Carbon County Welcomes Responsible Winter Recreation
If you decide to travel, whether for holidays, family gathering and fellowship, business, recreation or a romantic getaway for two, consider activities & locations where you can stay safe and avoid crowds. Small changes in our behaviors can help keep us all safer as we work together to control the spread of COVID-19. Here are some ideas to help you plan.
As you venture out to explore you’re invited to Carbon County’s wide open spaces & wild places where you are encouraged to adventure responsibly. Protect yourself, loved ones and friends, visitors and neighbors, by following health and safety recommendations. By traveling responsibly we show respect and keep Wyoming safe and fun!
- CLEAN: Please wash your hands, cover coughs & sneezes and stay home when you’re ill.
- CAREFUL: Wear a mask or face covering, practice social distancing & avoid crowded places.
- CONNECTED: Stay informed with local, state & federal health information at TravelWyoming.com.
‘The most wonderful time of the year’ is spot-on and winter is one of the best times of the year to visit Carbon County! As you venture out remember to stay safe and follow local health and safety guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We have compiled winter travel ideas to help you plan your winter getaway and choices for your perfect and most beautiful winter travel destinations in the mountain west.
From Horseback to Horsepower – your wonderful Wyoming winter adventure awaits in Carbon County! You’ll find snowmobiling is some of the best in the world, thanks to the dry powder, dramatic scenery and well-maintained trails. Choose from hundreds of miles of groomed and maintained trails or select virgin sidehills to carve, complete with mountain range vistas and diverse forests -there’s a variety to please everyone — from the adrenaline-seeking free-rider to the first-timer looking to free the spirit and become one with the sled.
What more could you want? We know the answer to that question, and Carbon County has you covered! After the perfect day of winter activities whether on horseback or snowmachine, hands down the best way to wrap up your day is with a healthy, healing hot-water soak in a nature’s hot springs!
Winter horseback riding opportunities are ubiquitous while snowmobiling Carbon County occurs in primarily three recreational areas, each offering excellent trails and conditions.
Snowmobiling Areas
A) Snowy Range – Snowy Range is the largest and most developed, extending across the width of the Snowy Range and encompassing a good deal of its length. The area is accessed from Saratoga, Riverside, Encampment and Elk Mountain, Wyoming. A great place to spend your winter vacation.
Total Miles: 306 Groomed: 170 Ungroomed: 136 Elevations: 7,000 feet to 11,000 feet Season: November through May Season Temperature: +30 F to -30 F Snow Depth: Up to 12 feet For more information Visit Website
B) Sierra Madres This area is accessed from Baggs on the West and Encampment on the East. This area borders the wilderness and is some of the most beautiful country in the world. Another great place to spend your winter vacation. Recommended for boondockers who love powder by SnoWest Magazine, Feb 07!
Total miles: 110 Groomed: 50 Ungroomed: 60 Elevations: 7,000 feet to 11,000 feet Season: November through May Season Temperature: +30 F to -30 F Snow Depth: Up to 8 feet For more information Visit Website 27 miles from Clark, CO to Hog Park Reservoir
C) Shirley Mountains Shirley Mountains is a remote area north of Hanna and Medicine Bow composed of BLM administered public land. Public access to the area is available along the Shirley Mountain
Loop Road on the East and North side of the mountain.
Ungroomed: 90 (No services available. Please respect private land.)
Detailed maps of snowmobile trails available at the Wyoming State Snowmobile Program director in Cheyenne, at 307-777-7550, or by clicking this link WyoTrails and requesting area trail maps to be sent to you.
SNOWMOBILE RENTALS, GUIDES & TRAILS – Click links for more details or to make reservations!
The Ten Mile Inn is located on the Snowy Range Rd (Hwy 130) at Ten Mile. Sled right out of your cabin. Also enjoy cross country ski trails, fishing, wildlife viewing and the spectacular scenery of the Snowy Range. 307-326-5928
The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek
Physical Location: 66 Brush Creek Ranch Road Saratoga, WY 82331
Whether your horsepower is high-octane or a high-stepping hayburmer, your winter wonderland awaits!
Description / Amenities: Nestled in South Central Wyoming’s North Platte River Valley, between the towering peaks of the Sierra Madre and Snowy Mountain ranges, lies The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch. 307-327-5284 fax 307-327-5970
The Place, located in beautiful Ryan Park, is 20 miles SE of Saratoga. From The Place you will enjoy access to the J Trailhead giving you access to some of the best snowmobiling in the state.
Physical Location: Star Rt. 8A Saratoga, Wyoming 82331 Snowy Range Hwy 130
Description / Amenities: The Medicine Bow Lodge And Guest Ranch is located at approximately 8500 feet in the Snowy Range of the Rocky Mountains. The closest town is Saratoga, Wyoming which is about 22 miles to the west. The land on which the Guest Ranch sits is located in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing Day and Overnight Horse Trips, Home made meals and snacks. Rates: $80.00 – $165.00. Phone 307-326-5439 or 800-409-5439
Rendezvous Lodge LLC – Ryan Park
Experience 300 or more inches of snowfall in the Snowy Range. Rendezvous Lodge rents snowmobiles and ATV’s. Gasoline, lodging and dining are also available at this snowmobiling mecca. The Rendezvous Lodge was even featured in the March 2006 Snow Goer Magazine and in the February 2005 issue of Our Town Casper. 307-326-8998 or 888-326-8998
Spur Outfitters LLC – Encampment
Surrounded by the Sierra Madres and Snowy Range Mountains in south central Wyoming, the Silver Spur Ranches is a great place to park your sleds after a day in the powder; with two beautiful lodges to accommodate you and your companions. Incredible meals are provided and wonderful surroundings await your return from a day spent outdoors. 307-327-6505
Too many choices? Determine your snowmobiling personality here!
Oh healing hot water oasis, where have you been all my life? As promised, the perfect way to wrap up each day in your choice of world renowned local hot springs!
Saratoga Hot Springs Resort – Saratoga
The Saratoga Hot Springs Resort is a permitted outfitter for the Snowy Range. They offer guided and unguided tours and can customize a trip to suit your snowmobiling needs. They also rent cross country skis and snowshoes. After a great day of playing in the Wyoming powder, relax at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort’s private hot springs or have a fresh cold microbrew in the Snowy Mtn. Brewery. 307-326-5261
Hobo Hot Springs in Saratoga, WY
The quiet and picturesque resort town of Saratoga, Wyoming holds a true Carbon County gem; Hobo Hot Springs.
Much of the history of Saratoga revolves around the world famous mineral hot springs and thermal waters. Native Americans would come and soak in the hot springs which were considered neutral territory. Eventually a bath house was built as more and more visitors began coming to the Platte Valley. The same waters that brought the first settlers into the fertile North Platte River Valley still attract tired travelers, adventurers and natives alike.
Free and open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Saratoga Hot Pool is the ultimate for healthy relaxation with water temperatures ranging from 101 to 110 degrees.
The Lobster Pot at one end of Hobo Pool is a steamy 120 degrees. Recent improvements to the hot pool have made it safer and more enjoyable for the entire family. Restrooms and changing facilities are available on-site. Find this natural treasure in Saratoga’s City Park on Walnut Street.
Behind Hobo Hot Springs, are several thermal seeps on the banks of the North Platte River; primitive rock formations trap runoff from the Hobo Pool and these thermal seeps create hot pools by the banks of the North Platte River.
Hobo Hot Springs Is Open 24 Hours A Day 7 Days A Week.
OH YES, IT’S FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
The Universe is smiling upon you so accept this invitation to come for some healthy relaxation.
Learn more about Hobo Hot Spring and stay up to date with current policies.