Our next destination would be Yellowstone National Park. Since we had to cross over all of Wyoming to get there, I decided it would be best to take a scenic route. Following route 14, we were able to drive through Big Horn National Forest to Hot Springs and then arrive close to the East entrance of Yellowstone.
The trip from Big Horn to Hot Springs was a few hours of more ranches and rolling hills. But once we arrived in Thermopolis, we were able to tell right where the Hot Springs Park was. Right next to the main highway, is a mountain with an arrow pointing down and a sign that reads “Worlds Largest Mineral Hot Springs.” Once we arrived at Hot Springs we were ready to soak in the warm 104 degree natural spring water, but first we decided to walk around.
The Hot Spring starts right were the noted mountain points. Following the aroma of Sulfur water, we were able to find the spring with no problem. Algae green to a clear gray, the spring streams down the hill into a large man-made cooling pool. (The steam from the cooling pool can be seen from the road.) The cooling pool eventually trickles down to a cliff where the water falls off into a small river.
We were able to see these waterfalls a little closer by walking over a swinging bridge. The walk over was fun, with the wind and a little help from Jason we know the full explanation for the name “Swinging bridge”. Once on the other side, we relaxed on a bench and looked out at the park, cooling pool, and river.
Ready to jump in, we walked back across the bridge, followed a walking path over the cooling pool, and arrived at the Bath House. After signing in we were able to change into our bathing suits and soak in the free natural mineral hot spring pool. It was so relaxing!
After showering, we made dinner and continued on our journey north, to Cody, not to far from the East entrance to Yellowstone.
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