4 Extreme Adventures in Southwest Wyoming

Navigational Skills Required

Many visit Southwest Wyoming for its vast, diverse l和scapes 和 natural beauty, offering the perfect setting for outdoor recreation. In addition to a plethora of family-friendly activites, skilled outdoorsmen 和 women can find a variety of ways to to get off the grid or seek some thrills. From off-roading to backpacking, check out these four extreme adventures when traveling to 岩石弹簧 和 绿河.

1. 土坯小镇徒步旅行

Known as the crowning jewel of the Red Desert, Adobe Town is an isolated 和 remote destination that should only be visited by experienced recreationists. Comprised of colorful badl和s 和 desert flora 和 fauna, the Red Desert offers opportunities for hiking, 骑马, 野营, wildlife viewing 和 photography in the backcountry. 了解更多关于 planning your adventure to Adobe Town.

2. Off-Roading at the Killpecker S和 Dunes

Catch some air 和 some speed at the world's second largest active s和 dunes. Formed by the high winds of the Great Divide Basin, the Killpecker S和 Dunes are a playground for all ages. In addition to wildlife viewing 和 hiking, discover a more extreme way to enjoy the dunes by bringing your off-road vehicle. With some dunes reaching more than 100 feet in height, you'll be sure the feel the adrenaline when ATVing or OHVing in Southwest Wyoming. Stay overnight by 野营 at the Killpecker S和 Dunes Open Play Area Campground located on BLM l和s. 

3. Whitewater Rafting the 绿河

Prefer water sports when it comes to high-intensity adventure? The town of 绿河 is home to a whitewater park, Expedition Isl和 located along the banks of the 绿河. Practice your whitewater paddling techniques along two different channels featuring both challenging rapids 和 family-friendly wading pools.  Take the south channel at Expedition Isl和 for a more difficult plunge that will test your kayaking skills.

4. Backpacking the Great Divide Basin

你知道吗? Continental Divide Trail (CDT) runs through Southwest Wyoming 和 parts of Sweetwater County? Part of the Red Desert, this unique section of the trail is known as the Great Divide Basin 和 is unlike the rest of the trail's mountainous terrain. Here, the trail splits in two directions before rejoining, forming a bowl in the mountain range. Millions of years ago, 湖Gosiute filled the Great Divide Basin 和 the 绿河 Basin—leaving behind fossils from the Eocene era. The desert terrain has no major topographic l和marks 和 is characterized by native shrubs, saltflats 和 high winds.

Explore the CDT just north of 岩石弹簧 和 绿河, by the historic mining town of South Pass City. The California, Oregon, Mormon 和 Pony Express trails also pass through this historic town. 从南关出发, you can hike or backpack along the CDT by traveling northwest toward the Sweetwater Guard Station or southeast toward Sweetwater Bridge. Two BLM campgrounds are located in the area for overnight trips including the Atlantic City Campground 和 Big Atlantic Gulch Campground. Hike a few miles or backpack for a few nights along the CDT in Southwest Wyoming—the choice is yours! 

出发前要知道

Most of these adventures are true “off the grid experiences,” 和 cell service is limited! Make sure you have extra water 和 food; a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle with thick tires (和 a spare tire) to traverse the dirt roads; extra fuel; GPS; 和 BLM map. Do not attempt to visit the area when conditions are wet. Let someone know where you are headed 和 when you plan to return.

最后，记得 adventure responsibly by following leave no trace principles, learning about local history 和 more. For more information 和 help planning your adventure in Southwest Wyoming, visit the Explore 岩石弹簧 & 绿河, Wyoming 游客中心.