Hot Springs S. P.
Swimming hole in Casper, Wyoming · Spring
Visit Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, WY. Enjoy free mineral hot springs, scenic walks, and year-round soaking. Plan your trip with our guide.
About Hot Springs S. P.
Tucked into the high desert canyon country of north-central Wyoming, Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis offers something genuinely rare: a place where the earth exhales warmth year-round, where mineral-laden water bubbles up from deep underground and flows freely into pools open to every visitor at no charge. This is not a manufactured spa experience — it is geology made personal, a living landscape shaped by centuries of mineral deposition, rising steam, and the quiet power of thermal water finding its way to the surface.
The Setting and Landscape
The park is anchored by the Big Spring, one of the world's largest mineral hot springs, which pours out a steady flow of brilliantly colored water across pale travertine terraces that cascade toward the Bighorn River. The formations glow in shades of cream, ochre, and rust — mineral architecture built one thin layer at a time over thousands of years. In winter, steam lifts off the terraces in slow, theatrical columns, and the contrast of snow-dusted ground against the warm-colored rock is otherworldly. Come summer, cottonwoods and willows soften the canyon edges with green, and the park feels lush and surprisingly intimate for Wyoming's wide-open scale. Keep your eyes open: a resident bison herd roams the park grounds, and sightings are common enough to feel like part of the visit rather than a lucky bonus.
The Soaking Experience
The hot springs themselves register at around 104°F — warm enough to unknot tight muscles and slow the pace of a rushed afternoon. The water is mineral-rich and silky against the skin, carrying the faintly sulfurous edge that marks genuine geothermal springs. This is therapeutic soaking in the old-fashioned sense, the kind of experience that drew Native American tribes to this valley long before European settlement, and later drew homesteaders, ranchers, and travelers seeking relief from hard physical lives. You ease in, the heat rises around you, and the rest of the world gets considerably quieter. The park manages the flow of the Big Spring and maintains access to bathing facilities that accommodate visitors of all abilities, making this one of Wyoming's most accessible natural experiences.
Practical
The experience
- Best time to visit Spring for blooming wildflowers, summer for lush greenery, autumn for warm colors, and winter for serene snowy landscapes with rising steam.
- Access Easy access via Route 20; facilities available for visitors of all abilities.
- Facilities State Bath House with moderated pools, clean restrooms, changing areas, and showers. No camping; day-use only park.
- Camping nearby No camping at site - day use park only.
Highlights & features
- Therapeutic hot springs at 104°F
- Legend Rock petroglyph site
- Bison herd and wildlife viewing
- Mineral-rich travertine formations
- Year-round access and free entry
- Healing thermal waters
- Ancient petroglyphs at Legend Rock
- Bison herd within the park
How to get there
Driving Directions to Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming
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Starting Point: Casper, WY
Begin your journey in Casper, WY.
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Head west on U.S. Route 20 (RT 20) for approximately 100 miles. Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic areas and small towns, including Shoshoni.
Once you reach Shoshoni, continue north on U.S. Route 20 for another 30 miles. This stretch of the drive will take you through the Wind River Canyon, a beautiful area with towering cliffs and the Wind River running alongside the road. Destination: Thermopolis, WY
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4. As you arrive in Thermopolis, follow U.S. Route 20 into town.
5. Hot Springs State Park is located at 538 N Park St, Thermopolis, WY 82443 . Look for signage directing you to the park entrance.
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Parking and Final Approach
Parking is available within Hot Springs State Park. There are multiple lots near the hot springs and other park attractions. Once parked, you can easily access the swimming hole and hot springs area by following the well-marked paths. The park also features bathhouses, picnic areas, and walking trails for visitors to enjoy.
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Additional Notes
Hot Springs State Park is known for its therapeutic mineral pools and scenic surroundings. Be sure to bring appropriate swimwear and towels if you plan to enjoy the hot springs. The park is open year-round, but hours may vary depending on the season. Check locally for any updates or restrictions. Enjoy your visit to Hot Springs State Park!
Plan your visit
Hot Springs State Park sits within the town of Thermopolis, which provides lodging, dining, and services for visitors. Casper lies roughly two hours to the southeast and Riverton about an hour to the south, both offering additional accommodation options and easy highway connections. Whether you're passing through the Wind River country or making this your destination, the springs of Thermopolis reward the effort generously.
Hot Springs State Park sits within the town of Thermopolis, which provides lodging, dining, and services for visitors. Casper lies roughly two hours to the southeast and Riverton about an hour to the south, both offering additional accommodation options and easy highway connections. Whether you're passing through the Wind River country or making this your destination, the springs of Thermopolis reward the effort generously.
Access & fees
Parking is available on-site. The state bathhouse operates on a first-come, first-served basis; capacity may be limited during peak times. Donations for maintenance are accepted but not required for entry. Facilities include restrooms and changing areas.
Parking is available on-site. The state bathhouse operates on a first-come, first-served basis; capacity may be limited during peak times. Donations for maintenance are accepted but not required for entry. Facilities include restrooms and changing areas.
Frequently asked questions
Is HOT SPRINGS S. P. free to visit?
HOT SPRINGS S. P. may require a fee or pass. Reported fee: None (Donations accepted). Fees and hours change seasonally — verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at HOT SPRINGS S. P.?
Yes, HOT SPRINGS S. P. is an officially sanctioned recreation area where swimming is permitted. Reported activities include: Hot Soaking. Always respect posted closures and seasonal restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is HOT SPRINGS S. P.?
HOT SPRINGS S. P. is a hot springs on Hot Springs located in WY, near CASPER. Visit Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, WY. Enjoy free mineral hot springs, scenic walks, and year-round soaking. Plan your trip with our guide.
When is the best time to visit HOT SPRINGS S. P.?
The best time to visit HOT SPRINGS S. P. is Spring for blooming wildflowers, summer for lush greenery, autumn for warm colors, and winter for serene snowy landscapes with rising steam.. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather — always check conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at HOT SPRINGS S. P.?
Reported facilities at HOT SPRINGS S. P. include: State Bath House with moderated pools, clean restrooms, changing areas, and showers. No camping; day-use only park.. Amenities can change — contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near HOT SPRINGS S. P.?
No camping at site - day use park only.
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Historically significant as a sacred site for Native American tribes and part of a treaty ensuring public access to the springs.
Conservation
Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and preserve the mineral formations. Donations support park maintenance.