The Ultimate Girls’ Getaway in Wyoming: Saratoga & Laramie
When most people think of Wyoming, they picture Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, and endless cowboy landscapes after spending four days exploring two of Wyoming’s most underrated destinations—Saratoga and Laramie—I discovered a side of the state that deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list, of course in addition to the other bucket list destinations like Yellowstone.
From soaking in natural hot springs, to rafting in pristine rivers, and hiking among unique granite formations, Wyoming delivered the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and small-town charm.
If you’re looking for a fun girls’ getaway that combines outdoor adventure with wellness and luxury experiences, here’s exactly how to spend five unforgettable days in Wyoming.
Day 1: Arrival in Saratoga – Wyoming’s Hidden Wellness Escape
After a short flight to Denver, we traded city traffic for wide open roads and embarked on a scenic drive into southern Wyoming. The journey itself felt like part of the adventure as sprawling prairies slowly gave way to mountain views and endless skies.
Our home for the first part of the trip was Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, a tranquil retreat tucked alongside the North Platte River.
The resort’s biggest draw? Its naturally fed mineral hot springs.
After checking in, we spent the afternoon soaking in the hot springs before enjoying dinner at Bella’s Bistro, a cozy local favorite in downtown Saratoga.
It was the perfect introduction to the least populated state in the US.
Day 2: Whitewater, Mountain Passes & Ranch Life
The next morning began with breakfast at Hen & Harvest before heading out for one of the most memorable experiences of the trip: a guided river float with Hack’s Tackle.
Floating down the river offered a completely different perspective of Wyoming’s landscape. The water was calm, the scenery was stunning, and it was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Afterward, we packed delicious sandwiches from Saratoga Sandwich Company and set off along the breathtaking Snowy Range Scenic Byway.
If you’ve never heard of the Snowy Range, add it to your travel list immediately.
This scenic route winds through Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and offers some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the American West.
Our favorite stops included:
- Lake Marie, one of Wyoming’s most photographed alpine lakes
- Mirror Lake, with picture-perfect reflections of surrounding peaks
- Libby Flats Observation Point, offering panoramic mountain views
- Snowy Range Pass, where snow can linger even into summer
That evening, we elevated the experience with dinner and wine tasting at Brush Creek Ranch.
Known for its luxury ranch experiences, Brush Creek perfectly combines Western heritage with world-class hospitality. From the beautifully designed property to the farm-to-table dining experience, it showcased Wyoming luxury at its finest.
We ended the night exactly where we started—soaking beneath the stars at Saratoga Hot Springs.
And honestly, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a summer evening.
Day 3: Discovering Historic Laramie
After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the river, we made the short drive north to Laramie.
Known for its rich history, vibrant downtown, and proximity to incredible outdoor recreation, Laramie offers a completely different side of Wyoming.
Our first stop was Coal Creek Coffee, where expertly roasted coffee and a welcoming atmosphere set the tone for the day.
From there, we wandered through downtown Laramie’s locally owned shops and historic buildings.
One thing I immediately loved about Laramie was its authenticity. It doesn’t feel manufactured for tourists. Instead, it feels like a real Western town that invites visitors to become part of the community.
For accommodations, we stayed in one of the most unique Airbnbs I’ve ever experienced—a beautifully restored 1920s grocery store transformed into a stylish boutique retreat (full link to book is here!).
The combination of historic character, modern comfort, and thoughtful design made it one of the highlights of the trip.
Dinner at Born in a Barn rounded out our first evening in town with delicious food and a laid-back atmosphere.
Day 4: Western Culture & Outdoor Adventure
The next day was dedicated to experiencing the best of Laramie’s culture and outdoor recreation
We started with shopping at two local favorites:
Martindale’s Western Store, where authentic cowboy culture comes alive through boots, hats, and Western apparel.
Range Leather Co., known for handcrafted leather goods that embody Wyoming craftsmanship.
Lunch at Sweet Melissa’s proved that even in cattle country, vegetarian food can absolutely steal the show.
Then came one of my favorite outdoor experiences of the trip: Vedauwoo.
Pronounced “VEE-da-voo,” this otherworldly landscape features massive granite rock formations unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere in the United States.
We hiked portions of the Turtle Rock Loop, scrambled among the towering rock formations, and spent hours exploring the area’s unique geology.
For photographers, hikers, and nature lovers, Vedauwoo is a dream destination.
The dramatic rock formations create endless opportunities for exploration and photography.
After a day outdoors, we celebrated with a tasting flight at Backwards Distilling Company before enjoying dinner at Altitude Chophouse & Brewery.
By the end of the day, we were tired, dusty, and completely in love with Wyoming.
Why Wyoming Should Be Your Next Girls’ Getaway
What makes Wyoming special isn’t just the scenery.
It’s the combination of untouched nature, welcoming communities, authentic experiences, and the ability to truly disconnect.
In just four days we experienced:
- Natural hot springs
- Whitewater rafting
- Scenic mountain drives
- Luxury ranch dining
- Historic downtowns
- Local coffee shops
- Unique boutique accommodations
- Mountain hiking
- Wine tasting
- Distillery tours
And we did it all without fighting crowds or breaking the bank.
Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, wellness retreat, outdoor adventure, or simply looking for a destination that feels refreshingly undiscovered, Saratoga and Laramie deserve a place on your radar.
Wyoming may be America’s least populated state, but it just might offer some of the country’s richest travel experiences.
And after this trip, I’m already planning my return.
Are you ready to plan your trip to the Cowboy State? Head to travelwyoming.com to learn more and book today! Huge thank you to Wyoming Tourism for hosting me and welcoming me to the state. Now it’s your turn!