Gookin White Mountain Road - Level 3
Gookin White Mountain Road runs west of Rock Springs in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. It leaves the edge of town near the Clearview Acres neighborhood and climbs into the open high desert country of southwest Wyoming. The road is a short outing that is easy to reach from town.
The road is locally known as a county road, and the area around it is used for target shooting and other local recreation. Expect to share the route with local traffic, especially near the town end.
Trail Summary
- LocationSweetwater County, Wyoming
- Distance1.9 miles
- DifficultyLevel 3
- Elevation6,434 ft to 7,557 ft with a 1,123 ft change
- Travel Time8 minutes
Difficulty
Best suited for a high clearance 4x4
This trail is rated Level 3, Moderate, and is best suited to a high clearance 4x4. A stock vehicle with good ground clearance, 4WD and off-road tires should be fine. Expect an uneven, rutted dirt surface with the chance of loose rock and sandy washes. Obstacles such as ledges, short steep grades or mud holes are possible, up to about 12 inches. Any water crossing should be under a foot deep, and careful tire placement may be needed in places. The road is generally one vehicle wide with places to pass. The driver's log does not call out any specific obstacle or spot needing special attention, so treat conditions as variable and check them after rain or snowmelt.
Terrain
The road crosses typical Red Desert country west of Rock Springs: sagebrush and sparse grass over dry, sandy and rocky ground. The route gains height from the lower ground near town toward higher benches and ridges. Surfaces can change from packed dirt to loose gravel, sand and washed-out sections. Clay-rich soils in this part of Wyoming turn slick and sticky when wet.
Highlights
Wild horses roam the wider Rock Springs area, and the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop nearby is a well-known place to see them. Pronghorn, mule deer, hawks and other wildlife are common in this dry country. Views are wide and open, and there is little shade, so bring water.
Trail GPS File
Map
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