Local Expert—Photography
2-Day Journey
Photographed by professionals and amateurs alike, Sweetwater County is the perfect place to capture your next favorite print. Take your camera to Rock Springs and Green River, and get ready to point and shoot.
Day 1
6:00 a.m.
Depart for Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. While traveling on Highway 191 North, you’re likely to see wild horses, Pronghorn antelope, rabbits, deer and loads of other animals. Upon arrival in Farson, Wyoming, 40 miles north of Rock Springs, take a left on Highway 28.
7:00 a.m.
Perfect for photographers of all skill levels, Seedskadee is excellent for bird watching, nature walks, fishing, hunting and of course, wildlife photography. Established in 1965, the refuge encompasses more than 26,000 acres that are home to prairie falcon, peregrine falcon, owls, hawks, Trumpeter swans and Canadian geese. Keep your eyes to the sky for the occasional bald or golden eagles that live in the area.
12:00 p.m.
After capturing the perfect shot, depart for Green River via I-80.
1:00 p.m.
Stop for lunch at the Hitching Post Restaurant and Saloon in Green River. A remodeled building, friendly staff and great food are all in the center of Green River.
2:30 p.m.
Rock on. Check out the rock formations that surround Green River to capture a one-of-a-kind landscape.
Castle Rock is the most formidable geological landmark in Sweetwater County. The geological landmark overlooks the city of Green River and is located near downtown. The Palisades rock formation in Sweetwater County is deeply engrained in the history of the county. Native Americans onced used the rock formation to protect them from the elements as they crossed the Green River. And trappers and traders during the days of the American Fur Company in the early 19th century used the Palisades as a reference point during travel. Tollgate Rock was so named because of the number of tolls collected at its location. Stories vary, but one of the most often told tales is that early-day Mormons cut a road through a natural gate on the south side of the rock. A chain was installed and a fee charged to those who wanted to use the road. After viewing all the rock formations and capturing this breathtaking setting, take a relaxing stroll starting at Expedition Island and winding up at Scott’s Bottom Nature Trail.
6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a delicous dinner at The China Garden Restaurant.
8:30 p.m.
Get some rest at one of the many lodging options in Rock Springs or Green River.
Day 2
8:00 a.m.
Pack a picnic lunch and 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, making these fascinating carvings a photographer's dream.
Head up U.S. 191 about 10 miles north of Rock Springs. Turn right at CR 4-18 (at the sign that reads Petroglyphs, Sand Dunes, Boar’s Tusk), then left at CR 4-17, and drive about 14 miles on the dirt road until you reach the White Mountain Petroglyphs sign. Turn left onto the rougher dirt road and drive about 2 miles until you reach the BLM parking lot. From here, you’re on foot for ¼ mile on a packed foot trail to the petroglyphs. This is a true “off the grid experience” and cell service is limited! Make sure you have extra water and a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return.
9:15 a.m.
Depart for the Killpecker Sand Dunes and Leucite Hills.
10:00 a.m.
Make sure to take your camera for your hike through the Killpecker Sand Dunes and Leucite Hills. The Leucite Hills are the remains of volcanic flows from Pleistocene eruptions. The presence of the Leucite Hills created a gap through which the prevailing westerly winds funnel. These winds are strong enough to carry sand and gravel. As the winds blow through the Leucite Hills, the sand collects in large sand dunes that can reach heights of over 100 feet and run for more than 100 miles from west to east.
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11:00 a.m.
Depart for Boar’s Tusk.
11:30 a.m.
Boar's Tusk, the core of an ancient volcano, rises straight out of the ground and guards the Killpecker Sand Dunes. Standing 400 feet high, it is a striking feature in the middle of the desert and prominent landmark on the Overland Emigrant Trail. Along with Devil's Tower in Northeast Wyoming, it's one of only two such geological features in the state, and this natural attraction is not one to miss. Boar’s Tusk also has great religious importance to Native Americans from the region.
1:30 p.m.
Before your trip along the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, enjoy your picnic lunch. Accessed on Highway-191 the scenic drive is roughly 23 miles along good, gravel-base roads. Travel this loop and along the way you gain not only many chances to photograph the iconic wild horses of Wyoming but also the Wind River Range (northeast) and the Uinta Range (south). This is a true “off the grid experience” and cell service is limited! Make sure you have extra water and a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. Let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return.
5:00 p.m.
Arrive in Green River through Wild Horse Canyon. Grab dinner at Don Pedros Mexican Family Restaurant, a local favorite that has been serving authentic home-style Mexican food since 1995.