
2017 Geocache Challenge
2017 Geocache Challenge Passport (May 27-Nov 11)
Saratoga Spa State Park, distinguished by its classical architecture and listed as a National Historic Landmark, is noted for its diverse cultural, aesthetic and recreational resources. In addition to the nationally-known Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Spa Little Theater, the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths and Spa, the park offers a multitude of traditional recreation opportunities.
The Peerless Pool Complex consists of a main pool with a zero-depth entry, separate slide pool with a 19' double slide and a children's wading pool with a mushroom fountain. The slide pool has a minimum height requirement of 48" tall. The Historic Victoria Pool is a smaller pool surrounded by arched promenades. Both pool areas include food and beverage services, showers, locker rooms and restrooms.
The Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course offers two beautiful golf courses; a championship 18-hole course and a challenging 9-hole course, complete with pro shop and restaurant. For more information and to reserve a tee time online visit: Saratoga Spa Golf
The Creekside Classroom is a four-season environmental education center where Park staff offer environmental education programs year-round, including school field trips, hikes, tours and snowshoe walks.
The gentle terrain offers picnic areas, shady stream side trails, suitable for the nature-lover or the casual walker, as well as certified running courses used by joggers and high school and college athletes. Winter activities include cross-country skiing on approximately 12 miles of trails, ice skating, ice hockey.
Household pets only; caged or on a leash not more than 6 feet in length, rabies vaccination and proof of same required. Not permitted in buildings or bathing areas.
Toll Booth Operation
May 6, 2017 through May 21, 2017, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (weekends only)
May 27, 2017 through September 4, 2017, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Except for Special Events)
September 9, 2017 through October 9, 2017, 8:30a.m.—4:30p.m. (weekends & holidays)
Swimming Pools
Victoria Pool
June 24, 2017 through September 4, 2017 **10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Peerless Pool
June 24, 2017 through August 13, 2017 *10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
*All opening and closing dates are weather permitting and subject to change without notice.
**The Victoria Pool will be open on Friday, September 15th, Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th from 10a.m. to 6p.m. The pool will be closed after Sunday, September 17th.
Year Round Weather Permitting *Sunrise to Sunset
Pay & Display Parking Kiosk – accepts credit cards and exact change
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The Empire Pass -- whether a card for $80 or a vehicle-affixed decal for $65 -- is your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Apply online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
Victoria Pool
Adults: $8.00
Children (5-11 yrs): $4.00
Children (under 5 yrs): No Charge
Seniors (62 yrs & older, NYS Resident): $4.00 *$8 fee weekends & holidays
Rates range from $125 - $300
See Shelter Info & Rates
Please Contact the Saratoga Spa State Park Office for Pavilion availability and applications.518-584-2000 Ext. 113
(Other special use permit fees vary by the activity or event)
Contact:
Sue Ward
518-584-2000 Ext. 111
Register Today! Classes are filling up fast!
To register call 518-584-2000 Ext 116 or email allison.schweizer@parks.ny.gov
Grades: Adaptable from Pre-K-8th Grade
Length: 1-2 hours
Group Size: Classes must be limited to 25 children per instructor.Price: $3 per student, due upon day of visit. Parking fees vary. The Park Naturalist will help select the best parking option for your group.
State Parks has launched a grant program to provide transportation funding assistance to schools for field trips to State Parks. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Exploring the Outdoors (K-2 only):
An introduction to the five senses for the youngest students. Students will smell spruce needles and wildflowers, listen for crickets and birds, and learn to use their eyes like owls. The hands-on class will encourage young students to enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors.
Stream Exploration:
Students will get a close-up, hands-on introduction to the creatures that live in Geyser Creek. During this lesson, students will measure the stream's depth and flow, suvey aquatic life, and observe and identify some of their finds. Students will also learn to measure the health of a stream through their observations.
Hug a Tree and Survive:
This program teaches children how to survive in the woods should they become lost. This program is also available to private groups and clubs. The program is appropriate for children 6 to 12, and lasts approximatley 45 minutes. The program includes a video and demonstrations. Each child receives a survival pack with their own safety whistle.
A Taste of History:
A guided tour of our famous springs and "spouters." This class introduces students to the importance of their local history. Students will taste mineral springs, learn about geology and discover the folklore of Saratoga Springs. Each student will receive a free tasting cup. Paired with a picnic, this tour makes a great year-end field trip!
Winter Challenges and Snowshoeing Lesson:
Students will learn about various types of snowshoes and the history of their use. After a beginner's snowshoe lesson, the class takes to the woods and learns about the challenges of winter survival while looking for tracks and signs of local wildlife.

Key BCA Criteria:
- Migratory concentration site
- Diverse species concentration site
The Saratoga Spa BCA is located within Saratoga Spa State Park. During spring and fall migration, birds concentrate in the wetlands associated with Geyser and Kayaderosseras Creeks. Of 75 Neotropical migratory songbird species that breed in New York, 54 have been observed within the park. One-hundred seventy bird species in total have been identified within the park, and 97 of these species have been noted as breeders within the park. The BCA lies within Bird Conservation Region 13, and 14 of 15 regional Responsibility Species have been recorded breeding here.
Download a copy of the BCA map.
Start off the New Year with a fun, family friendly hike through Saratoga Spa State Park! Participants will be introduced to some of the park's most unique features on this moderate 1.5 mile hike. Hot cocoa will be provided in the Creekside Classroom at the conclusion of the hike. This event is free. Registration is required. Please call (518) 584-2000 Ext. 116 to register.
Meet up location: Creekside Classroom located in Geyser Picnic Area