Touring Southwest Wyoming is an adventure unsurpassed. No place else brings together the prehistoric past, the history of the Mountain Men, and the beauty of the high desert and its wild horse herds.

Starting in Evanston on I-80, visit the Evanston Depot, an important stop along the transcontinental railroad project of years past. Also visit the Joss House, a Taoist Temple built in 1894, which was used as a place of worship by the large Chinese community that once lived here and helped build America's railways.

Travel east on 1-80 and visit Fort Bridger State Historic Site, an 1843 trading post for pioneers and miners. The fort was established by Jim Bridger, one of the foremost mountain men, trappers, scouts and guides who explored and trapped the Western United States during the decades of 1820-1840. (Evanston to Fort Bridger – 31.6 miles – about 31 minutes)

Continue on 1-80 east to Green River, an oasis in high desert country, and transportation hub for the Overland Trail, Cherokee Trail, Lincoln Highway and Transcontinental Railroad. Nearby, you'll also find the Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area, a 200,000-acre area that boasts breathtaking views of the sloping, reddish rock walls and offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing and sightseeing on the 91-mile reservoir. (Fort Bridger to Green River  – 57 miles – about 49 minutes)

From Green River, take 1-80 east to Rock Springs, a great base camp for the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Loop Tour. The wild horse is a long-standing symbol of the West. There are an estimated 6,000 wild horses in Wyoming, and 2,500 of them roam the lands of Sweetwater County. The spirited creatures are said to be ancestors of horses brought to the New World by Spaniards in the 1500s. The 50-mile long self-guided tour (24 miles of which are gravel roads) begins just north of town. (Green River to Rock Springs – 14.4 miles – about 18 minutes)

The White Mountain Petroglyphs, rock art created by ancient people to depict stories and historical events, are also worth a visit. To get there, travel north from Rock Springs on Highway 191 approximately 10.5 miles and turn east (right) on the Tri-Territory Road (County Road 4-17). Travel approximately 10 miles on the Tri-Territory Road and take a left when you see a sign marking the White Mountain Petroglyphs. (Rock Springs to White Mountain Petroglyphs – 26.0 miles – about 50 minutes)

After experiencing the petroglyphs, head back to Highway 191 turn north to Farson (about  25 miles). At the intersection of Highway 191 and Highway 28, you'll have a decision to make.

Choice A

You can continue north on Highway 191 to Pinedale and the Museum of the Mountain Man for a fascinating look at the lives of Sublette County's most colorful citizens. You also might want to consider visiting the Green River Lakes area and Square Top Mountain in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Take Highway 191 west 5 miles to Cora and turn north onto Highway 352. The road turns to gravel at the Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary 25 miles up. In about three miles, you'll reach a “Y” in the road. Stay to the right you are headed up to Green River Lakes, headwaters of the historic Green River and home to Square Top Mountain, one of the most photographed in Wyoming.

Choice B

In Farson, turn right on Highway 28 and head up to South Pass City, a national historic landmark and a major feature on the Oregon Trail. (Farson to South Pass City – 45.3 miles – about 1 hour 10 minutes)

Then continue on Highway 28 and Highway 287 to Lander, southern gateway to the Shoshone National Forest and Wind River Mountains. An area rich in history and outdoor recreation, Sinks Canyon State Park is just 7 miles away where you can experience beautiful scenery and the mystery of seeing a river disappear into the side of the mountain.

The nearby Wind River Indian Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. The Wind River Indian Reservation offers visitors a cultural peek into the history of two Native American tribes who now share the beautiful wide-open spaces northwest of Lander. (Lander to Fort Washakie – 17.3 miles – about 20 minutes)

Miles and estimated travel time

Evanston to Fort Bridger – 31.6 miles – about 31 minutes

Fort Bridger to Green River – 57 miles – about 49 minutes

Green River to Rock Springs – 14.4 miles – about 18 minutes

Rock Springs to White Mountain Petroglyphs – 26.0 miles – about 50 minutes

Choice A

Farson to Pinedale – 59.3 miles – about 1 hour 24 minutes

Choice B

Farson to South Pass City – 45.3 miles – about 1 hour 10 minutes

South Pass City to Lander – 33.4 miles – about 50 minutes

Lander to Fort Washakie – 17.3 miles – about 20 minutes