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Hot Springs State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WY
Fishing Guide

Hot Springs State Park

Dive into an adventure where nature’s bountiful offerings await with each cast of your fishing line. Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming, a vibrant playground for fishing enthusiasts, exudes a dynami...

State Park1,1083+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,108

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Hot Springs State Park

Hot Springs State Park is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs and impressive travertine terraces, providing visitors with a unique outdoor escape in Wyoming.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Hot Springs State Park is located in the town of Thermopolis in north-central Wyoming. The park is famous for its mineral-rich hot springs emerging at a temperature of approximately 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The springs feed into a wide variety of onsite features, including colorful travertine terraces and developed soaking pools at the State Bath House, where the water is cooled to therapeutic temperatures for public use. The park is rich in history, with Native American tribes having historically inhabited the area, and it was acquired by the state in the 19th century to ensure public access to the healing waters. The geothermal features aren't the only draw—visitors can also explore trails that wind through wildflower-filled meadows, limestone formations, and along the Big Horn River. Notable for its bison herd, vibrant birdlife, and opportunities for fishing and hiking, the park balances recreation with conservation. Hot Springs State Park remains a comforting retreat for nature lovers and those seeking outdoor recreation with the added benefit of natural wellness.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Hot Springs State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Thermopolis: Nature's Marvel in Wyoming★ 8.8⌖ 0 miHot Spring Bathing
Thermopolis

Thermopolis: Nature's Marvel in Wyoming

Explore Thermopolis for its renowned geothermal features. Visit Hot Springs State Park for hiking and soaking in the mineral hot springs. Don't miss kayaking in the Bighorn River. Perfect for families seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Hot Spring BathingView Details→
Welcome to Hot Springs State Park!★ 8.3⌖ 0 miSoaking
Hot Springs State Park

Welcome to Hot Springs State Park!

Explore Hot Springs State Park located in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Known for its world-class mineral hot springs, this family-friendly landmark offers easy access for soaking and wildlife viewing. Best visited during spring and fall to enjoy its stunning scenic vistas.

Discover the Charm of Wind River Canyon★ 8.2⌖ 9 miWhitewater Rafting
Wind River Canyon, WY

Discover the Charm of Wind River Canyon

Explore the breathtaking Wind River Canyon near Thermopolis, WY. Known for its whitewater rafting, hiking trails, and excellent fishing spots. Perfect for adventure seekers with its serene yet rugged beauty. Best visited in spring and fall with fewer crowds offering an immersive experience.

Whitewater RaftingView Details→
Mysterious Rock Art of Legend Rock★ 6.5⌖ 22 miPetroglyph Viewing
Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site

Mysterious Rock Art of Legend Rock

Visit Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site near Thermopolis, Wyoming, to explore ancient petroglyphs. The easy trails offer petroglyph viewing, wildlife watching, and photography opportunities. Best visited in spring or fall, it's a serene spot appreciated by photographers and history enthusiasts.

Petroglyph ViewingView Details→
Gooseberry Badlands: A Geological Marvel★ 8.2⌖ 28 miGeological Exploration
Gooseberry Badlands

Gooseberry Badlands: A Geological Marvel

Visit Gooseberry Badlands near Worland, WY for stunning geological formations and fossil exploration. Ideal in spring and fall, enjoy the vibrant colors and solitude. Best for photographers and geology enthusiasts.

Geological ExplorationView Details→
Ancient Echoes at Castle Gardens★ 7.8⌖ 58 miPetroglyph Viewing
Castle Gardens Petroglyphs

Ancient Echoes at Castle Gardens

Explore the ancient petroglyphs at Castle Gardens Petroglyphs in Riverton, WY. Highlights include historic carvings and moderate hiking trails. Best visited in spring or fall, this remote site offers a glimpse into a rich cultural past with stunning photographic opportunities.

Petroglyph ViewingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The State Bath House offers free public access to the naturally heated waters.✦ Spectacular travertine terraces formed by mineral deposits from the hot springs.✦ The bison herd that roams the area provides a glimpse into an important ecological feature.✦ The Swinging Bridge offers a panoramic view of the hot springs and riverside landscape.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Hot Springs State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Field GuideHot Springs State Park

Fishing in Hot Springs State Park

Embark on a Mesmeric Angling Odyssey at Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming

Dive into an adventure where nature’s bountiful offerings await with each cast of your fishing line. Hot Springs State Park in Wyoming, a vibrant playground for fishing enthusiasts, exudes a dynamic interplay of aquatic life and untamed wilderness. Situated amidst the windswept plains of central Wyoming, the park promises an angling experience brimming with both thrilling challenges and serene moments of tranquility.

As you prepare for your journey, the morning air carries a whispery chill, a gentle reminder of the mountainous terrain that encircles this lowland oasis. The Bighorn River, winding its storied path through the park, invites you with its clear, inviting waters. Its song—a harmonious babble—paints a vivid soundscape that guides your journey to some of the best fishing holes in the region. Here, the river is your companion, daring you with its currents and whispering secrets of the aquatic life beneath its surface.

The diverse fish population here offers an exciting pursuit for both seasoned anglers and novices alike. From rainbow and brown trout to the lurking sauger, the promise of a catch keeps your senses alert and your grip firm. As you gently navigate the riverbanks, the sun casts a golden dance upon the waters, highlighting ripples that tease of hidden depths and the elusive treasures they guard.

Your gear, chosen with care, becomes an extension of yourself. Wearing sturdy, water-resistant boots, you make your way along gravel pathways that crunch underfoot with each purposeful step. Their paths add a rhythm to the adventure, guiding you to vantage points perfect for casting. A lightweight rod and a well-stocked tackle are your trusty companions as you venture deeper into this angler’s haven.

But fishing at Hot Springs State Park is not merely about the act of catching; it is an invitation to immerse yourself in the rich tableau of life thriving there. A brief pause reveals the park’s embrace—meadows swaying in the breeze, wildflowers colorfully peeking through the greenery, and the sky’s vast expanse streaked with hawks soaring on currents above. The world is alive with possibility, a gentle reminder to pause, observe, and breathe in the adventure before you.

Practical advice is as crucial as your enthusiasm. Always start early to maximize your fishing experience, as both dawn and dusk are prime times for catching the most active fish. Ensure hydration is a priority, with a good water bottle in reach, as even amidst the calm, Wyoming's high-altitude sun can be unforgivably intense. Donning light, breathable clothing completes your ensemble, striking a balance between protection and comfort as you move through the landscape.

In Hot Springs State Park, the journey shapes the narrative, every moment as much about personal discovery as it is about the thrill of the catch. This is not just a guide to a fishing spot; it is an open invitation to connect deeply with nature, feel the earth beneath you, and lose yourself in the symphony of the natural world. Each ripple in the river, each whisper of the wind through the trees, beckons you to return time and time again, promising new stories, new triumphs, and new memories to be etched into the very fabric of your adventurous spirit. Embrace the wild and the water with open arms, and let the park's bounty redefine your understanding of an epic angling adventure.

Other Available Activity Guides in Hot Springs State Park:
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Hot Springs State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access to the park and bath house.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Hot Springs State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Hot Springs State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Worland
⌖ 28.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Worland, Wyoming

A quiet town offering access to diverse natural landscapes perfect for a variety of outdoor adventures.

Spring and SummerExplore Town
Riverton
⌖ 43.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Riverton, Wyoming

A hidden gem in the Wind River Basin offering a blend of adventurous paths and Cowboy State charm, ideal for explorer spirits.

Summer to Early FallExplore Town
Meeteetse
⌖ 48.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Meeteetse, Wyoming

A gateway town offering rugged Western charm and access to abundant wildlife, scenic river adventures, and vast forested landscapes ideal for outdoor exploration.

Late spring through early fallExplore Town
Greybull
⌖ 58.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greybull, Wyoming

A quiet prairie town that serves as a gateway to the Big Horn Mountains and offers an unspoiled outdoor experience.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Cody
⌖ 74.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cody, Wyoming

A gateway to the Wild West where rugged landscapes and adventure sports converge amid rich Western history.

Lovell
⌖ 82.75 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lovell, Wyoming

A charming small town gateway to the rugged beauty of Bighorn Basin and Pryor Mountains, offering outdoor thrills and historical exploration.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Hot Springs State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Yellowstone Walking Safari by Yellowstone Safari Company in CodyCody, Wyoming · 73.47 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Yellowstone Safari Company

Yellowstone Walking Safari by Yellowstone Safari Company in Cody

Discover the hidden depths of Yellowstone on a private walking safari with Yellowstone Safari Company. Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the park’s geothermal wonders, waterfalls, and pristine valleys through guided hikes tailored to your interests. Experience Yellowstone’s wilderness in a truly personal way that leaves lasting memories.

2–4 hours

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Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Safari by Yellowstone Safari CompanyCody, Wyoming · 73.74 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Yellowstone Safari Company

Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Safari by Yellowstone Safari Company

Embark on an unforgettable winter journey through Yellowstone’s Northern Range with the Yellowstone Safari Company. Witness elusive wildlife and pristine snow landscapes on a private, guided safari that offers a rare glimpse into the park’s winter secrets. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this tour combines adventure, education, and comfort in one extraordinary experience.

4–6 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.