3 Things to do in Saratoga, WY: Hot Springs, Wildlife Viewing, and Snowshoeing
Amazing light on the way to one of our snowshoes.
When we came up with the plan to visit Saratoga, WY the primary goal was to get out of town, take a break, do some snowshoeing, and soak in the hot springs. Wildlife viewing was on the table but not in any sort of expected, planned way. I half (okay, all the way) wanted to see some moose on our drive through the Poudre Canyon and Walden (moose viewing capital of the world) on the way to Saratoga but didn’t expect to fulfill those desires. Sadly, we didn’t see a thing except snowy, windswept landscapes that were glowing in the on and off again sun. Unfortunately, I would have been looking straight into the wind and blinding snow with my camera, so I only have memories of this weather.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Pulling into town I was surprised by the number of deer wandering throughout people’s yards. Everyday we would see them going about their business unconcerned with humans in this cold, winter season but very concerned with finding food easily.
A buck covered in snow standing in the front of a house in Saratoga, Wyoming foraging for food.
HOT SPRINGS AND WILDLIFE VIEWING
Nothing beats sitting in the steamy goodness of a hot spring, nestled in the side of a river, watching some mink forage for fish across the ice. If every morning began that way I’d be in heaven. The first day I encountered a mink, I didn’t even have my camera and could only sit in place experiencing this great moment as they ran across the ice disappearing into the water and emerging with fish in their mouth.
A mink stops and looks at me before carrying on with finding his breakfast.
The next day I vowed to come more prepared, with my camera in tow, and hopefully, with luck on my side. After waiting excruciating minutes, patience prevailed, and I spotted my first mink. They spent the next ten minutes scampering from land to water and back again, sometimes with a fish in their mouth, sometimes not. At times they would stop, strike a pose and move on.
As we sat basking in the warm water along the river, ducks swam within six feet of us quacking their happy selves along the river looking for food and preening their feathers in the warm water. At one point I had front row seats to two ducks landing right in front of me. Wings outstretched, feet down, they glided in and landed three feet away. It was amazing! If only I’d had my camera…
A mallard duck takes advantage of the warm swimming hole.
As a side note (and really, it isn’t a side note) the overall hot springs should be mentioned. What a wonderful place to visit! Depending on the time you go, you can have a few people to no people in the public pools. After listening to the locals talk, it became clear that if a festival or event of note was taking place the springs picked up, however, being there the week after Christmas was idyllic. We went about three times a day. In the early morning hours we were usually there by ourselves for a bit. Then a curmudgeon-like old man would arrive and berate the Coloradoans invading his state while trying to sound friendly, however, unlocal he may be (Ohio, and moved there in the last 7 years). I’m thinking his attitude is similar to what Coloradoan’s have for Texan’s and Californian’s, so it just made me chuckle. Then a cute older couple would arrive who were much more welcoming. Either way, we embraced the small-town vibe of this area and really enjoyed meeting the local characters. It added to its charm. In the late afternoon you would encounter the snowmobilers and tourists finishing their day with a refreshing soak in the hot springs. The hot springs were one of my favorite places to visit!
Enjoying the public hot springs in Saratoga, Wyoming on a frigid morning.
MORE WILDLIFE VIEWING
Two bald eagles, ravens, and magpies feast on the carcass of a deer.
Driving to our snowshoe, I saw a coyote off in the distance. We pulled over as quick as we could. He was feeding on a deer that had probably been hit by a car. As we sat there watching, two bald eagles swooped in to help themselves to the feast. A feast that was not meant to be shared simultaneously with a coyote apparently. We happened upon this sight at just the right time in order to watch nature and the natural hierarchy of species. The juvenile bald eagle (look at his size compared to the adult!!) hung around for a couple of minutes watching the coyote skulk off, but apparently, not far enough. The juvenile bald eagle kept chasing off the coyote farther and farther. The coyote tried to hang around in the distance, but the eagle was having none of that. He didn’t give up the chase until the coyote disappeared behind the hill. The juvenile returned to the senior bald eagle to resume breakfast. As bothered as the eagles were with the coyote, the ravens and magpies were left alone and allowed to share in the bounty. There didn’t appear to be much left of the deer which left me wondering how many foragers had already come and gone.
SNOWSHOEING
Both days that we snowshoed were wonderful. Nothing beats being out in nature by yourself, breaking trail, slogging through a foot or so of fresh snow. I know my kids would disagree but I’m hoping that someday they will grow to appreciate the great outdoors like I do. For now, I’ll have to settle for my dogs enjoying the snowshoe!
Trudging through the fresh powder on snowshoes in the Medicine Bow mountains.
The first day we headed into the Medicine Bow Mountain Range by taking Hwy 130 east until it dead ended due to snow. There were a fair number of snowmobilers here but we headed away from their tracks and broke trail to the south to get our little bit of privacy. It was pretty snowy and windy so I kept my big girl camera in my backpack and only used my phone.
A winter wonderland while snowshoeing with the family and dogs in the Medicine Bow mountains.
The second day we headed west into the Sierra Madres up Hwy 70 until the road dead ended due to snow. This seemed to be more an area for skiers and snowshoers. We followed the highway for a bit before veering off into the woods and were rewarded with great views, light, and a bit of a blustery wind. Once we made it into the woods, the wind was no longer an issue and we were able to enjoy ourselves more.
Our trip to Saratoga, WY turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. Low key, stress free, relaxing, and naturally immersive. Hot springs visits, wildlife viewing, and snowshoeing were the perfect antidote after the rush and pressures of the Christmas holiday season.
Blustery view of the Sierra Madres from Highway 70 outside of Saratoga, Wyoming.
