Paddling Adventures at Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, WY

Saratoga, Wyoming, perched along the North Platte River, offers a rare blend of outdoor thrills and natural relaxation—none more captivating than the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort’s signature canoe and kayak journey. Starting at Penbrook Landing, adventurers are shuttled upstream to the FT. Niobrara Launch site to begin a 5-hour paddle back to the resort, winding through broad river bends and revealing panoramic mountain vistas. On route, the cascade of Smith Falls—Wyoming’s tallest single-drop waterfall—punctuates the trip, a striking reward amid calming river currents.

This journey uniquely pairs immersive water adventure with the restorative power of the resort’s natural hot springs. The spring-fed pools, fed by geothermal activity that permeates Saratoga’s landscape, have long attracted visitors seeking both recreation and reprieve. In this way, the resort stands out as a dual-purpose destination: vibrant paddling routes by day, soothing mineral baths by evening.

The river corridor is framed by cottonwood groves and sagebrush flats, habitats for mule deer and eagles that often silhouette against the crisp Wyoming sky. With open stretches and gentle rapids, the paddle suits intermediate skill levels, while the reliable shuttle service simplifies logistics, making it an accessible adventure for families and solo travelers alike.

Historically, Saratoga has roots as a frontier spa town valued for its healing waters and proximity to the Medicine Bow Mountains. The resort continues this legacy, anchoring outdoor experiences that celebrate the region’s rugged landscape and hot springs culture. Whether you’re here for the paddle, the soak, or the wide-open West feel, Saratoga Hot Springs Resort offers a memorable gateway to Wyoming’s outdoor heartland.