Perfect For Couples Of Any Age – Go For The Hot Springs And Stay For The Adventures This Holiday Season

The natural mineral springs in Carbon County have been referred to as the Fountains of Youth and Health.

AW
Annaliese Wiederspahn

December 14, 20219 min read

Saratoga Hot Springs cover via Facebook

While many people have large family gatherings in their homes or travel to a large gathering in someone else’s home, there’s a lot to be said for couples taking advantage of a magical holiday for two. From newlyweds to empty-nesters, because there is something special about coupling up and renewing bonds, these special getaways may very well be the secret to a long and successful relationship. According to an article in Prevention, being with the one you love doesn’t just put a sparkle in your eye—love can fight disease, boost immunity, and lower stress.  It’s important to take time for each other and escape the everyday stresses that overwhelm us. These days you may think you don’t need to get away because you’ve had endless time together thanks to the pandemic, but time away will melt away that stale boredom that may have come over your relationship. (According to the Prevention article, some experts believe it won’t be long before doctors prescribe steamy sex, romantic getaways, and caring communication in addition to low-cholesterol diets and plenty of rest.) Fresh new surroundings, a change in activities, a visit to natural mineral hot springs and maybe even some well-deserved spa time could rejuvenate those loving feelings and spark the mood for months to come. And you can make this all happen easily in Carbon County! 

4 of the 10 Wyoming bucket list locations mentioned in this article are right here in Carbon County, Wyoming! https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/…/wyoming-bucket-list…/ #GetYourWestOn #VisitCarbonCounty #SnowyRange #WinterTravel

Carbon County offers a full variety of lodging from well-known chains, entire homes, unique and historic lodging to exquisite resort settings, there really is something for everyone, no matter the reason and no matter the season. Regardless of where you stay, you’re sure to find unmatched scenery, a bevy of dining options, winter activities from adrenaline-pumping to complete relaxation and rejuvenation with a healthy dose of western hospitality that’s perfect for couples celebrating not only the holiday but their own enduring romance. After all, the natural mineral springs in Carbon County have been referred to as the “Fountains of Youth and Health.”

Photo: The Historic Wolf Hotel and Restaurant Facebook Page

A little local history: Saratoga was originally named “Warm Springs”, and the building shown above was the first structure built around 1874. It housed a hot springs bath house, a boarding house, a post office, and a saloon. It was a popular destination for soldiers from Fort Steele (near Rawlins).

Today, Saratoga is well-known for their hot springs and pools. There is nothing better in winter than soaking in the natural mineral waters while enjoying the majestic beauty that surrounds you. 

Melt your cares away in the resort town of Saratoga, Wyoming!

Many moons ago, Cheyenne, Ute and Arapaho Native Americans agreed on one thing — the healing waters of the natural hot springs in Saratoga, Wyoming, should be open to all. Dubbed the “place of magic waters’, these soothing pools of water became neutral ground. You can explore the hot springs and soak your cares away in the great outdoors any time of year, including wintertime. 

Saratoga, Wyoming’s name is derived from the unique and popular hot springs, inspired by the famous warm water destination of Saratoga Springs, New York. Many natural springs are actually ice-cold in Wyoming, yet Saratoga’s hot springs emerge at a wonderful 90 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat originates from a natural heat gradient located deep underground. Although heat is available everywhere under Earth’s crust, it takes a rare system of fractures to allow rainwater to reach deep into the Earth’s crust and re-emerge as a hot spring. The process may take thousands of years, so the warm water enjoyed today is a relic of snows or rains of past millennia.

Whether for Christmas, ringing in the new year or getting ready for St. Valentine’s Day, you can start this very minute planning your getaway with the free Carbon County Visitors Guide that you can download now, or request a guide to be mailed to you

Carbon County features some of the best #crosscountryski trails! The Bottle Creek & Brush Creek Trails are county favorites. Get outside this weekend in Carbon County: https://www.wyomingcarboncounty.com/thing…/xcountry-skiing #thatswy #getyourweston #getoutside #visitcarboncounty

Gingerbread House Unveiling December 17th!

Saratoga Hot Springs Resort Dec 17 @ 5:30 PM Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, 601 E. Pic Pike Rd, Saratoga, WY, US 82331

Wondering what’s happening over the next several months? Check the upcoming events that include special festivities for Christmas weekend and New Year’s Eve!

This winter, head to where the powder is pristine! Over 500 miles of premium snowmobile trails for the winter adventurer. Soak in the mineral hot springs or imbibe with local beers or cocktails from the local distillery.

In this series sponsored by the Carbon County Visitors Council we have looked at Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, the Historic Elk Mountain Hotel, Medicine Bow’s famous Virginian Hotel and today we are looking at another landmark, the Historic Hotel Wolf

Scribner’s Famous Six-Horse Team

All Photos From Hotel Wolf Website

The Romance of the Old West, The Comforts of the New

The Wolf Hotel opened on New Year’s Eve, 1893, with a gala masquerade ball and sumptuous dinner. The two-and-a-half story Victorian-style structure was built for $6,000 by German immigrant Frederick G. Wolf. Soon nicknamed “The Grand Old Gal” of the North Platte Valley, the hotel is still going strong after more than 120 years.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the Hotel Wolf has seen several incarnations in her years of existence. She served as a stage-stop on the C.M. Scribner Walcott to Encampment Stage Line, a barber shop, a guiding/outfitting service, an art gallery, and even a drive-through package liquor store. Local owners and managers Douglass and Kathleen Campbell have restored the hotel to appear much as it did on its opening day, and added modern conveniences and amenities to ensure your stay in this beloved icon of Old Wyoming is an enjoyable one.

Spend the night in a comfortable, clean room, furnished in period-style furniture, Enjoy a meal in their elegant dining room, serving exceptional, freshly prepared food. Then, kick back in the old-time saloon, complete with swinging doors, a pool table and TV sports coverage. Your beverage selection includes wines, cocktails and beer, including regional microbrew favorites. For lighter fare, the Pub Menu highlights a variety of tasty appetizers, delicious sandwiches and the best burgers in town!

You’ll find Hotel Wolf inviting and open all year. Whether you visit for a relaxing vacation, to celebrate your special occasion, or to refresh and refuel after your outdoor adventures in the valley and surrounding mountains, they are open year-round and look forward to sharing western hospitality and top-notch service with you.

One thing that is particularly unique about Hotel Wolf is their detailed descriptions of various guest rooms that are available: 

Basic Room 1:  Number of Beds 3 – Maximum Guests 6

A large L-shaped corner room, with two queen beds, one sofa sleeper (3rd “bed”) and TV. Tub/shower. This was originally Mrs Wolf’s Ladies’ Parlor where she served afternoon tea. One of the more requested rooms even though it is above the Lobby/Pool Table Room which does not seem to bother our guests. Located on the second floor up one flight of stairs. No elevator.

Executive Suite: Number of Beds 2 – Maximum Guests 4

A large Suite with one Queen bed and one sofa sleeper (2nd “bed”). TV. Shower only. This room has five gabled windows and a sloped ceiling. Also has a wet bar and mini-fridge. Located on the top floor up two flights of stairs. No elevator.

Apartment Suite: Number of Beds 2 – Maximum Guests 4

A very large narrow Suite, sloped ceilings. One queen bed in a large sitting area with TV. The second queen bed is in a pass-through room to the bathroom. Shower only. This is our Retro Room where during Prohibition the moonshine still rested on bed springs to cover the distillation noise. Located on the top floor up two flights of stairs. No elevator.

Deluxe Room 09: Number of Beds 1 –  Maximum Guests 2

The Joe Pickett Room” facing Bridge Avenue, with one queen bed, TV. Recently remodeled walk-in shower. Located on the second floor up one flight of stairs. A popular room for the economy-minded traveler. No elevator. 

Hotel Wolf owner Doug Campbell and the newly installed plaque.

Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden, is the main character in the C.J. Box book series. In Book #18, “The Disappeared”, Joe solves the mystery while staying in Room 9.

It’s no wonder visitors have the niecest things to say about Hotel Wolf: 
“We had a wonderful stay. We ended up switching to room S17 instead of the smaller room I had originally booked. We had a delightful stay and I LOVE that suite! I can’t wait to come back, even if just by myself for a writing (I’m a musician) and soaking weekend.”Best wishes, Northern Neighbor!Giselle, Longmont, CO

Check out all of the unique and authentic rooms at Hotel Wolf, then book your stay and ‘Get Your West On’ in Carbon County!

If a getaway for two just  isn’t in the cards for you in the near future, pack up the family and bring everyone along for an adventure, experiences and memories that will not be forgotten in Carbon County!

Winter Travel Destination: Carbon County, WY

Brought to you by:

 CARBON COUNTY VISITORS COUNCIL

1-800-228-3547 or 307-324-3020

PO Box 1017, Rawlins, WY 82301

info@wyomingcarboncounty.com

Administrative office is located at

508 W Cedar, Rawlins WY

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Authors

AW

Annaliese Wiederspahn

State Political Reporter