It may not be as well known or glamorous as Jackson Hole, its neighbor 200+ miles to the north. From Interstate 80, the barren landscape and dramatic rock formations will likely capture someone's attention more than the town itself will. But for travelers who find themselves passing through the high desert country of southwestern Wyoming, the town of Green River is worth a second look as it positions itself to become an adventure travel destination.
Water Sports on the Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the Green River
Travelers who drive south on WY Highway 530 from Green River don't have to go far to reach the dramatic Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Set among beautiful waters and dramatic red cliffs, the more than 200,000 acres of scenic lands around the Flaming Gorge Reservoir are sure to keep any adventurer busy. Camping, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and rafting — it can all be done here. In the winter, visitors can try snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or ice-fishing. The northern end of the recreation area lies just a few miles south of Green River; areas with more recreational amenities are only about an hour’s drive from the town.
Visitors can also stay in Green River if they want to kayak. Hard-core kayakers and canoeists probably won’t put White Water Park on their Top 10 list for amazing whitewater, but this park is a great place for those who like the water to spend an afternoon either cooling off or practicing their skills on a summer afternoon. Set on Expedition Island in the heart of town — at the end of 2nd Street South and in the shadow of the landmark Castle Rock that overlooks Green River — the park is located at the same place where famed explorer John Wesley Powell launched his expedition to explore the Green and Colorado rivers and the Grand Canyon in 1869.
Mountain Biking and Wild Horse Tours
Green River isn’t known for mountain biking . . . yet. That may very well change in the near future if the Chamber of Commerce has its way. More than 200 miles of mountain bike trails have already been built around Green River, and according to a Casper Star-Tribune article (July 11, 2009), the town is aiming to make itself a mountain biking destination. The article reports that the trails have not been advertised because many run across private property, and landowners have been concerned about liability issues. But the Chamber of Commerce has been working with residents and community associations to address concerns, and members are confident that all issues can be resolved.
In the meantime, visitors can jump into an Australian-made SUV and get a more relaxing tour of the land around Green River. Green River Wild Horse Tours and ECO Safaris will take customers for a drive onto the wide-open ranges to look for herds of wild horses as they run and graze. They may also see coyote, deer, eagles, and hawks, as well as spectacular views in all directions. Green River Wild Horse Tours is located at 260 Hackberry Street.
Flaming Gorge Days and Museum Visits
For visitors who prefer quieter adventures, they should come to Green River in late June for Flaming Gorge Days. Billed as southwest Wyoming’s “Weekend of FUN,” this three-day festival features concerts, a parade, children’s entertainment, and competitions in basketball, volleyball, and dodgeball.
When visitors get their fill of all the activities, they can take a break and get a cup of gourmet coffee and browse the books and gifts of the Book & Bean store at 79 N. 1st Street. Afterwards, it’s just a short walk to the Sweetwater County Historical Museum, where they will learn about the history of Green River and Sweetwater County from prehistoric times to today. Green River is a part of the larger story of America’s pioneer migration to the West starting in the 1800s, from the covered wagons to the railroads to the interstate highways. A statue of explorer John Wesley Powell stands in front of the museum, which is located at 3 East Flaming Gorge Way.
Just as Powell explored the area, so should any traveler passing through southwest Wyoming. Adventures await, so for more information, visit the Green River Chamber of Commerce.
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