and itching to get out of town for a day or a weekend, you’re in a great spot. Right outside
, you’ll find mountain passes, hot springs, historic train towns, and some of the wildest country in the West.
All of the trips below take you
and into nearby counties in Wyoming and Utah: Daggett (UT), Summit (UT), Carbon (WY), Fremont (WY), Lincoln (WY), Sublette (WY), and Uinta (WY).
They’re close enough for a short road trip, but far enough that they feel like a true escape.
1. Flaming Gorge & Dutch John, Utah (Daggett County)
Looking for water, red cliffs, and big skies? Head south to
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and the tiny town of
Dutch John in Daggett County, Utah.
From Rock Springs, it’s roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive depending on your route, but it feels like you’ve left Wyoming for another planet.
Why go:
- Soaring red-rock cliffs above deep blue water
- World-class trout fishing on the Green River
- Boat rentals, kayaking, and scenic overlooks
Don’t miss:
If you’re like me and can happily sit on a shoreline for hours, this is the place. Pack a cooler, some camp chairs, and enjoy a sunset that looks straight out of a movie.
2. Evanston, Wyoming & Bear River Greenway (Uinta County)
About 1.5–2 hours southwest of Rock Springs sits
Evanston, a friendly railroad town in Uinta County with a surprising amount to do for a quick trip.
Highlights:
- Bear River State Park – level walking paths along the river, plus chances to see bison and elk in fenced areas
- Bear River Greenway – paved trails, picnic spots, and river views right in town
- Historic Downtown Evanston – old brick storefronts, murals, and local cafes
If you’ve been craving a simple day of walking paths, coffee breaks, and maybe a picnic, Evanston is an easy win. It’s an especially nice option with kids or anyone who doesn’t love steep hikes.
3. South Pass City & Atlantic City (Fremont County)
Head northeast into
Fremont County and drop back in time.
South Pass City and nearby
Atlantic City are small, historic gold-mining towns tucked in the mountains.
From Rock Springs, it’s usually around a 2–2.5 hour drive, depending on road conditions and stops.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- South Pass City State Historic Site – preserved buildings, mine tours, and exhibits
- Atmospheric old saloons and cabins in Atlantic City
- Quiet dirt roads and wide-open views of the Wind River Range in the distance
If you love the feeling of “ghost town meets history museum,” this trip delivers. Walk the old boardwalks and imagine what life was like when these hills were buzzing with miners and fortune seekers.
4. Lander, Wyoming & Sinks Canyon (Fremont County)
Continue deeper into Fremont County and you’ll hit
Lander, one of Wyoming’s coolest small outdoor towns. It’s a longer drive (often about 2.5–3 hours from Rock Springs), but it makes a perfect full-day or weekend trip.
Top things to do:
- Sinks Canyon State Park – watch the Popo Agie River disappear into a limestone cavern (“the Sinks”) and reappear downstream (“the Rise”)
- Easy river walks and picnic spots right off the road
- Lander’s relaxed downtown – local breweries, coffee shops, and gear stores
If you enjoy waterfalls, rivers, and short, family-friendly hikes, Sinks Canyon is hard to beat. It’s one of those places where you can do a lot, or just sit by the water and do almost nothing.
5. Kemmerer & Fossil Butte National Monument (Lincoln County)
Head west into
Lincoln County to explore
Kemmerer, the birthplace of JCPenney and the gateway to
Fossil Butte National Monument.
Drive time from Rock Springs is usually around 1.5–2 hours.
What makes it special:
- Fossil Butte National Monument – incredible fossil displays from a 50-million-year-old lake
- Easy trails with big views over the high desert
- Kemmerer’s historic town square and the original JCPenney store
Even if you’re not a huge “museum person,” the fossils here are fascinating. Think whole fish, leaves, and other creatures preserved in stone. Kids tend to love trying to spot tiny details in the exhibits.
6. Pinedale & Fremont Lake (Sublette County)
About 2–2.5 hours north of Rock Springs lies
Pinedale, in Sublette County, right at the doorstep of the Wind River Range.
If you’ve ever looked at a picture of sharp, jagged Wyoming peaks reflected in a calm lake, there’s a good chance it was from this area.
Must-see spots:
- Fremont Lake – one of Wyoming’s largest natural lakes, just minutes from town
- Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and lakeside picnics
- Museum of the Mountain Man – a look into the fur-trade era and early explorers
On a warm summer day, Fremont Lake is the kind of place where you’ll want to linger. Throw a blanket in the truck, grab some snacks from town, and enjoy the view that feels like a real-life postcard.
7. Scenic Drive to Jackson via Alpine (Lincoln County)
If you’re up for a longer but unforgettable drive, head northwest through Lincoln County toward
Alpine and on to
JacksonAlong the way:
- Alpine, WY – where three rivers meet Jackson Lake; lots of boating and fishing
- Snake River Canyon – dramatic canyon walls and river views as you near Jackson
- Jackson’s famous town square with its antler arches, shops, and restaurants
Think of this road trip as a sampler platter of western Wyoming: rivers, canyons, mountains, and a bustling mountain town at the end. Just be ready for changing weather and busy summer traffic, especially near Jackson.
8. Park City, Utah (Summit County)
Ready to mix mountain scenery with a bit of resort-town flair? Head southwest into
Summit County, Utah and spend the day in
Park City.
From Rock Springs, driving time is often around 3–3.5 hours, so this makes an ideal weekend or long-day adventure.
Why people love it:
- Walkable historic Main Street with lots of shops and places to eat
- Mountain trails for hiking or biking in the warmer months
- Winter sports in the colder months – skiing, snowboarding, and more
If you’re craving a change from small-town Wyoming, Park City gives you that “bustling mountain resort” feel without being overwhelming. It’s also a fun place to bring friends who like a mix of outdoors and nightlife.
9. Green River Fishing & Camping Near Dutch John (Daggett County)
Yes, this is also in Daggett County, but it’s such a gem it deserves its own shout-out. Instead of just visiting Flaming Gorge’s overlooks, plan a shorter road trip centered around
fishing and camping along the Green River near
Dutch John.
Trip ideas:
- Book a guided fly-fishing trip for trophy trout
- Stay at a riverside campground or cabin near Dutch John
- Float a calm section of the river in a raft or kayak
Even if you’re not a serious angler, there’s something calming about spending the day on the water, watching the canyon walls slide by. It’s the kind of trip where you fall asleep early and actually sleep well.
10. Saratoga Hot Springs & North Platte River (Carbon County)
Head east into
Carbon County and reward yourself with a soak.
Saratoga sits on the North Platte River and is known for its hot springs and relaxing, small-town feel.
Expect about a 2–2.5 hour drive from Rock Springs.
What to do:
- Soak in the local hot springs (check current access and hours before you go)
- Stroll along the North Platte River
- Grab a meal at a local café or steakhouse in town
This is a perfect road trip if you’re feeling worn out and just want to relax. Drive, soak, eat, unwind. Simple as that.
Tips for Road-Tripping from Rock Springs
To make these out-of-county road trips smoother, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check the weather – mountain and canyon weather can change quickly.
- Top off your gas tank – some stretches between towns are long and very empty.
- Carry water and snacks – especially if you’re traveling with kids or pets.
- Download maps ahead of time – cell service can be spotty in remote areas.
Think of Rock Springs as your home base and these surrounding counties as your adventure circle. Every direction leads to a new landscape, from red-rock cliffs to thick forests and glacier-carved lakes.
Where Will You Go Next?
Have you tried any of these
short road trips from Rock Springs? Do you have a favorite hidden fishing spot, scenic overlook, or small-town café in any of these counties?
Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear where you’ve been and what you recommend to other travelers starting out from Rock Springs.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for fresh ideas on things to do near Rock Springs, Wyoming. Your share might be the push they need to get out on the road and explore.
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