Visit Carbon County

Explore mountains with pristine alpine lakes, soulful deserts, vast prairies, rivers teeming with “blue ribbon” trout, mineral hot springs, and hiking trails that straddle the Continental Divide.

Outdoor recreation in southern Wyoming is unparalleled. Whether you’re ORVing, cycling, climbing, hiking, horseback riding, nordic skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or taking a drive along its scenic byways, you will be sure to appreciate the serene mountains, fertile river valleys, and the exotic high desert. You’ll understand why everyone who has discovered Carbon County as their personal getaway agrees that it is Wyoming’s best-kept secret.

Best Places to Visit in Carbon County

Cities in Carbon County

• Rawlins: A bustling community with an award-winning downtown district where history and modern lifestyles meet

• Saratoga: A popular destination spot for hot springs, hunters, birdwatchers, fishermen, and shoppers

• Hanna: Historic coal mining town with monuments and memorials to remember the victims of local mine disasters

• Medicine Bow: A small town famous for its wind energy development

• Elk Mountain: Named after the nearby 11,166-feet tall Elk Mountain, the northernmost extension of the Medicine Bow Range

Popular Tourist Attractions

• Wyoming Frontier Prison: Wyoming’s first state penitentiary, which opened in 1901 and would later house a broom factory, shirt factory, woolen mill, and license plate factory

• Carbon County Museum: Home to local artifacts that have impacted the community, including an original Wyoming sheep wagon and the Washakie Hide Painting

• Fort Steele: Historic site that was established to protect the Union Pacific Railroad from attacks by Native Americans

• Grand Encampment Museum: Preserves the history of the Upper North Platte Valley, which includes copper mining, ranching, the timber industry, and western culture

• Saratoga Museum: Houses the most diverse geological collection in the state of Wyoming

Best Nature and Outdoor Activities

• Hobo Hot Springs: Soak in the hot, restorative springs that are free and open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Scenic Drives: Beautiful, jaw-dropping drives that will have you looking for places to pull over to take photos including the Snowy Range Scenic Byway and the Battle Pass Scenic Byway

Popular Events

• Live Musical Performances: Home to a diverse music scene with an assortment of indoor and outdoor live music venues and festivals

• Saratoga Skijoring Races: Each February, the Saratoga Lions Club and Platte Valley Jayceers host races where skiers are towed behind a horse and rider down a 700’ track

• Brewfests: Annual brewfests include the Steinley Cup Brewfest & Competition and the Annual Soroptimist Wine & Beer Festival

• Rodeos: The Lions Club Rodeo, Platte River Rodeo Association Rodeo, and Little Snake River Rodeo are just a few of the many rodeos held in Carbon County

Celebrate America's 250th in Carbon County

As America commemorates its 250th Anniversary,  Carbon County invites visitors to discover the people, places, stories, and experiences that helped shape our nation's history. Explore special events, exhibits, commemorations, and unique ways to celebrate this historic milestone.

Carbon County, Wyoming, is proud to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a summer full of community events, history, music, and western heritage. Some of the festivities include “Sharing the Spirit of America” and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Saratoga, Elk Mountain, Rawlins, and Encampment. Events continue with the Harvey Field Sky Festival, Wyoming Day, Half-Way Days, King Coal Days, Horse Shows, Mountain Man Rendezvous, Living History experiences, museum celebrations, and Tramway Days. From parades and live music to outdoor recreation and cultural exhibits, Discover Carbon County, Wyoming, invites residents and visitors to celebrate Journeys to 250.