Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
The
Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
(
www.fws.gov/refuge/seedskadee
)
sits along
36 miles of the Green River and encompasses over 26,000 acres of the land. It consists of
marshes, wetlands, and uplands, and more than 200 different bird species have been sighted
in the area. The riparian areas have become an important nesting ground for a variety of mi-
gratory birds, including Canada geese, great blue herons, and swans. The refuge is a popular
spot for fishing, wildlife viewing, and short float trips. It is 37 miles north of Green River
on Highway 372. The refuge headquarters is just 2 miles north of the junction of Highways
372 and 28.
Killpecker Sand Dunes
Thirty-seven miles from Rock Springs is one of Wyoming's most unique natural wonders,
complete with a herd of rare desert elk not found anywhere else in the United States. The
Killpecker Sand Dunes
are the largest active dunes in the United States. The massive hills
of white sand stretch more than 55 miles and offer a fun playground for hikers or off-road
vehicle enthusiasts to explore. However, go prepared with water, food, a compass, and a
map—people can easily get disoriented in the desert setting. If approaching the dunes from
Rock Springs, you will pass the area office of the Bureau of Land Management (280 U.S.
191 N., Rock Springs, 307/352-0256); it's worth stopping in to get more information and a
map of the area. Don't forget to ask about the wild horses and how you can have the best
chance of seeing them in their desert habitat.
Also at the dunes, rock climbing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the volcanic plug known
as
Boar's Tusk.
This towering rock formation measures 400 feet in height; Devils Tower is
the only other geological feature like this in the state.
Fossil Butte National Monument
Known as “America's Aquarium in Stone,”
Fossil Butte National Monument
(U.S. 30,
80 miles west of Green River, 307/877-4455,
www.nps.gov/fobu
, free) sits in the middle of
what was once a subtropical habitat. During the Eocene epoch, 50 million years ago, this
was a large lake area, home to alligators, turtles, fish, and even palm trees. Over the eons,
animal and plant remains sank to the bottom of the lake bed, where they were covered with
sediment and fossilized. When the lake dried up and the bed was eventually pushed to the
surface, some of the best-preserved fossils in the world were revealed.
The visitors center (9am-5:30pm daily May-Sept., 8am-4:30pm daily Oct.-Apr., closed
holidays in winter) displays more than 80 fossils, including two types of bats, numerous
species of fish, and even a 13-foot crocodile. There is also an area where visitors can handle
