Hot Springs County

Hot Springs County is an administrative division in Wyoming that encompasses the Bighorn Basin, surrounded by the Owl Creek Mountains and Absaroka Range. The region contains numerous hot springs and serves as home to several communities and outdoor activities.

The county was established in 1911 from lands formerly belonging to Big Horn, Fremont, and Park counties. Thermopolis became its administrative center and primary urban area.

The Shoshone people shaped the region's character through rock art at sites like Legend Rock, where figures of humans and animals remain visible on stone. These carvings reveal how deeply connected the community was to the land.

Plan to explore on foot or by car, as the county's terrain is mountainous and spread across a large area requiring travel between destinations. Good footwear and preparation help when visiting hot springs and hiking trails.

The thermal springs near Wind River Canyon are heated by deep geological structures in ways different from Yellowstone's geothermal system. This distinct origin makes the region's hot water sources fundamentally different.

GPS coordinates: 43.70087,-108.40957

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:22