Hot Springs State Park
4.7(2.3K)google
4.6(34)yelp
FamilyFreeHealingHot Spring
Overview
Hot Springs State Park is a public recreation area in Thermopolis, Wyoming, known for its hot springs, which flow at a constant temperature of 135 °F (57.2 °C). The state park offers free bathing at the State Bath House, where temperatures are moderated to a therapeutic 104 °F (40.0 °C). The petroglyph site at Legend Rock, some 25 miles (40 km) away, is also part of the park.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested DurationAbout 2-4 hours
Best TimeOpen year-round, but late autumn and winter mornings provide the most surreal visuals. As frigid air hits the mineral waters, massive steam clouds veil the rainbow-colored terraces. Morning is also perfect for a relaxing soak at the free State Bath House.
Getting ThereLocated immediately north of downtown Thermopolis. Drive along US Highway 20, cross the Big Horn River bridge, and turn directly into the state park. The paved park loop connects all major bathhouses and mineral springs with abundant free parking.
Travel Tips
- State Park admission is free, but the official State Bath House enforces a strict, mandatory 20-minute daily soaking limit per person for health and hydration safety under the high mineral heat. You must supply your own towels and swimwear.
- An aggressive resident bison herd roams the park's northern pasture boundaries. Stepping outside your private vehicle, approaching the wire fences, or feeding animals is explicitly illegal; view wild bison strictly inside your hard-sided vehicle frames.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The Swinging Suspension Bridge offers premium photo angles of the mineral terraces but has strict weight and crowd-count caps. Deliberately bouncing or running on the deck is forbidden; keep children firmly held due to the motion over the rushing river.
Reviews
Positive
- The State Bath House here provides a completely free, all-natural mineral hot spring soaking experience, offering maximum value.
- The colorful mineral deposit terraces at Tepee Fountain are uniquely gorgeous; walking the suspension bridge offers picture-perfect river views.
- The park manages a live herd of purebred American bison, letting tourists safely watch them graze from cars or stands, a wonderful surprise.
- The amenities are excellent, with vast green lawns, tidy modern restrooms, and plenty of gentle accessible ramps making touring effortless.
Heads up
- The free State Bath House enforces a strict 20-minute limit, and changing areas feel a bit dated, requiring assembly-line lining in peak hours.
- Because the spring source contains massive sulfur, the entire park is blanketed in a sharp, pungent 'rotten egg' odor that takes time to adjust to.
- A few private commercial water-park springs nearby feel poorly kept with aging water slides, while charging rather expensive extra fees.
- During peak summer, since the spring water is already hot and outdoor zones lack tall tree shade, it feels intensely hot, unsuitable for middays.