According to a recent study published by ECONorthwest for The Pew Charitable Trusts, public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the Western United States provide a wealth of recreational opportunities – like hiking, boating, fishing, mountain biking and camping – for visitors, as well as an economic draw for area communities. The study found that “quiet recreation” – those activities that don’t require the use of motorized equipment – attracted nearly 2 million people to Wyoming in 2014.
While Wyoming’s 18 million acres of BLM lands are sometimes overshadowed by their more famous cousins, the national parks, BLM areas have lots to offer visitors who want to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature. Here are just a few ways visitors can enjoy the bounty of the BLM in Southwest Wyoming’s Sweetwater County.
Mountain Biking
Sweetwater County is home to some of the nation’s most sought-after mountain bike trails. Wilkins Peak Trail System, with its 24 miles of single track, is on the southeastern side of the town of Green River. Cherokee Trail/Currant Creek Ranch Loop is another local’s favorite. Located just east of the beautiful Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the Little Mountain area boasts an astounding 250 miles of trails! Cherokee Trail is one of the best, but there are lots from which to choose. Check out the Sweetwater Mountain Biking Association page on Facebook for information on local trails.
Camping
Camping is ideal for soaking in the peaceful quiet of nature in Sweetwater County. Buckboard Crossing Campground is located on the far northwest shore of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Sitting at an elevation of 6,100 feet, this campground offers easy access to fishing. Near Rock Springs, Firehole Canyon campground sits on the upper-east part of Lake Flaming Gorge. The North and South Chimney Rocks stand guard here and offer ample opportunity for photographing the perfect picture. Learn more about camping around Sweetwater County.
Hiking
There is perhaps no better “quiet recreation” experience than hiking, and Sweetwater County has some incredible trails to help visitors get up close and personal with the wild, Western landscape for which the area is famous. At the Killpecker Sand Dunes – the second-largest active sand dune field in the world – no trail is needed! Visitors can just traverse the acres and acres of soft sand. Learn more about hiking in Sweetwater County.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
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