Calorie Burner
3 Days to Explore
Exploring Sweetwater County and burning calories at the same time — that's what you call a win/win. Here is our three-day itinerary to keep you fit and busy during your stay in Green River and Rock Springs.
Day 1
8:00 a.m.
Hike through the Killpecker Sand Dunes and Leucite Hills. The Leucite Hills are the remains of volcanic flows from these 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. These dunes can reach heights of over 100 feet and run for more than 100 miles from west to east. The area around the Killpecker Dune Field is home to a herd of rare desert elk, found nowhere else in North America. From Rock Springs, take U.S. 191 about 10 miles to the north. Turn right at CR 4-18 (at the sign that reads Petroglyphs, Sand Dunes, Boar’s Tusk), and then turn left at CR 4-17. 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.
11:30 a.m.
Refuel at Broadway Burger in Downtown Rock Springs! Home of the Leader of the Pack and delicious shakes!
1:00 p.m.
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.
3:30 p.m.
Head to the Rock Springs Family Recreation Center for a friendly game of basketball or run on the indoor track. For those who prefer classes, the recreation center offers Zumba, spin, yoga, kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, hydro-aerobics, pilates and more. Float on the lazy river or swim laps in the pool!
5:30 p.m.
Enjoy dinner at Wonderful House in Rock Springs.
Day 2
6:00 a.m.
Rise and ride. Accessed on the southeastern side of Green River, the Wilkins Peak Trail System is extensive. Adored by locals, this trail system is well-maintained and boasts magnificent views of the area’s unique landscape. Warm up your legs on the lower-elevation and easier trails along the Green River, like heading out on the 10 Ring trail and looping back on the Channel Surfing trail. Then, get your heart racing on the labyrinth of single-track trails on the peak’s western face, such as Brent and Mikes and Quick Draw. For technical riding, hit up the aptly-named 4.5-mile trail Pick Your Poison.
10:00 a.m.
Visit Expedition Island in Green River and take an enjoyable stroll on the paved path that encircles the island. Easy parking access to the river can be gained next door at the Splash Park. The island is comfortably shaded and features picnic tables, restrooms, and access to the Green Belt Nature Walk.
12:00 p.m.
Don Pedros Family Mexican Restaurant has been serving authentic home-style Mexican food since 1995
2:00 p.m.
Burn off lunch, but stay cool at the Green River Aquatic Center. This facility includes a competition pool, a 14-foot deep diving pool, a community/therapeutic pool as well as community locker rooms.
3:30 p.m.
Head over to the Green River Recreation Center where you can pump some iron in the full weight room or hit the gymnasium for some basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis or aerobics. Or take your love of sports outdoors to the 9,000-square-foot recreation deck where you can play tetherball or run.
5:30 p.m.
Visit the Hitching Post Restaurant & Saloon for dinner, featuring local favorites like pot roast, grilled chicken and fajitas!
Day 3
7:30 a.m.
It’s time to hit the water! Set off for Flaming Gorge Country.
8:30 a.m.
Drop a line, hike, raft or boat at Dutch John. Within the deep waters of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, record-size lake and brown trout can be caught, and the stretch of water along the Green River downstream of the dam is legendary — both for its goliath-sized trout and its scenic beauty. Talk about options for recreation and fun!
11:00 a.m.
Head over to Flaming Gorge Resort for lunch. The civilized way to enjoy the great outdoors.
12:30 p.m.
Hike at Red Canyon along the Canyon Rim or venture out on a paddleboard. There’s also horseback riding, mountain biking and fishing. The options are endless!
3:30 p.m.
Depart for Rock Springs. Be on the lookout for big horn sheep, antelope, elk, deer, moose, waterfowl, raptors and much more on the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway!
5:30 p.m.
Time for dinner at Boars Tusk Steakhouse. Have a steak and a cold brew, you deserve it!