Wyoming : Safety by CityRock Springs, Wyoming, is known as the Home of 56 Nationalities due to the mining industry that brought an influx of immigrant workers in the early settlement days.
Today, this Sweetwater County city of 25,000 people is still vibrant with cultural influences from across the world while also having a notable Wild West vibe.
It’s located off of I-80 in southwest Wyoming, about three hours west of Salt Lake City and five hours northwest of Denver.
You’ve probably never heard of Robert LeRoy Parker, but thanks to his time as a butcher in Rock Springs, he became widely known as “Butch” Cassidy.
He went on to become one of the most notorious outlaws of America’s Western Frontier.
As the county seat and central point of Sweetwater County, Rock Springs offers convenient access to natural wonders like the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
The vast wilderness, dynamic cliffs, and water access to the Green River mean year-round recreational opportunities.
Back in town, Rock Springs is known for its charming downtown, with shops, restaurants, and even a decent nightlife scene.
Whether you’re just passing through and need a watering hole or want to relax in rural Wyoming, Rock Springs has something for everyone.
Warnings & Dangers in Rock Springs
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There's a low risk in Rock Springs, but you should understand how remote this region is. Most people who visit are just passing through or coming to see someone they know.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Rock Springs has limited public transit through the Sweetwater County Transit Authority, which offers fixed routes and dial-a-ride services within Rock Springs and Green River. Even with taxis and rideshares that might be sparingly available, you need a private vehicle to get here and fully explore the region. Rental cars are available at all U.S. airports.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
No pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years, giving this a low risk. You are more likely to have something taken from your car or campsite than from your wallet or purse.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Rock Springs is relatively safe from major natural disasters, with minimal risk of earthquakes, floods, or tornadoes. The area does experience high winds, especially in winter, and occasional severe winter storms. Wildfires are a concern in Wyoming and the West, for that matter. Summer and fall are the highest wildfire risk seasons. Overall, the town has a stable environment with fewer significant natural disaster threats compared to other regions. However, if you aren't used to intense winter weather, treat this as a medium risk.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Robberies are pretty rare in Rock Springs, which means muggings are even less likely. About one robbery happens a year. The risk is low but never low enough to let your guard down.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Rock Springs has a minimal terrorism risk due to its small size and remote location. While no community is entirely risk-free, the town’s lower population and economic profile make it an unlikely target.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. The police department also has a consumer alert section where you can check basic safety tips and recent reports. For example, one problem in recent years involved verbally aggressive landscaping companies going door to door, which wouldn't impact a tourist.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Given how many domestic crimes are committed here, women aren't facing a greater risk. Solo female travelers should let someone know where they are going and when they will check-in. I've driven this stretch of road as a solo woman, and it can be a little intimidating.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report for Rock Springs shows full compliance and no violations.
Safest Places to Visit in Rock Springs
Explorewy.com is the tourism website for Sweetwater County, including Rock Springs and the Green River.
A digital tourism guide is available to download.
Bookmark the Travel Tools section as well for planning purposes.
Downtown Rock Springs (downtownrs.com) is the main attraction, with a digital guide produced annually to showcase events, attractions, and the newest businesses.
Once you’re in town, the Visitor Center is located inside the renovated Freight Station.
Head into the old city hall for the Rock Springs Historical Museum, which focuses on the mining and immigrant heritage in Sweetwater County.
Pick up a historic walking tour map to take a self-guided stroll through the city.
There are nearly 50 sites to consider.
While you’re walking around, look for the building murals, with at least 10 to scope out.
More art can be explored at the Community Fine Arts Center.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, just a short drive from Rock Springs, is a stunning destination for anyone who loves the outdoors.
With its vibrant red cliffs, clear blue reservoir, and endless recreational activities—like boating, fishing, and hiking—it’s a must-see escape into Wyoming’s raw, natural beauty.
Plus, the crowds won’t be nearly as intense as you’ll find in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks.
The Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility offers a unique chance to see Wyoming’s iconic wild mustangs up close.
The BLM manages this land, with informational kiosks about these spirited horses lining the fence.
Places to Avoid in Rock Springs
There aren’t dangerous neighborhoods or bad parts of town in Rock Springs.
The hotels are spread out in the community, but the bulk of them are near the interstate.
If you want to skip that traffic noise, find a hotel that is at least a mile from the closest interstate exit.
When driving around this region, don’t let your gas tank get below half full.
There aren’t a lot of places to stop, so always opt to top off the tank rather than risk being stranded without gas.
Also, fill up your tank at the closest pump to the entrance.
These spots are less likely to have credit card skimming devices.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Rock Springs
- Rock Springs does have a local police department. In small towns like this, you won’t always find a social media presence for law enforcement, but Rock Springs PD is on Facebook @RockSpringsPD. The phone number is (307) 352-1576 if you want to save that in your contact list now.
- Sweetwater County uses Smart 911 to send out emergency alerts. You can sign up for free to get text or email alerts when severe weather or public safety hazards are present. Be sure to use a NOAA battery-powered radio if you’re outside the mobile service range.
- Another important emergency system to sign up for is the Wyoming 511 Alerts. This covered incidents, weather conditions, and detours on roads across the state. Since Rock Springs is located off I-80, it’s important to know the highway conditions before you travel. You can set your preferred route and then ask for alerts to come in when there are problems with that route. Wildfires, wind, and winter weather can all lead to interstate closures.
- The Fire Department also uses Safety Cloud via HAAS Alert, which will track your location and send alerts about emergency responders on the road ahead. Even without the warning, you should always pull safely into the next lane when you see emergency crews ahead. Put as much distance between your vehicle and the shoulder.
- Visiting in winter? You should know that residential streets will be the last to get plowed by city crews, and the only goal is to make them “passable.” Don’t expect them to be cleared completely. If you’re staying at a hotel, the parking lot is the responsibility of the owner, not the city.
- The speed limit on I-80 is 80 miles per hour outside of Rock Springs, but high winds can make that speed dangerous. Slower vehicles should stay right, and don’t feel like you have to speed up simply because you can.
- Speaking of wind, visitors to Rock Springs during spring and fall should expect wind gusts up to 40-50 mph. Wear secure clothing, avoid standing near loose objects, and seek shelter during high gusts to stay safe from flying debris. I always carry a couple of extra Covid masks when I’m traveling to a windy or dusty area.
- Those traveling with teenagers should review the curfew law in Rock Springs. During the week, anyone under 18 can’t be out after 10 pm unless with an adult. On weekends, that time goes to midnight. The curfew lasts until 6am.
- Visitors should be aware of the presence of wildlife, such as black bears and mountain lions, which can pose safety risks. Visit the Wyoming Game and Fish website to read more about how to share space with wildlife.
- In Wyoming, anglers aged 14 and older need a Wyoming fishing license, with both daily and annual options available. Additionally, a Conservation Stamp is required unless using a daily or nonresident five-day license. You can purchase that while you’re on the Game & Fish website.
So... How Safe Is Rock Springs Really?
Rock Springs has a violent crime rate that is less than half the national average.
A little more than a third of all violent crimes happen in private homes.
In the past five years, 87% of all crimes were domestic, or at least the victim knew the attacker – very few were random acts of violence.
I saw a report that Rock Springs was “one of the most dangerous Wyoming cities after dark,” based on the sexual assault numbers.
Allow me to clarify that terrifying headline.
The police department reported 15 rapes in 2023, which is a high number per capita, coming in at 30% higher than the national average.
However, all the victims in those incidents knew their attackers and all but three were under the age of 19.
While it’s definitely an issue the police will focus on, there’s not an imminent risk of being out after dark because of this higher-than-average rate.
The theft rate is 12% lower than the national average, with about half falling into the category of “Other.”
That could mean a wide range of thefts, like stolen construction equipment or items taken from a yard.
In 2023, 31 car break-ins were reported.
That risk can be lowered by locking your car every time you park and removing personal items.
There are really no risks in Rock Springs that basic personal safety steps and common sense can’t overcome.
How Does Rock Springs Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Rock Springs | 81 |
| Boston | 67 |
| Washington DC | 56 |
| New York City | 67 |
| Detroit | 56 |
| San Diego | 67 |
| Miami | 55 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
| Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
| Toronto (Canada) | 81 |
| Melbourne (Australia) | 80 |
| Montreal (Canada) | 81 |
Useful Information
Visas
All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app to get help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Currency
Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.
Weather
Rock Springs has a semi-arid climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Keep in mind that an elevation of around 6,300 feet will make the cold feel colder, and the heat will not be as bad in the summer. Winters average lows around 20°F, with frequent winds and light snowfall. Summers bring daytime highs near 85°F and cool nights. Overall, precipitation is low, resulting in a dry, breezy climate year-round.
Airports
Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport (RKS) is the closest commercial airport, offering regional flights to select destinations. For broader access, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is about a three-hour drive away and offers extensive domestic and international flight options, making it the primary hub for major travel.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.
Rock Springs Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 1 | 2 | 9 | 14 | 19 | 26 | 31 | 29 | 24 | 16 | 8 | 1 |
| Low °C | -11 | -9 | -4 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 6 | 1 | -6 | -10 |
| High °F | 34 | 36 | 48 | 57 | 66 | 79 | 88 | 84 | 75 | 61 | 46 | 34 |
| Low °F | 12 | 16 | 25 | 30 | 37 | 46 | 54 | 52 | 43 | 34 | 21 | 14 |
Wyoming - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Afton | 82 |
| Alpine | 83 |
| Casper | 80 |
| Cheyenne | 81 |
| Dubois | 78 |
| Gillette | 83 |
| Guernsey | 78 |
| Hulett | 79 |
| Laramie | 85 |
| Lusk | 82 |
| Rock Springs | 81 |
| Saratoga | 78 |
| Sheridan | 84 |
