Map of Hot Springs State Park
The Hot Springs
The state park is easy to find in Thermopolis, being just off the main road (US 20) on the north side of town, and well signposted. The place has a slightly confusing layout, with no entrance station and various intersecting paths and tracks, but the main road leads to the parking area next to the larger of the two bathing houses, which is operated by the state and so charges no entry fee. The other pool is a private operation and offers similar facilities, closer to the river. The main spring is located a short distance north, though it isn't much to look at, just an unremarkable shallow pool at the edge of a low hill, enclosed by railings and smelling slightly sulfurous; from here the water runs through several ponds and towards the river, where run-off from other smaller springs combines to form
Rainbow Terrace, a smooth, patterned travertine formation extending for 1,000 feet. Paths circle the edges and a boardwalk crosses the center, allowing for close-up views, but the best perspective is from the far side of the river, which may be crossed on
Swinging Bridge - a historic iron suspension bridge that does indeed wobble when in use.