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
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area1,108
Elevation / TerrainDiverse 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 60 miles.

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, Wyoming
⌖ 28.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Worland, Wyoming

Worland in Wyoming is a tranquil gateway to outdoor exploration in Bighorn National Forest. Known for hiking, biking, fishing, and winter sports, it's a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts.

Spring and Summer
Explore Town
Riverton, Wyoming
⌖ 43.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Riverton, Wyoming

Riverton, WY, offers outdoorsy souls a chance to hike, fish, and ride through the scenic Wind River Basin. Experience the authentic American West amidst stunning landscapes, wildlife, and exciting paths.

Summer to Early Fall
Explore Town
Meeteetse, Wyoming
⌖ 48.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Meeteetse, Wyoming

Meeteetse is a small Wyoming town rich in outdoor opportunities, from fishing and paddling the Greybull River to hiking and backpacking in Bridger-Teton National Forest. It’s a quiet, wildlife-rich spot for adventurers seeking western river and mountain experiences.

Late spring through early fall
Explore Town
Greybull, Wyoming
⌖ 58.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greybull, Wyoming

Greybull offers an authentic Wyoming adventure with access to the majestic Big Horn Mountains. Hike, bike, or fish in serene landscapes, and enjoy the quiet charm of this prairie town.

Spring and Fall
Explore 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.

Teepee Yoga on a Gentle Float Through Wind River Canyon
ADVEXPEDITION
Thermopolis, Wyoming
Guided TourADV Bookable

Teepee Yoga on a Gentle Float Through Wind River Canyon

A two‑hour guided float from Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing that pairs a scenic river trip with a yoga stop in a teepee — ideal for beginners and families (Ages 6+; 8am departure).

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Museum Admission (Riverton)
ADVEXPEDITION
Riverton, Wyoming
History TourADV Bookable

Museum Admission (Riverton)

Discover Wyoming's storied past through engaging exhibits at Fremont County Museums in Riverton. Perfect for history buffs and families alike, this cultural outing offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's rich heritage.

History TourAll Ages! • 9:00AM - 5:00PM • Starting at $6Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Nightfall in Riverton: Alma Law’s Haunted Downtown Walk
ADVEXPEDITION
Riverton, Wyoming
Guided TourADV Bookable

Nightfall in Riverton: Alma Law’s Haunted Downtown Walk

A two-hour, after-dark guided walk of downtown Riverton led by local storyteller Alma Law that pairs building histories with eerie local tales—this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip