Carbon County, WY - Travel Taste and Tour Magazine

Plan a getaway to Carbon County, Wyoming! Embrace the wild Wyoming landscapes and escape the crowds. Social distancing comes naturally here and you might be surprised at all the great things you can see and do.

Wyoming adventure awaits in Carbon County’s rugged Western towns. This vast 7,964 square mile county takes in the towns of Rawlins (the county seat), Sinclair, Hanna, Medicine Bow, Elk Mountain, Saratoga, Riverside, Encampment, Savery, Dixon and Baggs.

Outdoor recreation in southern Wyoming is unparalleled. Our wide-open spaces coupled with low population makes for some of the best recreational opportunities to be found. If you love the great outdoors, Carbon County is the place to be. Hikers can take a 5.5-mile hike to Medicine Bow Peak. At 12,013 feet, it’s the highest peak in southern Wyoming and features switch-backs, rock crossings, and breathtaking scenery. Lake Marie (named after Mary Bellamy, suffragist and the first woman elected to the Wyoming State Legislature in 1910) is gorgeous and even has a waterfall. Whether you’re into fishing, hunting, rafting, cycling, climbing, hiking, ORVing, or horseback riding you’ll find plenty of outdoor adventures to suit you.

Take your taste buds on a tour. In Rawlins, scratch your itch for tasty Thai. In Saratoga choose between fine dining, classic Italian or scratch-made pub faire. The Historic Hotel Wolf, The Virginian Hotel, the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort and the Historic Elk Mountain Hotel Restaurant all offer unique Western history paired with delicious dining options. All around Carbon County you’ll find meals prepared with local flavor.

Brush Creek Ranch

There are also great local options to imbibe. Brush Creek Ranch has recently launched a new line of spirits which are distilled and crafted on-site. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to sample their small batch bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka. You’ll also want to explore craft brews from Snowy Mountain Brewery. We recommend trying a tasting paddle so you can sample a variety of the flavors on tap.

Historically, Carbon County has been traversed by the Overland Trail, Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, and both the original route of the Union Pacific Railroad and the Lincoln Highway. Interstate 80 is now the trail of choice for most travelers through the county, although several scenic back roads and byways offer pleasant alternatives.

Historical Treasures

In Carbon County, you’ll find historical treasures that will thrill and delight you around every corner. History buffs will want to explore the Wyoming Frontier Prison (open year-round) where you can discover Wyoming’s colorful criminal history. The Carbon County Museum in Rawlins has three separate gallery spaces that cover different aspects of local history and culture as well as a Children’s Zone for kids to explore. If you dig mining history, the Grand Encampment Museum located in Encampment, Wyoming preserves the industry’s past with its collection of artifacts representing the timber, mining, and agricultural history of the North Platte River Valley. You can get a sense of mining life in the replica pioneer town with over a dozen historical buildings. You’ll also want to check out the historic downtowns of Saratoga and Rawlins where you can find local art, jewelry and more.