Family Road Trip
2-Day Exploration
Exploring Sweetwater County means never hearing, "are we there yet?" Load up the family in your car and head to Rock Springs and Green River, Wyoming.
Day 1
8:00 a.m.
Set off for Lake Flaming Gorge - the perfect balance of water activities and outdoor exploration to satisfy your sense of adventure. Proceed west out of Rock Springs on I-80, then swing south on U.S. Highway 191. As you drive through open plains covered in sagebrush on the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway, look closely for herds of antelope and other wildlife. This beautiful drive is 150 miles in total and takes you from Rock Springs to the Flaming Gorge and back to Green River.
12:00 p.m.
Take a bite with a view at Flaming Gorge Resort, the civilized way to experience the great outdoors. After lunch, be sure to stop at the Red Canyon Visitor’s Center to take in one of the area’s most breathtaking vantage points of the canyon and the shimmering lake below.
2:00 p.m.
Venture back to Green River via Manila, Utah.
4:00 p.m.
Visit Expedition Island and take an enjoyable stroll on the paved path that encircles the island. Enjoy easy access to the river by parking near the Evers Park Splash Park. The island is comfortably shaded and features picnic tables, restrooms and access to the Green Belt Nature Walk.
5:30 p.m.
Dinner at the Hitching Post Restaurant and Saloon. This recently remodeled building features friendly staff and great food all in the center of Green River. Before you leave, order a sack lunch to pick up in the morning.
Day 2
8:30 a.m.
Pick up your pre-ordered lunch at The Hitching Post and depart for Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge.
10:00 a.m.
Perfect for family members of all ages, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge is excellent for bird watching, nature walks, fishing and hunting. Established in 1965, the refuge encompasses more than 26,000 acres that are home to prairie falcon, peregrine falcon, owls, hawks and Canadian geese. Keep your eyes to the sky for the occasional bald or golden eagles that live in the area. Head west on I-80 until Exit 83 LaBarge/State Highway 372 north, and go about 28 miles to the refuge headquarters turnoff.
12:00 p.m.
Take a break from exploring and have lunch among the animals, but remember not to share with them!
1:00 p.m.
Visit the Pilot Butte Overlook Historic Trail Site on your way through Farson, Wyoming. No other place in the United States has more miles of still-visible pioneer trails than Sweetwater County. You’ll feel an indescribable sense of wonder and excitement as you experience the area’s rugged history.
2:00 p.m.
Depart the Pilot Butte Historic Trail Site for Farson on Highway 28. You’re likely to see wild horses, Pronghorn antelope, rabbits, deer and loads of other animals.
3:00 p.m.
After checking out the animals all morning, cool off at the Farson Mercantile — Home of the Big Cone! Then depart on Highway 191 for Rock Springs.
4:00 p.m.
After traveling back to Rock Springs, visit Western Wyoming Community College’s and visit the WWCC Natural History Museum. See five life-size replicas of dinosaurs that roamed Sweetwater County millions of years ago. In addition to the five replicas, the museum displays several wall-mounted fossils of fish, huge leaves and reptiles as well as prehistoric pottery and other early human artifacts that have been discovered in the area. While you’re there, stop by the Weidner Wildlife Museum.
5:30 p.m.
Broadway Burger Station will take you back in time for your final meal in Sweetwater County. The 1950s are calling; it’s time to remember a simpler era!