For centuries,
the Saratoga-Encampment Valley was loved and enjoyed by many tribes of
Indians. It was not until the early years of the 19th century that white
men began to penetrate the area.
In the 1800's, the American headed west in droves, and, in the course of
time, thousands came through on their way to the Pacific. Jim Bridger
picked the road; however, very few used this route until Ben Holladay
constructed a road for the Overland Stage Company.
The white immigrants found it windy, cold, disagreeable, barren, ugly and a
good place to leave behind. As time went on, some hearty people took
the opportunity
to enjoy the magnificent vistas, the lush valley, the tremendous herds of
big game, the incredible fishing in the Platte River, and the hot springs.
The vast and remote land set the bounds on the
community's early growth, and, because of its very character, agriculture
became the leading industry. In the past, Saratoga relied on timber
milling, copper mining, sheep herding, and a local supply depot. Ranching,
however, took the lead and remained in that position until well into the
next century.
In 1884 Fenimore C. Chatterton named the town of Saratoga after an Iroquois
Indian word Sarachtoue, which translates to "place of miraculous
water in the rock." Saratoga still sits atop one of the most active
mineral
hot springs in Wyoming.
photo courtesy of Desert
Nuclear / Paul Weinfurtner
Today, Saratoga is a popular destination spot for
tourists, hunters, birdwatchers, fisherman and shoppers. Saratoga has
quality shops that offer the best and most unique items.
The Hot Springs
is a major draw for the area. People drive for hundred of miles to take
advantage of the free hot springs.
Saratoga has the best blue ribbon trout in the country with over 100 miles
of freestone river flowing throughout the Platte Valley. With several
public accesses along the river, you can fish on your own or hire one of our
outfitters to take you.
Breathtaking views attract artists, photographers and nature lovers alike.
Surrounding Saratoga are several mountains including Elk Mountain, the Snowy
Range mountains and the Sierra Madre mountains. Hundreds of miles of hiking
trails for the novice and experienced are scattered throughout the Medicine
Bow- Routt National Forest. For winter sportsman, the snowmobile trails are
second to none. With over 300 miles of trails to choose from, you can
snowmobile all day without feeling crowded.
When you are ready to relax, choose from a fine
assortment of restaurants that are sure to please even the choosiest of
taste buds. Our restaurants offer the finest meals and service in the area.
Several local events are favorites with visitors from
the entire region, such as the
Ice Fishing Derby
and Chariot Races
in the winter months and the
Woodchopper's Jamboree and Rodeo
and
Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival
in the summer months.
If you don't want
to miss a thing that's going on, be sure to check our
calendar.
