Hot Springs, Scenic Byways, Grand Hotels and More in Carbon County, Wyoming

Discover the county’s old west charm and treasures

Find your pleasures in Carbon County. 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

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 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 was the second National Forest Scenic Byway in the United States. 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 Mineral Hot Springs

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.

The historic Hobo Hhot 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.

The Wyoming Frontier Prison is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An hour guided tour covers executions, gruesome lynching and dazzling escapes.

Two Must-Visit Attractions

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.

When in Rawlins you must visit Wyoming Frontier Prison. This historic landmark was in use from 1901-1981 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An hour guided tour covers executions, gruesome lynching and dazzling escapes.

Grand Hotels and Culinary Delights

The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel has been serving guests since it opened in 1905.

Situated along the Medicine Bow River in the town of Elk Mountain, the gateway to Medicine Bow National Forest. 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 with full service in the elegant dining room along with a full liquor license.

Anchoring downtown Saratoga since 1893 the Wolf Hotel 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 Wolf Hotel invites you to “Dine Like a Cattle Baron.”