Similar to so many other attractions in Wyoming, the hot springs of the state have a long history of their own. A number of Native American tribes once visited these hot springs, believing they contained healing powers and many settlers used them to soak weary feet from traveling. Today, locals and travelers alike can visit these naturally heated hot spring-fed pools to relax and recharge, as well as taking in the surrounding natural scenery. Most of the Wyoming hot springs are open year-round and particularly great to visit during the chilly winter weather.
1. Granite Hot Springs - Jackson
The Granite Hot Springs just outside the city of Jackson, Wyoming are tucked away above the Granite Creek Falls. The area includes a man-made swimming pool and a 104-degree, waterfall-fed soaking pool. These pools close to the public around the end of October, however, they open back up in December for winter soaking. During this time, the Granite Hot Springs can only be reached by snowshoes, skis, or snowmobile. Reaching these hot springs by dog sled is also an option and a particularly exhilarating one. Visitors can do so with the half-day or full-day Iditarod Sled Dog Tours.
Granite Creek Rd, Jackson, WY 83001, Phone: 307-690-6323
2. Wyoming Hot Springs: Hot Springs State Park - Thermopolis, Wyoming
Located in the town of Thermopolis, the Hot Springs State Park offers both outdoor and indoor soaking pools for the public to use free of charge, as well as clothing-optional private tubs. One particular aspect of Hot Springs State Park popular among families visiting the area is the Star Plunge, which features multiple water slides and two large mineral pools. Other attractions that can be found nearby in this unique park include the Teepee Fountain, shaped by mineral-rich groundwater flow, and the swinging bridge that stretches across the scenic Bighorn River. Roaming bison can also be spotted in the state park.
220 Park St, Thermopolis, WY 82443, Phone: 307-864-2176
3. Hot Springs in Wyoming: Saratoga Resort & Spa - Saratoga
The Saratoga Resort and Spa in Saratoga, Wyoming features an outdoor seventy-foot hot spring-fed pool, as well as five teepee-covered smaller pools. These pools offer a relaxing respite after perhaps a long day on the snowboarding and skiing trails of the Sierra Madre Mountains or the Snowy Range. The mineral hot springs and their healing waters have helped renew weary travelers for centuries. The full-service Saratoga Resort also offers an on-site restaurant that serves freshly made food all day, guest rooms, a spa, a pub and microbrewery, a fitness center, a golf course, a pro shop, and event facilities.
601 Pic Pike Rd, Saratoga, WY 82331, Phone: 307-326-5261
4. Hot Springs in Wyoming: Hobo Pool - Saratoga
Another option for a relaxing soak in the healing waters of a hot spring in the town of Saratoga, the Hobo Pool is open year-round, twenty-four hours a day, every day of the week. There is also no admission fee for the two natural pools located next to the Platte River, where locals and visitors alike can experience the warm water from where the hot springs meet the flowing river water. Temperatures at the Hobo Pool vary from 101 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. For warmer water, the Lobster Pot is located at the end of the pool.
300 E Walnut Ave, Saratoga, WY 82331, Phone: 307-326-8335
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5. Wyoming Hot Springs: Boiling River Hot Springs - Yellowstone National Park
Located in the Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone National Park, the Boiling River Hot Springs is a lesser known locale for swimming situated near the park’s North Entrance. Visitors can follow the large steam clouds to where the hot springs meet the cold Gardner River to find a spot boasting the perfect temperature for a relaxing soak. In addition to soaking in the waters of this natural hydrothermal phenomenon, visitors can also stroll along the boardwalks to explore the Mammoth area’s geothermal terrace system that discharges around five hundred gallons of steamy, hot water every minute.
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, Phone: 307-344-7381
- Granite Hot Springs - Jackson
- Wyoming Hot Springs: Hot Springs State Park - Thermopolis, Wyoming
- Hot Springs in Wyoming: Saratoga Resort & Spa - Saratoga
- Hot Springs in Wyoming: Hobo Pool - Saratoga
- Wyoming Hot Springs: Boiling River Hot Springs - Yellowstone National Park
Attraction Spotlight: National Historic Trails and Interpretive Center in Casper, WY
Visiting the National Historic Trails and Interpretive Center allows guests to learn all about the history of the trails that passed through Wyoming before potentially setting out on an adventure of their own. Spent an hour or two at the center learning about the lives of the people who passed through as well as the history of many of the trails people already have pop culture knowledge of (like Oregon Trail and the Pony Express).
History
Established in 2002 in Casper, Wyoming, the National Historic Trails and Interpretive Center was built to facilitate the mission of enhancing and maintaining the many interactive exhibits, award winning movie (which focuses on an orientation to the center), and dioramas located there. The center is 11,000 square feet and was a joint effort between the city, the land management bureau, and the foundation of historical trails (which actually formed as a result of this project after starting out as just a small committee) and cost around ten million dollars to build.
Permanent Attractions and Exhibits
The exhibits seek to capture and express the real life drama that was experienced by the half million or so pioneers from 1841 to 1868. They also focus on many of the famous as well as infamous faces that frequent Western historical stories.
Sit in a replica of an old-time ox driven wagon and watch a first person point of view video of what it was like riding it one.
However, the main focus of the center is on four specific historical trail systems.
The Oregon Trail - A 2,170 mile east to west trail established in 1830s to connect the Missouri River to multiple Oregon valleys. It is also one of the most historic and well known trails due to its popularity in game form! It is part of the trio of trails known as the Emigrant Trail.
The Mormon Pioneer Trail - Less well known but just as important to its religious followers, this 1,300 mile trail was in use from 1846 to 1868 for followers of the Mormon/Church of Jesus Christ (of Latter-day Saints). They used it primarily to travel from their main settlement in Illinois to Brigham Young’s settlement in Utah. It follows much of the same route as both the California and Oregon Trail and is also part of the trio of trails known as the Emigrant Trail.
The California Trail - The final “Emigrant” trail, the California Trail is 3,000 miles in length and runs across the western portion of the US from Missouri to California. It was founded in 1847.
The Pony Express Trail - Possibly the most well known trail in history is the Pony Express, which was used as a fast mail route and was established in 1860.
For those looking to actually get out on the trails after visiting, the center partners with two companies that give once in a lifetime guided trail experiences. Check out Historic Trails West for wagon treks that are perfect for the whole family (the wagons can actually fit up to 60 people!). There are multiple hour treks as well as multiple day treks that include a stay in a painted lodge or trail teepee. The other option is from 307 Adventures for off-road jeep tours that can include backpacking, fishing, or even camping!
National Historic Trails and Interpretive Center, 1501 N. Poplar Avenue, Casper, WY, 82601, Phone: 307-265-8030
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