Carbon County Comes Alive in the Spring
Granite mountains, river valleys, high desert, and sagebrush grassland are all part of Carbon County’s stunning and diverse landscape. Follow along beautiful scenic byways, dine at local restaurants, hike among the often-unseen backcountry of the region, and experience firsthand the many ways Carbon County comes alive.
Elk Mountain dominates the skyline along Interstate 80, and has been a marker for travelers far and wide for centuries.
Talk to any local, and they’ll tell you this area is a prime spot to see unique indigenous Wyoming vegetation.
Explore the diverse ecosystem of the Wick/Beumee Wildlife Habitat Management Area, where willows dance along streams, sagebrush and natural grass coat meadow floors, and pine tree forests stand tall. This area has maintained roads, 40 miles of trails, and 10 designated camping areas (so ditch the interstate for a while and go exploring)! And because of the sheer volume of exploration this region offers, consider spending the night at the Elk Mountain Hotel to savor their delicious food, historic ambiance, and comfortable lodging.
As we continue to explore Carbon County’s diverse plethora of flora, the upland shrub grassland of Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge is a perfect next stop. With 105 plant species to experience — including the rare splendor spiderflower — the open water wetlands are also an ideal place to see waterfowl and golden eagles.
Two excellent areas to view wildflowers are along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Wyoming Highway 130) and the Battle Pass Scenic Byway (Wyoming Highway 70). These two roads pass through sections of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest have pullouts, campgrounds, and picnic areas making it easy to stop and literally smell the flowers.
Stand on the Continental Divide at Battle Pass in the Sierra Madre Mountains west of Encampment and look east toward the Snowy Range where Elk Mountain, Coad Mountain, and Old Baldy dominate the skyline. From this point, you can also see Battle Lake, or take off on foot and hike a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail into the Huston Park Wilderness.
“It's hard to understand the sheer magnitude of backcountry beauty Carbon County offers.”
For many visitors, it's hard to understand the sheer magnitude of backcountry beauty Carbon County offers. To put it in perspective, there are more than 1,000 square miles of exploration accessible throughout the region (that’s bigger than the state of Rhode Island). And while the sprawling beauty of the county may seem generally empty, it’s teaming with life. More specifically, wildlife.
In the spring, pronghorn migrate from the open desert-like country in the northwestern and western part of the county, toward the southern areas and higher country. Mule and whitetail deer winter in the valleys and move to the higher mountain terrain during the summer. Visit in the spring and summer and you’re bound to sight a few. So integral are these critters to the towns and cities of this region, that some deer are town residents! You will almost always see local wildlife roam free in Rawlins, Saratoga, and Encampment.
Drive along Wyoming Highway 230 from Riverside to the Wyoming/Colorado border in the spring and you are likely to see bald and golden eagles or a variety of hawks that reside in the area. Look up and you might see them flying overhead, or you might spot them perched on a powerline. Keep your eyes peeled!
Sage grouse are also a unique species indigenous to the region. With chubby round bodies, small heads, long starburst tails, and vibrant yellow breasts, these birds migrate in the tens of thousands through the region annually. Observe sage grouse and a variety of duck species, Canada geese, or pelicans at the Saratoga Lake and on the Pathfinder Natural Wildlife Refuge.
Access the Encampment River Trail at the BLM campground just west of Encampment, for a chance to hike and catch blue-ribbon fish. Follow the trail as it crosses through the Encampment River Wilderness and continues into the upper reaches of the river. The streams like Hog Creek and the East Fork that feed into the Encampment River are particularly fun to fish with kids. Lake fishing at Hog Park Reservoir, Saratoga Lake, or Seminoe Reservoir can be combined with boating, picnicking, and camping.
And for guests visiting Carbon County in the shoulder seasons, experience indigenous wildlife through local art. Head over to Rawlins Downtown District where you can find wildlife statues in metal. At 3rd and West Spruce Streets, see a mare and colt made of iron artifacts from around the county. Or, check out iron hawks at 4th and West Cedar. At the Historic Depot visitors can view a ewe and her lambs in bronze. All these art installations, and more, work to reflect the relationship wildlife shares with the Carbon County community.
You’re sure to have worked up an appetite after exploring Carbon County’s expansive backcountry. Pay a visit to any one of these restaurants to experience firsthand some downhome good eats.
Located on busy Bridge Street in Saratoga, the smell of delectable treats at Sweet Marie’s Bakeshop greets you and a flaky, buttery croissant is perfect when paired with a cup of chai tea (or coffee if you prefer). The modern décor of the bakeshop is complimented by the warmth of a wood-burning stove on a cold winter day. Best of all you can pop into the adjacent Sweet Marie’s Mercantile, where you’ll find all manner of western clothing and eclectic gifts.
And for the folks craving a stiff drink and a burger after a day of adventure, The Malt (also located in Saratoga), is just perfect after a day of fishing or floating the North Platte River.
For a fine dining experience, head to the stately Historic Wolf Hotel in downtown Saratoga and enjoy a meal in its Victorian dining room — the Wolf Dip finished with a piece of cheesecake is sure to delight! Cap the night off at the Snowy Mountain Brewery with a pint of local microbrew.
For a scrumptious breakfast, the West End Café in Rawlins has a fun atmosphere with a 50s diner look and a menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, plus specialty coffees. Across the street, check out the Turnbuckle Lounge, located at the Best Western Cotton Tree, for a quiet atmosphere and a drink following a day of exploring.
Want to dine like a local?
Big, juicy burgers and well-seasoned fries are just the start of the great menu at Buck’s Sports Grill in Rawlins, which has a variety of other sandwiches and main course items. The oversized menu is complemented by an extensive drink selection. For more great casual eats, buy a pizza at Shogunz Pizzeria, pair it with a beer, and eat in at one of the high-top tables, or in nice weather enjoy your meal in the enclosed back patio.
From stunning flora and fauna to world-class local restaurants, Carbon County is the ultimate Wyoming vacation destination. Experience firsthand the many ways Carbon County comes to life in the spring and summer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Candy Moulton is a lifelong resident of Carbon County. For great Mexican food she recommends Rose’s Lariat in Rawlins and Su Casa in Sinclair, and for an Italian fix try Bella’s Bistro in Saratoga.
