Thermopolis Hot Springs Day Trip From Sheridan, Wyoming
October 21, 2026 · 6 min read read · Wyo Stays Journal
Yes, Thermopolis hot springs works as a day trip from Sheridan — the drive is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours one-way, and Hot Springs State Park's free public bath house stays open year-round. Wyo Stays fields this question constantly from winter guests. Plan for a long day if you're doing it round-trip without an overnight, or better yet, split it into two shorter days with a stop in Worland or Ten Sleep.
Thermopolis sits in the Bighorn Basin on the far side of the Bighorn Mountains from Sheridan Wyoming, and the mineral water there runs a genuinely surprising 104 degrees straight out of the ground, no heating required. We get this question constantly from winter guests looking for something warm to do between snow activities, and the honest answer is: it's a real trip, not a quick errand, but it's absolutely doable in a day if you commit to an early start and don't mind a long stretch of driving through open Wyoming country both ways.
Key takeaways:
- Drive time from Sheridan is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours one-way via US-16/US-20
- Hot Springs State Park's free public bath house is open year-round, no admission fee
- Paid commercial pools (Star Plunge, Plaza) offer slides and extra amenities for a fee
- Winter is actually a great time to visit — steam rising off 104-degree water in freezing air
- A day trip is possible but tight; an overnight makes for a much more relaxed visit
Can You Day-Trip to Thermopolis Hot Springs From Sheridan?
Yes, technically — round trip drive time runs 5 to 6 hours, leaving a workable but tight window for actually soaking, eating, and seeing Hot Springs State Park itself. Most travelers who do it as a single day report it's worth doing but recommend leaving by 7 or 8 a.m. to have real time at the springs before heading back.
Thermopolis Trip Snapshot: Drive Time, Pool Options, and Cost*
| Option | Detail | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drive time (one-way) | ~2.5–3 hrs via US-16/US-20 | Fuel only |
| State Bath House (free) | Hot Springs State Park public pool | Free |
| Star Plunge (commercial) | Indoor/outdoor pools, water slides | ~$12–15/adult |
| Plaza Hot Springs (commercial) | Indoor/outdoor pools, slides | ~$12–15/adult |
| Overnight option | Split drive across two days | Lodging cost varies |
*Estimate based on typical published rates and drive times; confirm current hours and pricing directly with Hot Springs State Park before your trip.
Where Should You Go Once You're in Thermopolis?
Hot Springs State Park itself is the main event, and the free public bath house run by the state sits right alongside the mineral terraces that give the town its name — walk the boardwalk over the terraces before or after your soak, since the mineral formations are worth seeing even if you don't get in the water. For a longer soak with slides and more amenities, Star Plunge and the Plaza Hot Springs both charge a modest admission and sit within walking distance of the free state pool.
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is a good add-on if you're making a full day of it and want a break from the water, and downtown Thermopolis has a handful of solid lunch spots within a few blocks of the park.
How Much Does a Thermopolis Hot Springs Day Trip From Sheridan Cost?
Budget mainly for fuel given the roughly 500-mile round trip, plus admission if you choose one of the commercial pools over the free state bath house. A family of four doing the free state pool and a casual lunch could reasonably spend under $100 for the day outside of fuel; adding a commercial pool with slides bumps that up but still keeps the day relatively affordable compared to most destination day trips.
- Fuel for a ~500-mile round trip: budget accordingly for current gas prices
- Free public bath house: no cost, unlimited soak time within posted hours
- Commercial pools with slides: roughly $12–15 per adult, less for kids
- Meals: budget for one or two stops given the drive length
Why Is Winter a Good Time for a Thermopolis Hot Springs Trip?
Because the contrast between freezing air and 104-degree mineral water is genuinely one of the better winter experiences in this part of Wyoming, and the crowds thin out considerably compared to summer. Wyo Stays is a licensed, insured Wyoming vacation rental brokerage, and we regularly recommend Thermopolis to winter guests looking for something to break up a ski or snowmobile-focused trip with a different kind of outdoor experience.
Steam rising off a hot spring in fifteen-degree weather never gets old. It's one of the most underrated winter day trips in this whole region, and most visitors have no idea it's there. — Dalton Goodyear, Wyo Stays
Is a Thermopolis Day Trip From Sheridan Worth It?
Yes, especially in winter when the temperature contrast makes the springs feel even better, though we'd recommend an overnight over a strict single-day round trip if your schedule allows it. Splitting the drive with a stop in Worland or Ten Sleep turns a long single push into two much more comfortable half-days, and gives you a buffer if winter road conditions slow you down.
Book direct at wyostays.com — skip the OTA fees for your Sheridan basecamp, and check our Road Trip Itinerary for other day-trip ideas that pair well with a Thermopolis run. Check current pool hours at book.wyostays.com before you commit to a specific date, since winter hours can shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you day-trip to Thermopolis hot springs from Sheridan? A: Yes — round trip drive time is roughly 5 to 6 hours, making a single day workable if you leave early, though an overnight is more relaxed.
Q: Is the Thermopolis hot springs bath house free? A: Yes — Hot Springs State Park's public bath house is free and open year-round; commercial pools nearby charge a modest admission for slides and extra amenities.
Q: How hot is the water at Thermopolis? A: The mineral water emerges from the ground at roughly 104 degrees Fahrenheit, no heating required, and pools are typically cooled slightly for comfort.
Q: What else is there to do in Thermopolis besides the hot springs? A: The Wyoming Dinosaur Center, the mineral terrace boardwalk, and a small downtown with local restaurants round out a full day.
Q: Is winter a good time to visit Thermopolis hot springs? A: Yes — the contrast between cold air and warm mineral water is a highlight for many visitors, and crowds are noticeably lighter than summer.
Warm Up in Thermopolis, Sleep in Sheridan
A Thermopolis hot springs day trip from Sheridan is a genuinely worthwhile stretch of the legs, whether you push it in one day or split it across two with an overnight along the way. Book Direct — No Channel Fees and check current availability at wyostays.com before you plan your dates, since winter weekends fill faster than the quiet drive out there might suggest.
