Sweetwater County: Fun for Outdoorsmen of All Kinds
Wyoming is known throughout the country as a great place for many different outdoor recreational activities. Sweetwater County, located in the southern section of the state, is a prime example of the variety of things to do in Wyoming, and is a tourist destination for adventurers looking for anything from jet skiing to archery. Millions of visitors come to Sweetwater County each year to visit Ashley National Forest and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
Ashley National Forest and Flaming Gorge
Sweetwater County's main attraction is the Ashley National Forest, which is home to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The Flaming Gorge welcomes 2.5 million visitors per year, and boasts a variety of water based activities. Visitors to the area can enjoy a day on the Flaming Gorge Reservoir by boating, fishing, skiing, rafting, jet skiing and more. Five full-service marinas can be found along the river, all of which offer launching, storage and maintenance for boaters of all kinds. Water sports enthusiasts enjoy the reservoir because the water stays cool year-round, even in the heat of the summer. Fishermen enjoy it too, because the conditions are perfect for sustaining a habitat for trout, salmon and bass. The rest of the Ashley National Forest, which covers areas in Utah as well as Wyoming, is a popular destination as well. The area has more than 1,000 miles of hiking and biking trails, covering areas of heavy forestation and rugged mountains. The forest is also home to historic landmarks, various kinds of wildlife, and open campgrounds. It is a great place for off-road vehicles, like motorcycles, ATVs, and in winter months, snowmobiles.
Other Natural Recreation Sites
Most of Sweetwater County is public land with unlimited access. Tours of the open areas across White Mountain are available to the public, and give visitors and residents alike a unique experience, highlighting the natural beauty of the area and the various forms of wildlife that roam free. Along the way of the 24-mile, several-hour tour, sightseers can spot bull snakes, coyotes, pronghorn antelope, grouse, desert elk, hawks and wild horses. Visitors looking for more of a hands-on adventure can travel to Rock Springs and visit the Killpecker Sand Dunes, the second largest active sand dune field in the world. While dune buggy riding is not permitted, hiking, hunting and horseback riding are encouraged. Southwest Wyoming has been called a "fossil mecca," and Sweetwater County is a great place to dig for them. Turtle Quarry is a popular destination for digging, as fossilized fish are abundant in the area and can be easily found.
Local Parks
The parks department in Sweetwater County oversees 12 county parks, with each having their own unique features. Model airplane enthusiasts come to Sweetwater Aero-Modelers Park, which is home to a model airplane runway. Children come to Arrowhead Springs Park to fish in its youth fishing pond, and to Bicentennial Park for its playground equipment. Big Sandy Park holds two horseshoe pits, one softball field and a tennis court, while Crossroads Park has three soccer fields and Mesa Park contains basketball courts. Archers come to the Sweetwater County Archery Range to hone in on their skills in the available indoor classroom, or practice on the many archery target shooting ranges. The Trap Club welcomes the public to shoot traps on Sundays and Wednesdays, while Splash Park, located on the National Historic Site Expedition Island, is a free, public family water park.
Sports and Recreation Centers
The many family centers and complexes in Sweetwater County have loyal followings. The Rock Springs Civic Center provides a 56-foot-long climbing wall with routes that change daily, providing a challenge for beginners, intermediate and advanced climbers alike. The Green River Recreation Center features an Olympic-sized, L-shaped swimming pool while the Rock Springs Family Recreation Center has everything from racquetball courts to an ice arena, along with a running track and weight rooms with exercise equipment. The Sweetwater Events Complex & Speedway features competition for motocross, stock cars and more throughout the year. Golfers visiting the area will find two gorgeous courses, the White Mountain Golf Course and the Rolling Green Country Club. White Mountain offers an affordable 18-hole course, with other features like golf lessons, a ball field complex and a small fishing and boating lake. The Rolling Green Country Club is located next to the beautiful Green River and includes putting greens and a driving range.
