Tour the Wild, Wild West in Sweetwater County
Pioneers, Wide Open Spaces & More
Ever since the first wagon train headed west in the 18th century, the spirit of the Wild West has been alive in Sweetwater County. And while the pioneers may be long gone, Southwest Wyoming’s history, wide-open spaces and cowboy culture still inspire visitors to this day. Here are seven ways to experience the "Wild West" in Sweetwater County:
1. Follow in the Footsteps of the Pioneers
The expansion of the West is carved into the history of America, and in Sweetwater County, the pioneer trails have literally left their mark. Follow in the footsteps (and wagon wheel ruts) of pioneers on the Oregon Trail, the Pony Express Route and the many other historic trails that crisscross the county. For access points, check out our Historic Trails Tour.
2. Discover Sweetwater County's Rich History
The exhibits at the Sweetwater County Historical Museum in Green River allow visitors to experience what life was like when settlers, miners, railroad men and Native Americans all called the county home. And 20 minutes down the road, the rotating exhibits at the Rock Springs Historical Museum showcase the town’s storied past from its outlaws and pioneers to its rich coal mining heritage. Explore more history and museums.
3. Walk the Streets of Historic Rock Springs
On your way out of the Rock Springs Historical Museum, grab a copy of the Downtown Historic Walking Tour brochure. The pamphlet is your guide to the fascinating history of the city’s buildings. Did you know that Robert Leroy Parker, aka Butch Cassidy, got his nickname after working in a Rock Springs butcher shop? And rumor has it, Calamity Jane had a dugout on what is now M Street.
4. See Wild Horses in Their Element
The West is still untamed on Pilot Butte. Back in the 1800s, the Spanish reintroduced wild horses into southern Wyoming’s wide-open spaces. Today, some 1,500 of their descendants run free here. Your best chance of seeing these beautiful creatures is to drive the unforgettable Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop between Green River and Fourteen-Mile Hill. Check out our guide to viewing the wild horses for more ways to glimpse these wild beasts!
5. Visit a Ghost Town
Sweetwater County was once home to more than 130 operating coal mines. But when the boom times went bust, fortune seekers went elsewhere and whole towns were left vacant. Now, the area is host to several ghost towns, each with plenty of rubble and ruin for history buffs to explore.
6. Camp Out Under the Stars
At Sweetwater County’s campgrounds, you can still see the same high-desert landscapes and the same star-filled night skies that cowboys enjoyed back in the pioneer days. Only now, you don’t need to rough it. Modern facilities like RV hookups, flush toilets, showers and grocery stores make sleeping under the stars a real pleasure.
7. Discover the Thrill of the Rodeo
Cowboy culture rides on at Sweetwater County’s world-class rodeos. Every year, cowboys and cowgirls from across the West convene in Sweetwater to show off their skills and speed. From saddle bronc riding to barrel racing, every event is an absolute thrill. Check out our rodeo roundup to find upcoming events.