Thermopolis, Wyoming, is world renowned for its thermal hot springs. Hot Springs State Park is located just to the north of the city limits and includes a public bath house for an afternoon of relaxing. Another option is the Fountain of Youth RV Park, located another mile north. All ages are welcome to visit this park. Unlike the state park, Fountain of Youth has an outdoor thermal pool and is open well into the summer evening. With limited camping in the area, one set fee for camping and pool privileges may be the better choice.
Instructions
1. Opt to camp. Fountain of Youth has several campsites for both tent and recreation vehicle. There are also cabin rentals, but no lodging or dining facilities. Drive around the park and select an available and appropriate site, and then return to the office to pay the fee. The park has all the standard fare campers expect, including hot showers, toilets, laundry facilities and a store.
2. Set up camp. There are several ideal locations with shade trees. Change into swimwear, and then head for the pool.
3. The pool is divided into three sections with varying degrees of temperature. The temperature varies depending on the time of day and day of year and is checked daily and regulated so as not to exceed physical limits. The layout is simple. At the far end of the pool, a small stucco volcano houses the plumbing of the hot springs. From the volcano's caldera, steaming water trickles down into streams that feed the third pool, which is the hottest.
4. Test the water in all three pools and experience the levels of temperature. River water mixes with the hot in the second or middle pool, thus cooling the water down somewhat to a comfortable swimming temperature.
5. Use the water temperature in the middle pool to become acclimated to the water in the third. Though all three pools are relatively the same size, this third pool represents the resort's spa. Such hot temperatures do not invite swimming. Standing along the wall for brief periods of time may test one's limit.
6. Encourage the children to remain in the first pool. It maintains a temperature slightly warmer than that of a standard motel pool. There is a backboard and net for basketball as well as an island in the center to climb and jump. The resort also provides an assorted collection of pool toys available for anyone to use.
7. Remain at the pool after dark, and the note that a covered bandstand becomes the focal point for some mellow guitar playing. The owner of the resort will light up the stage and sing a selection of country/rock songs; a mixed genre of music from the 1970s that includes songs by the Eagles and America. The owner generally plays when the park and hot springs are crowded.
8. Before retiring for the night, explore the source of the hot springs. In the dark, the volcano is lit up in shades of white and red, and the steam is more obvious as it cuts through the crisp Wyoming air.
Tags: Fountain Youth, middle pool, Park located, Thermopolis Wyoming, third pool, three pools
