Hobo Pool, Saratoga, WY, 82331

## Overview Hobo Pool is a beloved free hot spring located in the small town of Saratoga, Wyoming, along the banks of the North Platte River. Known locally as one of the town's most treasured attractions, this historic hot pool has drawn visitors for centuries. Long before European settlers arrived, Native American tribes recognized the healing properties of these geothermal waters and considered the area sacred ground. According to local tradition, rival tribes would lay down their weapons to bathe together in peace, honoring a truce around the springs' restorative powers. The hot spring maintains temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C), fed by the same geothermal activity that gives Saratoga its nickname as a hot springs destination in south-central Wyoming's Carbon County. The mineral-rich waters have historically been valued for their soothing and therapeutic qualities. Hobo Pool is open to the public 24 hours a day, year-round, and there is no fee to soak — making it one of the most accessible free hot springs in the American West. ## Directions 1. From downtown Saratoga, head east on Bridge Avenue (WY-130) toward the North Platte River. 2. Turn south onto River Street and follow it to East Spring Street. 3. The hot spring is located at **110 East Spring Street, Saratoga, WY 82331**, right along the riverbank. 4. Look for the public parking area near the pool. The spring is easily visible from the road. **GPS Coordinates:** 41.454181, -106.807011 ## What to Expect Hobo Pool is a large, open-air soaking pool set right beside the North Platte River. The water temperature typically exceeds 100°F, providing a deeply warming soak — especially welcome during Wyoming's cold winters. For those who want to cool off, the river flows just steps away, offering a refreshing contrast to the hot mineral water. The pool is free and open around the clock, with a relaxed, communal atmosphere. There are no formal facilities like changing rooms, so visitors typically come prepared. The setting is scenic and peaceful, with views of the surrounding mountains and the sound of the river nearby. The pool tends to be busiest on weekends and during summer months, but early mornings and weekday visits often offer a quieter experience. Saratoga itself is a charming small town with restaurants, lodging, and other hot spring options, including the nearby Saratoga Resort and Spa (which operates a separate, paid facility). Hobo Pool, however, remains the community's free, public gem — a place where locals and travelers alike come to unwind in waters that have been cherished for generations.