Public recreation area in Thermopolis, Wyoming, known for its hot springs, which flow at a constant temperature of 135 °F
General Information
Accepts America The Beautiful Pass
How to Get There
From Cody, WY (84 mi): Take WY-120 South through Meeteetse to Thermopolis, where Hot Springs State Park sits along the Bighorn River.
Overview
Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis has the world's largest mineral hot spring, with travertine terraces and a flowing spring by the Bighorn River. The park has a managed bison herd, a suspension footbridge across the river, flower gardens, boat docks, and free public bathhouse soaking (limited to 20 minutes) alongside commercial pools and water slides.
Things to Do
Soak in Wyoming's Famous Mineral Hot Springs
Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis is Wyoming's most visited state park and is home to the world's largest mineral hot spring. The park's naturally heated waters emerge from underground at approximately 135 degrees Fahrenheit before flowing through a series of terraces and pools, creating one of the state's most unique natural attractions.
Enjoy the State Bath House
Visitors can soak in the park's mineral-rich waters at the State Bath House, where free bathing is offered in water cooled to comfortable temperatures. The mineral water has attracted visitors to Thermopolis for generations.
Walk Along the Hot Springs Terraces
Boardwalks and pathways provide access to stunning mineral terraces formed by the hot springs. Visitors can observe colorful travertine formations and learn about the geology that created this remarkable landscape.
Visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center
Located near the park, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center features world-class fossil exhibits, dinosaur skeletons, and paleontological displays. Many visitors combine a park visit with this popular educational attraction.
See the Bison Herd
A resident herd of bison lives within portions of the park, providing visitors with opportunities to observe one of the American West's most iconic animals in a natural setting.
Explore the Swinging Bridge
The historic suspension footbridge spanning the Bighorn River offers scenic views of the river, hot spring formations, and park grounds. It is one of the park's most photographed landmarks.
Top Trails
Hot Springs Terrace Walk
Length: Approximately 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This popular boardwalk route provides access to the park's famous mineral terraces and overlooks. Interpretive signs explain the geology, history, and natural processes responsible for the hot springs formations.
Bighorn River Trail
Length: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Following portions of the Bighorn River, this trail offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, fishing access, and scenic views of the surrounding river valley.
Roundtop Mountain Trail
Length: Approximately 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate to Significant
Difficulty: Moderate
This trail climbs above the park and rewards hikers with panoramic views of Thermopolis, the Bighorn River Valley, and surrounding mountain ranges. It is one of the area's most popular longer hikes.
Interpretive Nature Trail
Length: Approximately 1 mile loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
A family-friendly route featuring educational displays about park wildlife, geology, hot springs ecology, and the cultural history of the Thermopolis area.
Hot Springs Park Trail Network
Length: Multiple interconnected trails
Elevation Gain: Minimal to Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The park's trail system connects hot spring terraces, picnic areas, the bison pasture, scenic overlooks, and recreational facilities, allowing visitors to customize their own walking experience.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for wyoparks.wyo.gov, travelwyoming.com, alltrails.com, Hot Springs State Park, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
