makes a great base. This rugged little town sits right off I‑80 and is surrounded by wide-open desert, colorful rock formations,
, and old-school Western history.
Whether you’re just stopping overnight or staying a few days, there’s a surprising amount to see and do nearby. Here are
that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.
1. Explore the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
About an hour south of Rock Springs,
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area feels like a totally different world. Red cliffs, deep blue water, and sweeping views make it one of the most beautiful spots in southwest Wyoming and northern Utah.
You can:
- Drive the scenic byway and stop at overlooks
- Take a boat tour or rent a kayak
- Fish for trout in the lake or on the Green River
- Watch for wildlife like deer, elk, and bighorn sheep
If you enjoy photography, try to catch a sunset. The red rock glowing against the water is worth the drive on its own. Many visitors base themselves in Rock Springs for cheaper hotels, then do a day trip to Flaming Gorge.
2. Drive the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop
If you’ve ever wanted to see
wild horses running free, this is your chance. Just outside Rock Springs, you can follow the
Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, a roughly 24-mile dirt and gravel road that winds through rolling desert.
Along the way, you might spot:
- Wild mustangs grazing or trotting across the hills
- Pronghorn (often called antelope)
- Rabbits, hawks, and sometimes eagles
A few tips:
- Go in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are more active.
- Use a high-clearance vehicle if possible; the road can get rough in spots.
- Stay in your car or give the horses plenty of space. They’re wild, not pets.
This is one of the most unique experiences near Rock Springs and a highlight of Sweetwater County.
3. Wander Historic Downtown Rock Springs
You don’t always have to go far from your hotel to have a good time.
Downtown Rock Springs has a small but interesting historic district that tells the story of this old coal and railroad town.
Take a stroll and check out:
- The old brick buildings and storefronts
- Local murals and public art
- Small shops, coffee spots, and bars
- The Rock Springs Historical Museum in the former city hall
The museum is free and gives a great look at the town’s coal mining days and its diverse immigrant history — from Chinese and Japanese workers to European miners. If you like learning how places came to be, it’s well worth an hour or two.
4. Hike & Play at Flaming Gorge – Green River Basin Greenbelt
If you’d rather stay close to town, the
Greenbelt along the Green River in nearby Green River (about 15–20 minutes from Rock Springs) is a local favorite. It’s an easy, relaxing place to stretch your legs after a long drive.
Here you can:
- Walk or bike the paved trail along the river
- Fish from the riverbank (check regulations)
- Let kids play in nearby parks and open areas
The scenery isn’t as dramatic as Flaming Gorge, but it’s peaceful and convenient. On warm summer evenings, you’ll see plenty of locals out walking dogs or going for a jog.
5. Step Back in Time at the Sweetwater County Historical Museum
In downtown Green River, the
Sweetwater County Historical Museum digs even deeper into the area’s past. If you enjoy history, this is a perfect pairing with the Rock Springs Historical Museum.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits on:
- Native American history of the region
- Fur traders, pioneers, and the Oregon Trail
- Railroad expansion across Wyoming
- Coal mining and early Rock Springs life
The museum is usually free or low-cost, making it a budget-friendly stop. It also helps you understand the landscapes you’re driving through — those lonely stretches of highway once carried wagon trains and stagecoaches instead of semi-trucks.
6. Visit the Killpecker Sand Dunes & Boar’s Tusk
North of Rock Springs, the
Killpecker Sand Dunes stretch for miles across the desert. They’re some of the largest active sand dunes in North America, and they feel like a mini desert adventure.
Things you can do out there:
- Walk the dunes and enjoy the quiet
- Sandboard or sled (bring your own gear)
- Explore nearby volcanic features like Boar’s Tusk, a striking rock spire
The drive is partly on dirt roads, so check conditions and bring plenty of water and gas. There’s not much shade, so a hat and sunscreen are a must. The feeling of standing on top of those dunes and looking out over the open land is pretty unforgettable.
7. Go Boating or Fishing at Lake Flaming Gorge from the Wyoming Side
While a lot of visitors access Flaming Gorge from Utah, the
Wyoming side offers quieter spots that are easy to reach from Rock Springs. You can launch a boat, fish from the shore, or simply enjoy a picnic by the water.
Popular activities:
- Fishing for trout and kokanee salmon
- Boating and water skiing in summer
- Picnicking and short hikes to viewpoints
Ask at your Rock Springs hotel or local outdoor shops for the best current access points and directions. Many locals from Rock Springs head here on weekends, so it’s a great place to talk to people who know the area well.
8. Discover White Mountain Petroglyphs
For a quieter, more spiritual kind of outing, visit the
White Mountain Petroglyphs, located north of Rock Springs. Here, ancient carvings in the sandstone tell stories from Native American cultures that lived here hundreds of years ago.
You’ll see:
- Figures of people and animals
- Hunting scenes
- Abstract symbols and patterns
The hike to the petroglyphs is fairly short, but the road in can be rough depending on the weather. As with all sacred sites, remember to:
- Look, but don’t touch or trace the carvings
- Stay on established paths
- Pack out all trash
Standing there in the quiet and looking at artwork that old can be a powerful experience.
9. Experience Local Flavor at Rock Springs Events & Restaurants
Rock Springs keeps things pretty down-to-earth, but that’s part of its charm. Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
- Wyoming’s Big Show – a large county fair and rodeo held each summer at the Sweetwater Events Complex
- Seasonal festivals, concerts, or car shows
Even if there’s no big event, you can still:
- Try a local steakhouse or burger joint
- Grab breakfast at a diner popular with truckers and locals
- Sample regional favorites, like fry bread or hearty chili, when available
Ask your server where they go fishing or hiking on their days off. People in Rock Springs are often happy to share their favorite hidden spots.
10. Take a Scenic Day Trip Toward Fossil Butte or the Red Desert
If you’re up for a longer day trip, use Rock Springs as a base to explore more of southwestern Wyoming and Sweetwater County.
Two ideas:
- Fossil Butte National Monument (about 1.5–2 hours away) – famous for well-preserved fish and plant fossils from an ancient lake. There’s a visitor center and easy hikes.
- The Red Desert – a huge, remote high-desert landscape with colorful badlands, open plains, and interesting geology. It’s more of a “wander and explore” area than a single attraction.
These spots feel a bit like stepping onto another planet, especially if you’re used to city life. Just make sure your gas tank is full, your phone is charged, and you have extra water and snacks. Distances are big out here, and towns are far apart.
Final Tips for Visiting Rock Springs & Sweetwater County
A few quick suggestions to make your trip smoother:
- Weather changes fast. Summers can be hot and dry; evenings cool off quickly. Winters are cold and often snowy.
- Pack layers. Even in July, you might want a light jacket at night.
- Fuel up often. Once you leave Rock Springs or Green River, gas stations can be few and far between.
- Respect wildlife and land. Stay back from animals and follow “leave no trace” habits.
If you love wide-open spaces, Western history, and seeing places most tourists skip,
Rock Springs, Wyoming is a great stop on your next USA road trip.
Share Your Rock Springs Experience
Have you visited Rock Springs or Sweetwater County?
Which of these
things to do near Rock Springs would you try first — wild horses, sand dunes, or Flaming Gorge?
I’d love to hear your stories, tips, and favorite spots.
Drop a comment below and share your experience, and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or fellow road trippers planning a drive across Wyoming!
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