Wyoming

Hot Springs State Park Bath House (Thermopolis) - Hot Springs in Wyoming

06/12/2018

In Yellowstone National Park, it impossible to find a spa facility where uses the mineral water.

However, in a nearby town, there is a publicly owned bathhouse at no fee.

Hot Springs State Park

It is two and a half hours' drive from one of the most popular national parks, Yellowstone National Park to a small town, Thermopolis.

Hot Springs State Park is located at the edge of the town.

Black Sulfur Spring 01

First I saw large mineral deposits.

Teepee Fountain 01

The Tepee Fountain was established in 1909, in order to vent steam from hot mineral water that was piped throughout the park.

The must-see sight in the park would be the far more giant travertine, named Rainbow Terrace.

Rainbow Terraces 01

The  bank of the Bighorn River is coated with mineral deposits on a broad scale.

The Big Spring 02

The source of the spring is right behind it.

The Big Spring 01

The Big Spring provides extremely hot (135 degrees F) water, looking mystic in the deep emerald green.

The water is piped to three walk-in facilities and two lodging  facilities in the park, and the rest is discarded to the river.

Rainbow Terraces 02

Walking a path on Rainbow Terrace, I found a pool fed by turquoise blue water.

Complimentary bathhouse

From the Rainbow Terrace 01

The beautiful building looks like a café is actually a public bathhouse; anybody can use it at no fee.

Writing down my name and the entering time, I listened to the instruction.

According to it, I had to exit here in 20 minutes, and two hours were required if I would re-enter the facility.

Reception 01

This rule might be for preventing congestion.

Changing Room 01

The gender-segregated changing rooms were super clean.

Indoor Pool 02

On the other hand, the 20-minute time limit seemed too short considering I had to wear and take off a swimsuit.

Indoor Pool 01

Inside the well-lit indoor bath, the opaque water accompanied with sulfur smell.

In the backside of the building, I found the roofed outdoor pool.

Outdoor Pool 02

The component change due to oxidation makes different colors per pool.

The water temp in the outdoor pool is around 104 degrees F; the rich contained materials helped me feel hotter.

Outdoor Pool 01

In the meantime, I run out the time and had to fade away.

I wished I could pay the fee and stay a bit longer.

Soaking 01

Summary

Hot Springs State Park Bath House, Thermopolis, Wyoming, U.S.

My rating

Type: Walk-in (free of charge)

Rule: Clothing required

Chemical use: Not detected

Water temp: Up to 135 degrees F

  • Writer

Hot Springer Ken

A hot spring enthusiast based in Japan. Toured over 300 North American hot springs while working in Texas from 2016 to 2022. For updates, visit X or Instagram!

-Wyoming
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