Discover Carbon County’s Old West charm and treasures along Wyoming’s scenic byways enticing travelers to rejuvenate in natural hot springs
Find your pleasures in Carbon County, Wyoming, whether it be indoors or outside. The extensive coal deposits that the county drew its name from are long gone. Today, the vast beauty of Wyoming’s third largest county remains, along with the mineral hot springs discovered long ago by Native Americans.
Experience Scenic Byways and Outdoor Fun
Although all of Wyoming is breathtaking, there are scenic byways that provide expansive scenery and beautiful memories.
Seminoe to Alcova Scenic Byway. Photo courtesy of BLM Wyoming via Flickr
Battle Pass Scenic Byway
Battle Pass Scenic Byway follows Wyoming Highway 70 through Medicine Bow National Forest. This 57-mile paved highway begins in Encampment and continues through a few ghost towns and passes the site of the 1841 battle between fur trappers and Native Americans. While fishing on Battle Lake, Thomas Edison had the idea for the lightbulb filament.
Seminoe to Alcova
Seminoe to Alcova Backcountry Byway begins its 73-mile path in Sinclair. Experience prairie, desert and a climb into the rugged Seminoe Mountains. There are plenty of attractions along the way, including fishing, boating, windsurfing and rock climbing. The road is remote but provides awesome landscape in the Seminoe Mountains and Pedro Mountains and the Fremont Canyon.
Snowy Range Scenic Byway
The second National Forest Scenic Byway constructed in the United States was Snowy Range Scenic Byway. Travel Highway 130 through the center of Medicine Bow National Forest which encompasses the communities of Centennial and Ryan Park and Medicine Bow and Snowy Range mountains. Enjoy a variety of outdoor fun from hiking to mountain biking to fishing. Winter time brings well-marked trails and powdery snow, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Enjoy the Healing Power of Carbon County’s Mineral Hot Springs
Hobo Hot Pool. Photo courtesy of Yi Ding via Flickr
Saratoga Hot Springs Resort
Native Americans were the first to discover the healing power in the “Place of Magic Waters.” Guests of Saratoga Hot Springs Resort are invited to soak in the same healing waters. There are several intimate, teepee covered pools and a 70-foot mineral hot springs swimming pool.
Hobo Hot Pool
The historic Hobo Hot Pool, located on the banks of the Platte River is a natural mineral hot spring. Cheyenne, Ute and Arapaho would lay down their weapons to enjoy in peace what they believed was the natural mineral hot springs pools’ healing powers.
Two Must-Visit Carbon County Attractions
The Wyoming Frontier Prison in Carbon County is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An hour guided tour covers executions, gruesome lynching and dazzling escapes.
Grand Encampment Museum
Grand Encampment Museum (GEM) is truly a “GEM” of Southern Wyoming and shares the stories of this historically rich area. Cooper mining, ranching and timber are the major themes with industry and personal collections on display. Notable among the exhibits are the Lora Webb Nichols photographs. The more than 20,000 images in the collection present the area in its boom days. Begin your tour in the Doc Culleton Memorial Building which houses many of the artifacts.
Wyoming Frontier Prison
When in Rawlins you must visit Wyoming Frontier Prison. This historic landmark was in use from 1901-1981 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An hour guided tour covers executions, gruesome lynching and dazzling escapes.
Grand Wyoming Hotels and Culinary Delights
There are many ways to experience Carbon County, and one is by staying in a memorable hotel that offers both Old West culture and modern amenities.
Historic Elk Mountain Hotel
An opulent hotel situated along the Medicine Bow River in the town of Elk Mountain is the gateway to Medicine Bow National Forest. The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel has been serving guests since it opened in 1905. Each of the dozen rooms is unique and portrays a piece of Wyoming history. Outstanding breakfast and dinner menus are a blend of American Bistro and fine European cuisine. The establishment includes full service in the elegant dining room along with a full liquor license.
Hotel Wolf
Anchoring downtown Saratoga since 1893, the Hotel Wolf was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Local owners restored the hotel to appear much like its opening day adding modern amenities and conveniences. Clean comfortable rooms show their Old West Heritage. Whether lunch or dinner the Hotel Wolf invites you to “Dine Like a Cattle Baron.”
Carbon County, Wyoming
Leslie Jefferson, CEO
director@wyomingcarboncounty.com
307-324-3020/800-228-3547
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