining town when you visit Reliance and its historic tipple. Brief self-guided tours around the ghost town and the old tipple will provide you with an appreciation of the area's rich mining history.

White Mountain Petroglyphs in Sweetwater County

Venture 26 miles northeast of Rock Springs to see ancient artworks known as the White Mountain Petroglyphs. Over a dozen Panels bearing hundreds of figures were etched into sandstone bedrock of the Eocene Bridger formation. These incised petroglyphs were carved by the ancestors of present Plains and Great Basin Native American people. The petroglyphs include drawings of elk, buffalo, horses, teepees and several kinds of human figures, including riders with feather headresses. Many of the petroglyphs date to early historic times, about 200 years ago, as evidenced by the horse figures which were introduced by the Euro-Americans. Other figures appear to be much older and are estimated by archeologists to be as much as 1,000 years old. The petroglyphs are located on a brown sandstone cliff on White Mountain in the Upper Wasatch formation. The cliff containing the petroglyphs faces south and runs west to east. It is about 300 feet long and varies from a height of 10 feet at the west end to 40 feet long at the east end. In general, the figures are 30 to 60 inches above the current ground level.