If you think warm waters and Wyoming don’t quite go together, I’m here to tell you otherwise. With over 100 hot springs in Wyoming, the Equality State boasts an impressive array of natural thermal pools. In fact, it’s one of the best places for hot springs in the USA.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure-seeker or simply in search of tranquillity, Wyoming’s hot springs offer an unforgettable experience. Below, I’ve compiled 11 of the most magical hot springs Wyoming has on offer that are a must-visit for anyone curious about these natural wonders.
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Hot Springs Wyoming
Home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the US, Wyoming is known for its cowboy culture, dramatic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Add an abundance of natural thermal pools to that list, and who wouldn’t want to visit this magical state?
Wyoming’s hot springs have long been used for their healing properties and health benefits. While some pools are a delight to swim in, others have high temperatures and hot steam far too dangerous to touch, let alone submerge.
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1. Astoria Hot Springs Park
There’s a collection of five artificial hot springs on the banks of the Snake River in Astoria Park. Conveniently located close to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, you can visit these springs easily and free of charge.
Each pool is a different temperature, and you can swim in all five. You should bring along a picnic lunch to make the most of your day here.
2. Granite Hot Springs
Granite Hot Springs is located south of Jackson (about a one-hour drive) at the end of Granite Creek Road. Expect a scenic drive along an often-bumpy dirt road. Stop at the 40-foot (12-meter) tall waterfall before the springs for beautiful photo opportunities.
The concrete hot spring swimming pool is nestled among pine and fir trees. Facilities here include a bathroom, picnic tables and some information kiosks.
Tip: Be aware that there’s no cell reception here.
3. Grand Prismatic Spring
The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park is the largest hot spring in the USA and the third largest worldwide. This spring is deeper than a ten-story building and larger than a full-sized football field.
Although you cannot swim in this hot spring, it is a marvelous sight to behold. Its kaleidoscope of colors is due to the heat-loving bacteria that reside in the spring.
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4. Old Faithful Geyser
Located in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful earned its name from its consistent eruptions — about 20 times a day on a near hourly basis. Its boiling explosions blast about 130 feet (40 meters) into the sky, usually lasting between one and five minutes. For this reason, it’s one of the best hot springs in Wyoming to visit.
A lovely seating area surrounds the spring, so make yourself comfortable and prepare to witness some extraordinary events. The park has even set up an Old Faithful webcam so you can watch the eruptions from afar or share the experience with a friend or family member.
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5. Hot Springs State Park
Are you looking for a day of picnicking and lounging in a hot spring? Hot Springs State Park will not disappoint. The locals here in Thermopolis claim that the Hot Springs State Park is ‘the largest mineral spring in the world’. While that’s not entirely true (the largest hot spring in the world is Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand), the pools here are huge.
The state park has three exquisite pools, including a therapeutic State Bath House that is a constant 104℉ (40℃). There are gorgeous areas to relax in, but remember that the park is not open to camping.
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You might enjoy reading my article on Hot Springs in North Carolina.
6. Saratoga Hobo Hot Pool
This man-made hot spring swimming pool is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s owned and operated by the town of Saratoga. There’s no entrance fee, so stay and soak as long as you’d like.
There’s a large, warm pool that ranges from temperatures between 106℉ and 119℉ ( 41℃ and 48℃). There’s also a smaller, cooler pool that stays around 100℉ (37℃).
7. Boiling River Hot Springs
The Boiling River swimming point is one of only a few hot spring areas in Yellowstone Park that permit swimming. The path to Boiling River is easy and flat, about half a mile. This swimming point is a mix of warm water from the Boiling River Hot Spring and cold water from the Gardner River. Sometimes temperatures vary, and the spring may be pretty warm.
This spot has no changing rooms or bathrooms, so wear your swimming gear under your clothes or prepare for a little behind-the-towel change. It’s simply a must for a Yellowstone hot springs swimming experience.
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8. Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs is sometimes described as looking like a cave that’s been turned inside out. Located in Yellowstone, just south of the park’s north entrance, it’s one of the most striking natural hot springs in Wyoming.
Within the large, rolling formations of limestone rock are 50 hot springs. An upper terrace boardwalk and a lower terrace boardwalk cover about 1.75 miles around the springs. The walk is easy, and it takes about one hour.
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9. The Star Plunge Hot Spring
The Star Plunge Hot Spring water park is the ideal place for a day of fun with its twisting water slides and naturally heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The pools are heated by water from the Big Spring.
The park is home to one of the longest water slides in the world – the Super Star 500. At 500 feet (152 meters) long, this slide has 9,085 liters of mineral water gushing down at all times. As one of the best hot springs in Thermopolis, Star Plunge is complete with a steam cave heated by hot mineral water.
10. Black Pool Hot Spring
In the West Thumb Geyser Basin, the Black Pool hot spring is striking because of its intense blue colors and the otherworldly backdrop of Yellowstone Lake.
There’s a beautiful boardwalk going past the spring that offers magnificent views of both the lake and the pool. The entire adventure is fantastic because it provides multiple experiences in one. The boardwalk will then take you to the rest of the springs in the West Thumb Geyser area.
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11. Fountain of Youth RV Park
Searching for a beautiful spot to spend the weekend and soak in some warm mineral pools? The Fountain of Youth RV Park is the ideal place for just this. During the weekdays, there’s a two-night minimum stay required. On the weekends, it’s a three-night minimum stay.
The campsite is home to a 16,000 square feet (1,486 square meters) mineral pool fed by warm mineral water from the Sacajawea Well. It’s a divine 37℃ (100℉) that will warm you to your core. Fountain of Youth RV Park is one of the best Wyoming hot springs resorts.
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FAQs: Hot Springs, Wyoming
Below are a few common questions about the hot springs in Wyoming.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Wyoming’s Hot Springs?
The best time to visit Wyoming’s hot springs is in the late autumn months of October and November and the winter months of December through February. During these colder periods, you can soak longer without overheating or dehydrating like in summer.
Some springs are accessible year-round. Others are seasonal due to increased rainfall and melting snow, causing rising water temperatures in the spring and summer.
Can You Drink the Water in Hot Springs?
The springs you can swim in are generally the ones you can drink from. Otherwise, you may seriously burn or injure yourself. Always check with an official beforehand if you can drink the water from the spring.
What Are Some Hot Spring Etiquettes When Swimming?
Don’t bathe with soap (even biodegradable) in the hot springs, as this contaminates the water. It would be best to shower beforehand and not wear lots of lotions and sunscreen right before swimming.
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Which of Wyoming’s Hot Springs Would You Visit?
The hot springs in Wyoming offer a unique and captivating experience that combines relaxation, natural beauty and potential health benefits. Whether you visit for therapeutic reasons, adventure, or to connect with nature, these geothermal wonders provide a memorable journey into the heart of Wyoming’s extraordinary landscape.
Looking for more magical thermal pools in the USA? Be sure to check out the best Northern Californian hot springs.
I covered all of the costs involved in writing this article on Wyoming hot springs. However, this article does contain affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links and end up making a purchase I may receive a small commission.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.