Cowboy Country Soaks: A Guide to Wyoming's Natural Hot Springs
Boiling River (Source: Wesley Fryer)
Nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains and sprawling plains of Wyoming lie hidden treasures – natural hot springs. These geothermal wonders, remnants of volcanic activity from millions of years ago, offer a unique opportunity to soak in steaming pools and embrace the rugged beauty of the Cowboy State.
Native American tribes in Wyoming revered the natural hot springs for their healing properties. They used the warm waters for medicinal purposes and ceremonial gatherings. European explorers and fur trappers in the 19th century also recognized the value of these geothermal wonders, and by the late 1800s, several spa towns had sprung up around the hot springs. Today, Wyoming's hot springs remain popular destinations for relaxation, rejuvenation, and a connection to the state's rich history.
Best Time to Go: Spring (March – May) and fall (September – November) offer the most comfortable soaking experiences with pleasant weather and moderate crowds. Summers can be hot and dry, while winters can be harsh. However, some hot springs have indoor pools or are accessible year-round.
Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis)
Hot Springs State Park is a crown jewel of Wyoming's hot spring scene. The park boasts several large, public pools fed by the mineral-rich thermal waters. While the popularity can lead to crowds, the well-maintained facilities, vibrant atmosphere, and historical significance make it a must-visit.
Hot Springs tallies more than 1.5 million annual visits, more than double any other in Wyoming’s system. And in a state with no permanent amusement parks, Hot Springs’ two aquatic facilities — Star Plunge and Tepee — have long drawn families with kids. Tang of sulfur drifts from mineral springs along the Bighorn River to the Star Plunge aquatic center. This surprisingly kitchy area is part of the park, with fortune-telling arcade games, Sadly, Screaming Mimi - a small wooden sled you can ride down to a pool is gone.
Native Americans prized the main source of heated water, the Big Spring — which was known as Bah Guewana, or “smoking waters” — and visited long before white settlers discovered it. The original 1-square-mile park land was established through a treaty between the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes and the U.S. government.
With stately cottonwood trees, river access and mineral waters, the park is an undeniably special place. Two hotels occupy its boundaries, and it hosts an assortment of built infrastructure, including a hospital, county library, fairgrounds and schools.
In April 2024, Wyoming decided to select a new company to oversee the park, so expect changes in the near future. The new company proposes transforming Tepee into a spa and wellness center while enhancing facilities and the mid-century character of the Star Plunge with new slides, pools and a poolside diner. It proposes rebuilding or renovating the Hot Springs Hotel with more rooms and upgraded dining areas. There are mentions of trails, a drive-in theater, glamping facilities and a brew pub. The company, Wyoming Hot Springs LLC operates hot springs resorts in three locations across Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming — including, as of November, Tepee Pools.
Water Quality: 5 stars (Crystal clear, naturally filtered)
Ease of Access: 5 stars (Easily accessible by paved road with ample parking)
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars (Large public pools, can be crowded)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (Comfortable soaking temperature with slight variations)
Health Benefits: 4 stars (Rich mineral content, potential benefits for arthritis, rheumatism, and skin conditions)
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars (The park itself offers several pools, a waterslide, and a bathhouse with spa services. Restaurants, shops, and lodging options are within walking distance in Thermopolis)
Secret Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends and during peak season, to secure a spot by the pool.
TePee Pools (Thermopolis)
Hellie’s TePee Pools offers all natural hot water containing 27 minerals. Attractions indoors include hot tub, slide, sauna, and stream room. Outside are 3 hot tubs, mega – slide, basketball hoop, and a large grassy area and covered gazebo; both perfect spots for picnics. Coupled with cooler large pools and tanning lounges all around the deck, TePee Pools is a perfect place to spend all day soaking your cares away.
Lockers are available for a small fee
The newly opened Tipi Grill offers hamburgers, hot dogs, hand dipped corn dogs, and funnel cakes.
Their gift shop includes bathing suits and inflatables in case you forgot yours.
Nearby attractions include:
Hot Springs State Park (above) is the most visited state park in Wyoming and for good reason. With the natural hot springs, buffalo, hiking trails and so much more everyone has a reason to visit. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Dig Sites provides a unique opportunity to discover the prehistoric world, from tiny Trilobites inhabiting the seas to giant Pterosaurs who ruled the skies.
Hot Springs County Museum: The Old West comes to life at the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center located at 700 Broadway St. in Thermopolis.
Legend Rock Petroglyph Site: This protected site approximately 23 miles west of Thermopolis contains at least 283 different petroglyphs on 92 individual sandstone “panels.”
Wyoming Whiskey: See how handcrafted bourbon is made, and, if you’re of legal drinking age, enjoy a post-tour taste of Wyoming’s whiskey.
Saratoga Hot Springs
Saratoga Hot Springs Resort
Nestled between the Snowy Range and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and on the Upper North Platte River, this is the perfect getaway with every amenity.
Originally, the land around the natural springs was neutral ground between Native American tribes (Cheyenne, Ute and Arapaho), who frequented this area to soak in the healing waters. They called it the “place of magic waters.”
The town of Warm Springs was renamed Saratoga with the hopes of creating a smaller version of the famed New York spa town, Saratoga Springs.
The teepee hot pools temperature is approximately 100º–112º . The 70-foot mineral hot springs swimming pool is approximately 96º–98º degrees.
Enjoy the Snowy Mountain Pub and Biergarten, have a ball at the Saratoga Public Golf Course, and blaze new trails in the nearby mountains.
Note: The hot pools are for guest use only. However, all spa treatments include day use of the fitness center and the mineral hot springs pools, as a prelude to one of our soothing spa treatments in the Healing Waters Spa.
Robes are available for a rental fee of $5 per stay. Swimwear, board shorts, towels and sunscreen are available for purchase at the Healing Waters Spa.
Rustic rooms and cabins are available for your stay.
Have a dog? They have a kennel!
Have an RV? Stay nearby at the Deer Haven RV park which back up to the beautiful North Platte River.
Water Quality (4/5): Clean water with minimal sediment, faint sulfur odor present.
Ease of Access (5/5): Easily accessible paved road leads to ample parking and clear signage.
Ability to Be Alone (4/5): Larger pools with designated quiet zones, smaller pools offer privacy.
Water Temperature (5/5): Multiple pools with varying temperatures, extensive options.
Health Benefits (4/5): Moderate mineral content, may offer general relaxation benefits.
Nearby Amenities (5/5): Full-service resort with lodging, restaurants, spa treatments, and recreational activities.
Granite Hot Springs
The Granite Hot Springs Pool is tucked in the Bridger-Teton Natiional Forest, south of Jackson, but is nonetheless accessible.
The springs are a developed, concrete hot spring pool alongside Granite Creek amongst huge spruce, fir and pine forest.
A fee is charged for soaking in the springs, and it can be accessed during the winter months on snowmobile, dog sled, skiing, or fat biking.
The parking area can accommodate trailers, but road can be rough in inclement weather. No cellular service is available. Driving time from Jackson is approximately 1 hour.
No potable water is available, and no alcohol is allowed in the hot springs.
As the Forest Service notes:
If you aren't camping in the area, be prepared for a long scenic drive to the pool on a bumpy dirt road. During the winter months the hot springs are accessible only via snowmobile, dog sled, skiing and via fat biking.
There are two different seasons when the hot springs are open, summer and winter.
Summer season usually opens late May and ends October 31st. In the spring, make sure to call ahead to confirm they are open, as late snow melt-off can delay the road opening sometimes up to two weeks. Operating hours during the summer are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. After Labor Day hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The winter season runs from early December until the beginning of April. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until mid-February when it changes to 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. until the closing date. During the winter months the hot springs are accessible only via snowmobile, dog sled, skiing and via fat biking.
The trail to the Hot Springs is approx. 9.5 miles one way (19 miles return), so you want to be comfortable with this distance, as well as equipped for the cold. It is essential to bring water (in a place that won’t freeze), food, warm hat, mittens, warm insulated boots, extra warm layer, swim suit and towel, sun cream, sun glasses.
Need a place to stay?
Try the Black Powder Ranch along the Hoback River where you can fly fish, and a few miles from the Granite hot springs. The 2,200 square foot "main lodge" includes three bedrooms, two full and two half bathrooms, a large living area, bar, huge deck and so much more.
Water Quality (4/5): Clean water with minimal sediment, faint sulfur odor present.
Ease of Access (3/5): Scenic drive on unpaved road, limited parking.
Ability to Be Alone (4/5): Multiple pools with varying sizes, some offer solitude.
Water Temperature (4/5): Comfortable soaking temperature with slight variation.
Health Benefits (4/5): Noticeable mineral presence with potential health advantages.
Nearby Amenities (2/5): Limited amenities, camping and basic supplies available nearby.
