City of Green River

FACT: The City of Green River takes its name from the Green River that flows through the center of the city.

Green River truly is an oasis in the arid high desert plateau. The “Green River,” for which the town takes its name, winds through the heart of town. “Blue Ribbon” trout fishing can be found from the banks in town.

The City offers many recreational opportunities; Expedition Island, in the center of town has many attractions. The Green Belt walking tour is accessible for those that want to walk, ride a bike and in some areas, ride a horse. You can begin or end your journey on the Green Belt on Expedition Island. Many kinds of wildlife can be seen along the way including deer, beaver, otters, and numerous species of birds all within city limits. The Green Belt travels over 5 miles of pathways along the river banks from Expedition Island South to FMC Park and Scotts Bottom Nature Tour. Expedition Island is also a National Historical Site, recognizing the significance of John Wesley Powell’s two trips down the Green in 1869 and then again in 1871. Powell began both trips near  Expedition Island and mapped the river system, successfully “finding” the Grand Canyon.

The newly constructed Green River Whitewater Park and North Channel Tubing channel at Expedition Island Park provide amenities for floating river users and swimmers of a wide range of abilities. In the north river channel, is a 1,200 feet long lazy river/tubing channel. The channel features a series of 4 – ½ foot drops and 3 large pools. The four feet deep pools provide gentle currents suitable for swimming and wading while the drops provide excitement for tubers and beginning level canoers and kayakers.

Adjacent to Expedition Island is Evers Park, which includes the Splash Park. The park is open and free to the public with the Splash Park in operation from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Splash Park is motion activated with six different water features that splash, spray, and delight attendees from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

The River is home to several species of fish and many folks enjoy fly fishing and spin casting right in town. Fish you will find in the Green are Browns, Rainbows, Kokanee Salmon, and Catfish.

Beautiful rock formations surround the area and have been given very lofty and romantic names. From Castle Rock, the City’s sentinel overlooking the north part of town to Mansface, Eagles Rock, Giant’s Thumb, Palisades and Tollgate—imagination and history are reflected in each name. The “Cliffs along the Green” is the title of a famous painting by Thomas Moran and features the Palisades and Tollgate that are just west of town.

Green River is home to one of the finest soccer and baseball fields that Wyoming has to offer, Stratton Myers. The area is also the venue for concerts during Flaming Gorge Days, which is held the last full weekend in June. The concerts feature country and rock & roll bands with national name recognition. Bands that have performed in the past include Montgomery Gentry, Trick Pony, Gary Allan, Tesla, Foreigner, & Quiet Riot.

The Green River Recreation Center offers everything from a swimming pool and sauna to racquetball and basketball courts. Open seven days a week with very reasonable fees, it is affordable to everyone! The Recreation Center is just off Upland Drive across from Western Wyoming Community College Green River campus.

The new Green River Bike Park offers a variety of exciting trails and features for families and experienced cyclists alike. Features include dirt jumps, an elevated trail with ladder bridges,a pump track with berm turns and roller pumps and a beginner skills area. For an easy ride, families can hop on their bikes and tour the park’s edges on the Loop Trail. Trails are marked similar to ski runs with green circles highlighting the easiest and black diamonds left for more advanced riders.

A wide selection of mountain biking trails begin in town with trails for beginners on up to those adventure seeking experts! Trails and vistas to rival the more recognizable Moab trails are just moments away. 
Not into two wheel recreation? Then dust off your skateboard and try your skills at the Skate Park with a Bank Ramp, Piano Bank Ramp, Stairs, Grind Rail (Kinked), Planter, Picnic Table, Grindbox, Quarter Pipe (Raked), Quarter Pipe, Jump Box, Pyramid Section, Wedge, and a Euro Gap. All are open and free to the public on Uinta Drive next to the Golden Hour Senior Center. Green River is home to one of the largest railroad switching yards in Wyoming that is located in the middle of town. Take the pedestrian overpass and see the switching engines working and the main line trains arriving and departing right below you!

Looking for Wild Horses? Well, you are in luck! The west entrance to the Wild Horse Loop tour can be accessed right in town and in a matter of minutes you can be afforded a view of the high desert, viewing the wild horses, and overlooking the many trails that intersect our county. The Wild Horse Loop Tour can be accessed by taking Exit 89 off I-80 into Green River and turning on to Wild Horse Canyon Road on the west end of town just off Flaming Gorge Way.

Stop and visit the newly built Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center at 1155 W. Flaming Gorge Way for more information on all there is to see and do in Green River, Wyoming. There are many great places to eat, shop, and relax along with friendly service. Come and experience the “Spirit of the New West!”

Getting There

From I-80, take exit 89 or 91.

For more information call
(307) 872-6136 or visit www.cityofgreenriver.org