and you’ve pretty much explored every corner of Carbon County, this guide is for you. Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ll find hot springs, wild canyons, historic downtowns, and some of the best mountain scenery in the West.
All of these
and into nearby counties in Wyoming and northern Colorado: Albany, Converse, Fremont, Natrona, Sweetwater (WY) and Moffat, Routt (CO).
So fill up the tank, pack a cooler, and let’s hit the road.
1. Medicine Bow Peak & Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Albany County, WY)
If you only have time for one day trip from Saratoga, make it this one.
The
Snowy Range Scenic Byway off Highway 130 winds past alpine lakes, rocky peaks, and high-elevation trailheads. It’s usually snow-free from late June to early fall, and the views look like something from a national park.
Drive time from Saratoga: about 1.5–2 hours (via WY-130 east, then into Albany County)
Top things to do:
- Hike Medicine Bow Peak – A classic high-country hike (around 7–8 miles round trip, depending on route) with huge views of lakes and jagged rock ridges.
- Picnic at Lake Marie or Mirror Lake – Both sit right along the byway and make for easy photo stops.
- Short strolls – If you’re not up for a full hike, there are short paved or well-marked paths near the lakes.
The air feels cooler up here, even in July. Toss a light jacket in the car—weather can flip fast at over 10,000 feet.
2. Laramie’s Historic Downtown & University Vibes (Albany County, WY)
About two hours from Saratoga,
Laramie is a fun mix of Old West railroad town and college city. It’s a good destination if you want more coffee shops and bookstores than backcountry trails for a day.
Drive time from Saratoga: about 2 hours (east on WY-130 over the Snowy Range into Albany County)
Top things to do:
- Walk historic downtown – Brick buildings, murals, and plenty of local shops line the streets.
- Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site – Learn about outlaw history in an actual frontier-era prison.
- University of Wyoming campus – Stroll the green spaces, check out art at the UW Art Museum, or visit the Geological Museum (yes, there are dinosaur bones).
If you’ve been craving a good latte or a night out with more options, Laramie is an easy escape.
3. Casper: Museums, River Walks & Big-Sky Sunsets (Natrona County, WY)
If you’re looking for a bigger town with more amenities,
Casper is a solid weekend base. It blends outdoor fun with interesting history and surprisingly good food.
Drive time from Saratoga: about 2.5–3 hours (north via WY-487 / WY-220 into Natrona County)
Top things to do:
- National Historic Trails Interpretive Center – Hands-on exhibits about the Oregon, Mormon, and Pony Express trails.
- Casper Mountain – Head up the mountain for hiking, biking, and scenic overlooks back toward town.
- Platte River trail – Easy walking and biking paths right along the water.
If you time your visit right, you can catch a minor-league baseball game or local festival and get a taste of small-city Wyoming life.
4. Rock Springs: Gateway to Flaming Gorge (Sweetwater County, WY)
Drive west from Saratoga and you’ll eventually hit
Sweetwater County and the town of
Rock Springs, an old mining hub that still has a strong working-town feel.
Drive time from Saratoga: about 3–3.5 hours (southwest via I-80 into Sweetwater County)
Top things to do:
- Explore downtown Rock Springs – Learn about the town’s coal history and multi-ethnic past at local museums and murals.
- Day trip out toward Flaming Gorge – Use Rock Springs as a jumping-off point to head south to the reservoir (see Trip #9).
- Wild horse viewing – Sweetwater County is known for bands of wild horses roaming the open range.
Rock Springs is a good “reset” town—stock up on groceries, grab dinner out, and then dive back into the wide-open spaces.
5. Sinks Canyon State Park & Lander (Fremont County, WY)
If you like waterfalls, canyon walls, and quirky geology, you’ll love
Sinks Canyon State Park just outside Lander.
Drive time from Saratoga: roughly 3–3.5 hours (northwest via US-287 into Fremont County)
Top things to do:
- Watch the Popo Agie River “sink” – The river disappears into a limestone cavern and reappears downstream. It’s weird and very cool.
- Easy hikes and viewpoints – Several short trails follow the river and canyon.
- Visit Lander’s downtown – Coffee shops, outdoor gear stores, and a laid-back vibe make it a fun place to stroll.
If you’re dreaming of mountain towns but don’t want to battle huge crowds, Lander is a great pick.
6. Atlantic City & South Pass City Ghost Towns (Fremont County, WY)
Ever wanted to wander through real Old West mining towns? Just beyond Lander, in
Fremont County, you can step back into the 1800s.
Drive time from Saratoga: about 3.5–4 hours (northwest to Lander, then toward South Pass)
Top things to do:
- South Pass City State Historic Site – Nearly 30 restored buildings from a gold rush town, complete with saloon and old cabins.
- Atlantic City – A tiny, still-inhabited town with a rugged feel and historic buildings.
- Scenic driving – The high plains and low mountains around South Pass feel incredibly wide and quiet.
Plan on gravel roads and slower driving in spots. The payoff is big-time Western atmosphere.
7. Curt Gowdy State Park: Lakes, Trails & Easy Camping (Albany County / Laramie County, WY)
Between Laramie and Cheyenne sits
Curt Gowdy State Park, famous in Wyoming for its excellent trail system and pretty reservoirs.
Drive time from Saratoga: about 2.5 hours (over the Snowy Range toward Laramie, then east)
Top things to do:
- Hike or bike the trails – Dozens of miles of paths loop around granite boulders and down to the lakes.
- Kayak or paddleboard – The reservoirs are calm enough for beginners on a good day.
- Pack a picnic – There are plenty of tables with lake views.
If you’re testing out new camping gear or just want a mellow day by the water, this is an easy, family-friendly trip.
8. Douglas & Ayres Natural Bridge (Converse County, WY)
East of Casper,
Douglas is a small town with big railroad history and dinosaur ties, plus one very unique rock formation nearby.
Drive time from Saratoga: about 3–3.5 hours (northeast, skirting into Converse County)
Top things to do:
- Ayres Natural Bridge – A natural stone bridge spanning a creek in a small, green canyon. Great spot for photos and short walks.
- Visit downtown Douglas – Look for the big jackalope statues and explore the town’s nods to this legendary “critter.”
- Local history museums – Learn about railroads, ranching, and the region’s past.
It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, wander, and still be back in Saratoga the same day if you start early.
9. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (Sweetwater County, WY & beyond)
If you’re craving water, cliffs, and big western views,
Flaming Gorge is hard to beat. The Wyoming side lies in Sweetwater County before the reservoir stretches down into Utah.
Drive time from Saratoga: about 3.5–4 hours (southwest through Sweetwater County, often via Rock Springs or Green River)
Top things to do:
- Scenic overlooks – Find pullouts with wide views over the bright red rock and deep blue water.
- Boating and fishing – The reservoir is known for trout and other cold-water species.
- Hiking – Short trails lead to rim views above the gorge.
Camping here under a sky full of stars is something you’ll remember for a long time.
10. Steamboat Springs: Hot Springs & Mountain Town Charm (Routt County, CO)
For a full-on Colorado mountain town experience, head south from Wyoming into
Routt County and the resort town of
Steamboat Springs.
Drive time from Saratoga: usually 2.5–3.5 hours (route varies; check roads and passes, especially in winter)
Top things to do:
- Relax in the hot springs – Soak in spring-fed pools after your drive.
- Walk downtown – Browse shops, grab a bite, and enjoy the riverfront path.
- Seasonal fun – In winter, it’s all about skiing and snowboarding; in summer, hiking and biking take over.
If you want a change of pace from small-town Wyoming, Steamboat gives you that classic ski-town energy without being too far from home.
Tips for Planning Your Saratoga Road Trips
A few simple things can make these drives smoother:
- Check road conditions – Mountain passes like the Snowy Range can close due to snow, even late in spring.
- Fuel up early – Distances can be long and gas stations spread out, especially in Wyoming.
- Pack layers – Weather changes fast in the high country. A warm jacket and rain shell are worth the space.
- Bring snacks and water – Some of these areas are remote, and you’ll be glad you have them.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Saratoga?
Living in or visiting Saratoga, Wyoming, puts you in a sweet spot: in just a few hours you can reach
historic towns, wild canyons, alpine lakes, ghost towns, and ski resorts across Albany, Converse, Fremont, Natrona, Sweetwater, Moffat, and Routt counties.
Have you taken any of these drives from Saratoga?
Did I miss a hidden gem in one of these nearby counties?
Share your favorite stops, tips, or road trip stories in the comments below. I’d love to hear where you like to go when you need a day (or weekend) away from Carbon County.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a Wyoming or northern Colorado getaway. Your share might be the nudge someone needs to discover a new favorite place.
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