Alcova Dam Hot Spring

## Overview Alcova Dam Hot Spring is a free natural hot spring located in Natrona County, Wyoming, near the Alcova Reservoir and the historic Alcova Dam. Situated at approximately 42.549°N, 106.718°W, this geothermal spring sits in the rugged high-desert landscape of central Wyoming, where the North Platte River has carved dramatic canyons through ancient rock formations. The Alcova area has long been known for its geothermal activity, a product of the region's deep geological faulting and volcanic history. The Alcova Dam itself, completed in 1938 as part of the Bureau of Reclamation's Kendrick Project, transformed the North Platte River corridor, but the natural hot springs in the area predate the dam by millennia. Indigenous peoples, including the Eastern Shoshone and Arapaho, historically used the thermal waters of central Wyoming for bathing and ceremonial purposes. As a free, publicly accessible hot spring, Alcova Dam Hot Spring offers visitors a chance to soak in naturally heated water amid the striking Wyoming landscape — with views of sagebrush-covered hills, rocky outcrops, and the reservoir beyond. ## Directions 1. From Casper, Wyoming, head southwest on Wyoming Highway 220 (Casper Mountain Road / CY Avenue) toward Alcova. 2. Continue on WY-220 for approximately 30 miles until you reach the Alcova area and the Alcova Dam. 3. The hot spring is located near the base of Alcova Dam, close to the GPS coordinates 42.54919, -106.71761. 4. Look for informal pulloffs or parking areas near the dam. The spring may require a short walk from the nearest road access point. *Note: Road conditions and access may vary seasonally. The GPS coordinates above should help pinpoint the spring's location when navigating in person.* ## What to Expect Alcova Dam Hot Spring is a rustic, undeveloped geothermal soak — there are no facilities, changing rooms, or maintained paths. Visitors should expect a natural, primitive experience typical of Wyoming's backcountry hot springs. The spring emerges near the base of Alcova Dam along the North Platte River corridor. Water temperatures at hot springs in this region can vary, so it's wise to test the water carefully before entering. The soaking area is informal and may shift in size and temperature depending on seasonal water levels in the reservoir and river. The surrounding landscape is classic central Wyoming high desert: open sagebrush flats, exposed rock, and sweeping views of the reservoir and canyon walls. The area can be windy and exposed, with little shade, so visitors should plan accordingly — especially in summer. Winter visits can be particularly scenic, with steam rising off the warm water against a cold, snowy backdrop. Because this is a free, undeveloped hot spring, there are no posted hours or fees. Visitors are encouraged to pack out all trash and leave the area as they found it to help preserve this natural resource for future soakers.