This is Wyoming at its most generous—and it doesn’t cost a dime.
In the middle of sagebrush country, steam rises like a secret being let out.
Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park dares you to slow down, strip away the rush, and sink into water warmed deep inside the earth.
This isn’t a luxury spa pretending to be wild.
It’s raw.
It’s open-air.
It smells faintly of minerals and freedom, and the heat hits your bones in the best possible way.
Families splash.
Road-trippers linger longer than planned.
Snow can fall while the pools stay blissfully hot, turning an ordinary stop into a story you’ll retell.
Wyoming doesn’t show off often.
Here, it doesn’t have to.
State Bath House Free Soak
The free State Bath House is the heart of Hot Springs State Park. You get a no frills, clean setup with naturally heated mineral water flowing fresh from the spring.
Staff kindly goes over the 20 minute rule, and it is just enough time to loosen tight shoulders and reset your travel-weary legs.
Temperatures hover around a perfect soak, warm but welcoming, and the minerals leave skin feeling silky. Lockers and changing areas are straightforward, so you can pop in between hikes or a scenic drive.
Many locals swear by the routine, and you will likely trade tips with friendly travelers while the steam curls overhead.
Arrive early or later in the day for a quieter pool, especially on weekends. If you are road tripping, bring water, a small towel, and flip flops for easy in-out comfort.
Step outside afterward to feel that mountain air contrast against your warmed skin, a simple pleasure that lingers.
Rainbow Terraces and Travertine Formations
Walk the boardwalks and you will see why people call these terraces otherworldly. Minerals from the hot springs paint the rock in ribbons of orange, white, and soft green, creating living formations that change with every season.
Steam breathes across the surfaces and the scent of sulfur reminds you the earth is working just below.
Take your time. The light shifts constantly, revealing new lines and drips along the travertine lip.
From some angles, the terraces look like frozen waterfalls; from others, like coral growing on land.
Bring a camera but stay on the boardwalks to protect the delicate crust. Pause where the water fans into pools and watch tiny bubbles race upward, proof the spring is still alive.
It is easy to make a loop, then continue toward the bridge for sweeping views of the Bighorn River framed by the terraces, a perfect contrast of motion and stillness.
Swinging Bridge Over the Bighorn River
The swinging bridge is pure fun and a little bit of adrenaline. Step onto the planks and feel a gentle sway while the Bighorn River rushes below.
Look upstream to see steam rising from the terraces and downstream for wide open Wyoming horizons that seem to go forever.
It is sturdy and safe, yet playful enough to make you laugh if a breeze picks up. Kids love the bounce, and adults secretly do too.
Midway, stop to soak in the view, the warm mist mixing with cool river air for an unforgettable contrast.
Photographers, this is your spot for golden hour. The bridge frames the travertine beautifully, and the shadows add texture to every shot.
Wear supportive shoes, take it slow if heights are not your thing, and enjoy the simple thrill of crossing a historic span that connects scenery, geology, and a bit of childlike wonder.
Bison Herd Viewing Area
Drive the upper park road and you may meet the resident bison herd. They own the landscape up here, so keep your distance and admire their power from a pullout.
Seeing them against sagebrush and rimrock makes the park feel truly wild, even with town just below.
Mornings and evenings are best, when light is gentle and the animals are more active. Bring binoculars and scan slopes near the cemetery and open flats along the loop.
Calves in spring add an extra dash of joy, but remember, these are massive, unpredictable animals.
Stay inside your car if they are close, and never approach for a photo. The experience is richer when you give them space and let the landscape do the storytelling.
Afterward, drop back to the river level and notice how the quiet of the plateau lingers, like a calm echo following you to the next stop.
Spirit Trail and Monument Hill Hikes
If you want a leg stretch, the Spirit Trail offers a scenic sampler of the park. It winds past overlooks of the terraces and gives you perspectives you cannot get from the road.
Monument Hill adds a steeper push, rewarding you with broad views and a sense of the terrain beyond Thermopolis.
The trails are well marked, but bring water and a hat, especially mid summer. You will see hardy plants thriving in thin soil and layered rock that tells the story of ancient seas.
Mule deer sometimes slip through the brush, quiet and unbothered.
Footing is generally solid, with a few loose sections on the climb. Take care after rain.
The payoff is standing above the steam, watching it drift like ribbons across the valley while the Bighorn glints below. It is the best way to understand how everything connects here, from geology to river to sky.
Teepee Fountain and Historic Features
Teepee Fountain looks like something from a sci fi set, but it is the park’s quirky mineral art piece. Years of flowing water built a cone coated in colorful deposits, creating a layered, drippy sculpture.
It pairs perfectly with the nearby historic bathhouse architecture, a reminder of the park’s early resort days.
Walk around the base to see patterns that resemble coral and stalactites. You can trace the path of water as it pools, hardens, and slowly grows the formation.
It is a great quick stop between a soak and a stroll across the bridge.
Interpretive signs give context without overwhelming you. The whole area feels like an open air museum where geology is still actively sculpting exhibits.
Snap a photo, then step back and take in the scene: steam, terraces, classic stonework, and that teepee silhouette against big Wyoming sky.
Seasonal Tips and Best Times to Visit
This park works in every season. In winter, steam meets crisp air for dramatic clouds and quieter boardwalks.
Spring brings early green along the river and mellow temperatures that make hikes gentle and soaks extra refreshing.
Summer is lively, with longer hours to explore the terraces, bridge, and trails. Plan morning soaks to beat heat and crowds, then return at dusk for soft light and calmer pools.
Fall might be the sweet spot, when cottonwoods glow gold and the bison look rugged against pastel hills.
Weekdays are reliably calmer than weekends. Bring layers year round because breezes change quickly along the river corridor.
Check hours for the bath house and remember the 20 minute rule so everyone can enjoy. Sunrise and sunset deliver the prettiest steam shows, and a clear night adds stars that shimmer above the mist like sparks.
Accessibility and Family Friendly Amenities
Hot Springs State Park is welcoming for families and varied abilities. Boardwalks are generally flat, with ramps connecting key viewpoints.
The bath house is simple and efficient, with clear rules, friendly staff, and a layout that keeps traffic moving without stress.
Picnic lawns and shady trees make it easy to take breaks between activities. Kids burn energy on paths, then cool off with breezes off the river.
You can plan a half day or a full day without feeling rushed, thanks to short walks between marquee spots.
Parking is close to the action and signage is straightforward. Restrooms are available, though do check current statuses if you rely on a particular location.
For an easy win, pair a short boardwalk loop with the bridge and a soak, then cap it with an unhurried picnic. The park’s approachable layout keeps the focus on connection, not logistics.
Practical Info: Hours, Directions, Etiquette
You will find Hot Springs State Park at 51 US-20, Thermopolis, with easy access off the highway and the Bighorn River flowing beside it. Official hours run 6 AM to 10 PM daily, making sunrise steam and evening strolls possible.
For updates, check the Wyoming State Parks website or call +1 307-864-2176.
Parking is free, and admission to the park and the State Bath House is free as well. The soak limit is 20 minutes to keep water quality and crowd flow healthy.
Rinse before entering, skip lotions, and leave glass items at home.
On trails and roads, yield to wildlife, especially the bison herd. Keep a safe distance, pack out trash, and stay on boardwalks to protect fragile formations.
A little etiquette keeps this place special for everyone, including the next traveler who needs a quiet, healing soak after a long drive.