Carbon County, Wyoming - Travel Taste and Tour Magazine

Drive through the mountains and prairies of Carbon County, Wyoming to observe our bountiful wildlife and breath-taking scenery. Whether you’re exploring the great Continental Divide, high mountain deserts or vast prairie lands, Wyoming’s scenery will not disappoint! Keep your eyes open and you may catch a glimpse of Wyoming’s native wildlife species including deer, antelope, moose, elk, bald eagles, badger and more!

Take the Snowy Range Scenic Byway for one of the most scenic drives in the world!

This high-altitude drive offers an unforgettable introduction to the mountainous West as it winds through the Rocky Mountains. As you drive the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, you’ll wind through the massive Medicine Bow-Routte Forest on a mountain drive that offers views of gigantic granite peaks, glittering lakes, and thick forests. The scenery is stunning!

Stop in Saratoga to soak up some fun.

In Saratoga, stop in The Snowy Mountain Brewery and try the delicious local craft brews! Snack on pub-style food from sandwiches and handmade pizza to grilled steak, grilled salmon and BBQ ribs. The Saratoga Hot Springs Resort features a private 70-foot mineral hot springs pool and teepee-covered smaller mineral pools. Turn on the adventure by renting a UTV at the resort for half-day or full-day adventure!

There’s also a hot spring in Saratoga, known as the Hobo Hot Springs, which is free and open to the public 24 hours a day! Afterwards, stop at Bella’s Bistro in Saratoga, which serves delicious Italian cuisine.

Visit Historic Rawlins, Wyoming

From Saratoga, head north to Rawlins where you can walk a stretch of the Continental Divide Trail, which stretches from Canada to Mexico. Hop on the trail for hiking at Rawlins Spring Park. Afterwards, you can fuel up on curries at Anong’s Thai Cuisine or the Aspen House Restaurant for blackened ribeye or vegetarian dishes.

While in Rawlins you will want to check out the historic Wyoming Frontier Prison. It was in use from 1901 – 1981 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours are available year-round. The Carbon County Museum is also worth visiting and features exhibits highlighting the rich heritage of the area.

Discover Carbon County’s History, Legend and Lore

A large draw to Carbon County is the history, legend and lore of it’s western past. When you visit Carbon County, you can step back in time and stay in one of the three hotels on the National Register of Historic Places. The oldest hotel in the county is The Hotel Wolf. Passengers on stage coaches used it as a place to rest and eat. The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel features an eclectic style with a touch of Victorian elegance and Country charm, and no two rooms are alike. The food there is pretty incredible as well!

The Historic Virginia Hotel, was the biggest one between Denver and Salt Lake City back in 1911. This was the place for cowboys and railroad workers to rest and refuel, as well as serving as a central spot for meetings and gatherings. Today, you can return to those times in antique sleeping rooms or at the Shiloh Saloon, where bullet holes riddled throughout remind you of past shootouts!