and feel like getting out of town for a day or a weekend, you’re in a great spot. Within just a couple of hours, you can reach mountains, hot springs, wild rivers, and even a historic railroad town.
In this guide, we’ll look at
—without repeating anything in Uinta County itself.
These trips are perfect if you’re wondering, “What is there to do near Lyman?” and you want new experiences without a long drive.
1. Flaming Gorge Country – Red Canyons and Big Water (Sweetwater County, WY)
Head southwest from Lyman and you’ll reach the northern stretches of
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, slipping into
Sweetwater County. The closer access points are roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive, depending on where you go.
Why go:
This area is all about dramatic red cliffs, deep blue water, and wide-open skies. It’s one of the most impressive landscapes in this part of the West.
Things to do:
- Walk an overlook trail and stare down into the huge gorge.
- Go boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the reservoir.
- Fish for trout in the Green River below the dam.
- Pack a cooler and enjoy a lakeside picnic.
On my first drive here, the view literally made me pull over, put the car in park, and just sit for a minute. It feels like something you’d expect in a national park, not a casual drive from Lyman.
2. Green River, Wyoming – Wild Horses and Western Vibes (Sweetwater County, WY)
About 1.5 hours west of Lyman, the town of
Green River sits on the banks of its namesake river in Sweetwater County.
Why go:
Green River is a great base for a day of exploring, especially if you like history and open spaces.
Things to do:
- Drive the Wild Horse Loop (starting between Green River and Rock Springs) and look for wild mustangs roaming the desert hills.
- Walk along the Green River for an easy stroll with river views.
- Check out local museums and small-town shops.
If you’ve never seen wild horses before, this is one of the easier places to spot them without hiking miles into the backcountry.
3. Rock Springs, Wyoming – High Desert Adventure Hub (Sweetwater County, WY)
A short hop from Green River,
Rock Springs is another Sweetwater County stop worth a road trip from Lyman, roughly 1.5–2 hours away.
Why go:
Rock Springs is a good mix of services, history, and access to wild country.
Things to do:
- Use Rock Springs as your starting point to explore the Red Desert and remote badlands.
- Catch local events, rodeos, or fairs depending on the season.
- Grab a meal, restock on road-trip snacks, and hit nearby scenic drives.
This is a handy stop if you’re planning a bigger loop: Lyman → Flaming Gorge → Green River → Rock Springs → back home.
4. Evanston’s Neighbor: Wyoming Gateways to Summit County, Utah (Summit County, UT)
From Lyman, you can head south and cross into
Summit County, Utah, home to classic mountain towns and high-country scenery.
Approximate drive time: About 1–1.5 hours, depending on your exact route and stop.
Why go:
Summit County is where the high plains give way to forested hills and ski-country style views.
Things to do:
- Drive back roads toward the Uinta Mountains trailheads on the Utah side.
- Find day-use areas by small lakes and streams for picnics and short walks.
- Enjoy the change in scenery as you move from Wyoming sagebrush to Utah pines.
The shift in landscape is pretty fast. One moment, it’s wide-open prairie; the next, you’re surrounded by trees and cooler air.
5. Park City, Utah – Mountain Town Getaway (Summit County, UT)
If you don’t mind stretching the drive to around 2 hours or a bit more,
Park City in Summit County makes a fun day or weekend trip from Lyman.
Why go:
Park City has that picture-perfect mountain-town feel, with historic buildings, ski slopes, and plenty of food and shopping.
Things to do:
- Stroll Main Street and explore shops, galleries, and cafes.
- Ride a scenic chairlift in summer for big views.
- In winter, ski or snowboard at one of the local resorts.
- Visit the Utah Olympic Park to see where 2002 Winter Olympic events were held.
If you’ve been craving a more “buzzy” atmosphere after quiet days in Lyman, Park City will feel like a whole different world.
6. Bear Lake – “Caribbean of the Rockies” (Lincoln County, WY / nearby UT)
On the western side of Lincoln County and just over the Utah line sits
Bear Lake, famous for its bright turquoise water. Plan for roughly a 2–2.5 hour drive from Lyman, depending on your route.
Why go:
Bear Lake is one of the most iconic regional getaways and a great excuse for a summer road trip.
Things to do:
- Swim, boat, or paddle along sandy beaches.
- Try a famous local raspberry shake in the towns around the lake.
- Relax on shore and watch the color of the water change as the light shifts.
The water color really does make you feel like you’ve been dropped onto some tropical coast—until the mountain air reminds you you’re still in the Rockies.
7. Afton, Wyoming – Home of the World’s Largest Elkhorn Arch (Lincoln County, WY)
About 2–2.5 hours northwest of Lyman lies
Afton, a Lincoln County town in scenic Star Valley.
Why go:
It’s a classic small Wyoming town with a unique landmark and easy access to outdoor spots.
Things to do:
- Drive under the world’s largest elkhorn arch that stretches across the main street.
- Explore shops and local diners in town.
- Use Afton as a base to reach nearby fishing spots and hiking trails in the surrounding hills and forests.
If you enjoy little roadside “oddities,” that giant arch is definitely one to add to your list.
8. Alpine, Wyoming – Where River Meets Reservoir (Lincoln County, WY)
Further north in Lincoln County, you’ll find
Alpine, where the Snake, Salt, and Greys Rivers come together near the head of Palisades Reservoir. Expect around a 2.5–3 hour drive from Lyman, so it’s great as a weekend trip.
Why go:
Alpine feels like a gateway to bigger mountain country, with water and forest all around.
Things to do:
- Fish or float the nearby rivers.
- Head out on the reservoir for boating and water sports.
- Enjoy scenic drives into the surrounding national forest.
If you time it right in fall, the hills around Alpine light up with golden leaves, making the drive itself half the fun.
9. Fossil Butte National Monument – Ancient Ocean in the High Desert (Lincoln County, WY)
Near Kemmerer in Lincoln County,
Fossil Butte National Monument makes for a unique and educational road trip from Lyman. Plan on about 1.5–2 hours of driving.
Why go:
Millions of years ago, this area was the bottom of a lake full of fish, plants, and other creatures. Now it’s one of the world’s richest fossil beds.
Things to do:
- Visit the Fossil Butte visitor center to see incredibly detailed fossil displays.
- Hike short trails with wide-open views of buttes and desert hills.
- Learn how scientists carefully uncover delicate fossils.
If you have kids (or you’re just a curious adult), this is the kind of place that makes Earth’s history feel real and close.
10. Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge – Quiet Rivers and Big Skies (Sweetwater County, WY)
Stretching along the Green River in Sweetwater County,
Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge sits about 2–2.5 hours from Lyman, depending on which access point you choose.
Why go:
Seedskadee is all about solitude, wildlife, and broad horizons. It’s a peaceful spot for anyone who needs a break from busy roads and crowded trails.
Things to do:
- Look for birds, pronghorn, and other wildlife along the river.
- Take easy walks on refuge roads and paths.
- Bring a camera or binoculars for slow, quiet exploring.
On calm evenings, the reflections on the river and the huge sky overhead make this place feel almost unreal.
Tips for Planning Your Lyman Road Trips
- Check the weather: Mountain passes and high desert roads can change fast, especially in winter and spring.
- Fuel up in town: Gas stations can be far apart in some of these areas.
- Pack water and snacks: Even short drives can feel long when services are limited.
- Bring layers: Temperatures can swing a lot between Lyman, high mountains, and desert valleys.
Think of Lyman as your home base. From here, you can point your car toward Utah’s mountains, Wyoming’s red rock canyons, or cool blue lakes—and be back by evening if you want.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Lyman?
Have you driven out to any of these spots from Lyman, Wyoming?
Did I miss a hidden gem in
Summit County,
Lincoln County, or
Sweetwater County?
Share your favorite drives, stops, and tips in the comments below. Your ideas help other travelers plan better trips.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who live in or visit Lyman. You never know—your next weekend adventure might start with a simple, short drive out of town.
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