Cities in Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Sweetwater County, Wyoming, is located in the southwestern part of the state and is known for its expansive high desert landscapes, rich mining history, and outdoor recreation. Established in 1867, Sweetwater County has grown into one of Wyoming’s most significant areas for mineral extraction, especially coal and trona, a mineral used in glass manufacturing. The county’s scenic beauty includes desert landscapes, rock formations, and waterways, providing ample opportunities for exploration and adventure. Rock Springs, the county seat, serves as an economic and cultural hub, while nearby Green River and other communities contribute to the county’s unique character and heritage.
Sweetwater County Facts:
- Population: Approximately 43,000
- County Seat: Rock Springs
- Number of cities and towns: 5
List of Cities and Towns in Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Rock Springs
City Facts:
- Year Founded: 1888
- Population: ~23,000
- Population Density: 1,000 per square mile
- Area Code: 307
- Elevation: 6,388 feet
City Overview: Rock Springs, the largest city and county seat of Sweetwater County, is located along Interstate 80, making it a convenient stop for travelers. Known as the “Home of 56 Nationalities,” Rock Springs has a rich history as a mining town and has grown into a bustling community with diverse cultural influences. The city’s high desert landscape is punctuated by rugged hills, unique rock formations, and nearby Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Rock Springs is a hub for mining, particularly coal and trona, with various industries supporting its economy. With its transportation connections, including railroads and major highways, Rock Springs provides access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation.
Things to Do: Rock Springs offers a wide variety of attractions and activities. Visitors can explore the Rock Springs Historical Museum, which showcases the city’s mining history and multicultural heritage. The nearby White Mountain Petroglyphs are a significant archeological site, where ancient Native American rock art can be viewed. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area for boating, fishing, and camping. Rock Springs is also known for its annual International Day celebration, which highlights the diverse cultural backgrounds of the city’s residents with food, music, and dance. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can enjoy local restaurants and shops in the downtown area, which has been revitalized in recent years.
Green River
City Facts:
- Year Founded: 1868
- Population: ~12,500
- Population Density: 860 per square mile
- Area Code: 307
- Elevation: 6,096 feet
City Overview: Green River, a historic town located along the banks of the Green River, is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Originally a stopping point for travelers heading west, Green River has grown into a peaceful community with a scenic backdrop of cliffs and the river. The town is accessible via Interstate 80, providing easy access to nearby Rock Springs and other regional attractions. Green River’s economy has roots in railroad transportation and mineral extraction, particularly trona mining. The city’s landscape is marked by the Green River’s winding path, creating a unique mix of desert and riparian environments that attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Things to Do: Green River offers numerous activities for visitors. The town’s Expedition Island, a designated National Historic Landmark, is where John Wesley Powell began his historic exploration of the Green and Colorado Rivers. Visitors can walk along the river, enjoy the park, or use it as a starting point for river rafting. For those interested in unique rock formations, the nearby Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers fishing, boating, and hiking. The Sweetwater County Historical Museum, located in downtown Green River, provides insights into the county’s history, including the significance of the railroads and Native American heritage. Annual events, such as the Flaming Gorge Days, bring the community together with concerts, sports tournaments, and parades.
Granger
City Facts:
- Year Founded: 1868
- Population: ~130
- Population Density: 5 per square mile
- Area Code: 307
- Elevation: 6,276 feet
City Overview: Granger is a small town in Sweetwater County with a rich history as a stop along the Oregon Trail and Pony Express. Nestled in the wide-open spaces of southwestern Wyoming, Granger offers a quiet lifestyle with proximity to the scenic Green River and other natural attractions. The town’s rural location provides residents with a peaceful environment surrounded by Wyoming’s rugged landscape. Granger is accessible via Wyoming Highway 374 and is a short drive from Green River, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy small-town living with easy access to larger towns and amenities.
Things to Do: Though small, Granger has several points of interest that reflect its historical significance. The Granger Stage Station, a historic building that served travelers along the Overland Trail, is a notable landmark and offers a glimpse into the town’s past. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Green River for fishing and outdoor recreation or venture to nearby Flaming Gorge for hiking and camping. The wide-open spaces around Granger are perfect for those who enjoy off-roading, wildlife viewing, or simply experiencing Wyoming’s vast landscapes. With its historical roots and scenic surroundings, Granger provides a unique spot for history buffs and outdoor adventurers alike.
Superior
City Facts:
- Year Founded: 1900s
- Population: ~330
- Population Density: 10 per square mile
- Area Code: 307
- Elevation: 6,770 feet
City Overview: Superior is a historic mining town in Sweetwater County, originally established to support coal mining in the region. Located in a remote area northeast of Rock Springs, Superior’s landscape is characterized by arid plains and rugged hills. Though the mines are no longer operational, the town remains as a reminder of Wyoming’s mining heritage. Today, Superior is a quiet community with a small population, and its remote location makes it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle. The town is accessible via Wyoming Highway 371, connecting it to Rock Springs and other nearby communities.
Things to Do: Visitors to Superior can explore the remnants of the town’s mining past, with abandoned structures and mine sites serving as a historical record of the area’s coal industry. The nearby Killpecker Sand Dunes offer unique outdoor recreation opportunities, including off-road driving and hiking. The sand dunes are one of the largest active dune fields in North America, and they attract adventurers looking for unique landscapes and panoramic views. Superior is also close to the White Mountain area, where visitors can view Native American petroglyphs and explore hiking trails. Though small, Superior provides a peaceful setting with plenty of outdoor exploration opportunities.
Wamsutter
City Facts:
- Year Founded: Early 1900s
- Population: ~450
- Population Density: 35 per square mile
- Area Code: 307
- Elevation: 6,781 feet
City Overview: Wamsutter is a small town located in the eastern part of Sweetwater County along Interstate 80. Known for its connection to the oil and gas industry, Wamsutter is surrounded by oil fields and natural gas wells, which play a major role in the local economy. The town is primarily a service center for the energy industry, and its strategic location along the interstate makes it a convenient stop for travelers. Despite its industrial focus, Wamsutter is surrounded by wide-open spaces and desert landscapes, giving it a distinctly Wyoming feel. With a low population density, the town offers a quiet environment.
Things to Do: Wamsutter is a gateway to some unique outdoor landscapes, including the Red Desert, known for its desert terrain, sand dunes, and wildlife. The nearby Adobe Town Wilderness Study Area offers hiking, rock climbing, and off-roading in a rugged, scenic environment. For those interested in the history of the American West, the Overland Trail, which passes near Wamsutter, provides historical insight into pioneer travel routes. While Wamsutter itself is small, its location offers access to Wyoming’s wide-open wilderness and unique desert features, making it a starting point for those exploring Sweetwater County’s natural attractions.
List of Communities in Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Point of Rocks
Community Facts:
- Year Founded: 1860s
- Population: ~50
- Population Density: 3 per square mile
- Area Code: 307
- Elevation: 6,588 feet
Point of Rocks is a small community located near the historic Point of Rocks Stage Station, an important site along the Overland Trail. This quiet area is surrounded by desert landscapes and serves as a peaceful spot for those interested in Wyoming’s pioneer history and expansive views.
Reliance
Community Facts:
- Year Founded: Early 1900s
- Population: ~300
- Population Density: 20 per square mile
- Area Code: 307
- Elevation: 6,570 feet
Reliance is a historic coal mining community just north of Rock Springs. The town’s remnants, including a historic coal tipple, reflect its mining past, and the surrounding area offers trails and opportunities to explore Wyoming’s coal mining heritage amidst scenic desert landscapes.