Sweetwater County, Wyoming

You might not expect much from southwestern Wyoming at first glance, but Sweetwater County has plenty to offer. In fact, it’s the largest county in the state. The landscape is rugged and wide open, with vast high-desert plains broken up by towering buttes, rocky formations, and deep canyons.

Rock Springs and Green River are the county’s main communities, and each has its own distinct character. History buffs will find plenty to explore, especially the area’s strong connections to Wyoming’s Old West past. The legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy was known to hide out in this part of the country.

Mining has long been an important part of the local economy, while fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities attract visitors year-round. When night falls and the skies are clear, Sweetwater County becomes an incredible place for stargazing, with miles of open land and very little light pollution.

Category Details
County Name Sweetwater County
County Seat Galena
Cities, Towns, and Communities Green River, Rock Springs, Wamsutter, Farson, Superior
Interstates and Highways I-80, US-30, US-191, WY-430
Etymology Named after the Sweetwater River, which flows through the area
FIPS Code 56-037
Total Area (Land and Water) 10,491 sq mi (Land: 10,427 sq mi; Water: 64 sq mi)
Time Zone Mountain Time Zone (MT)
State Wyoming
Coordinates 41.6114° N, 108.9703° W
Major Landmarks Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Expedition Island, Killpecker Sand Dunes
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) Fremont County (North), Carbon County (East), Moffat County, Colorado (South), Daggett County, Utah (Southwest), Summit County, Utah (Southwest), Uinta County (Southwest), Lincoln County (West), Sublette County (Northwest)
Population Approximately 41,000
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