We went to Yellowstone and when we were heading back home (Nebraska), we decided to stop by the hot spring pool and spend the night in Saratoga, Wyoming to get some rest after a long drive before driving again.
We found the Sage Motel which was a 2-minute drive from the hot spring and was really cheap (paid $60 excluding the tax), clean and smells so good. Anyway, we intentionally wanted to stop there for the hot pool.
We were seeing good reviews about the Saratoga Hobo Hot Spring and it did not fail us!
The place has 3 pools namely main, small and lobster pool. During our visit early in September, the weather was cool but not freezing and for me it was a good weather to swim in a hot pool but I am guessing that winter would be a great time as well.
But, the best thing was it is free and open 24/7. Whenever you arrive or whenever you like, you can use these hot pools. The temperature of the pool varies and they put the temperature of the day in a white board so you can gauge if you can endure the heat.
The small and lobster pools were clearer than the main pool. But, the main pool was the one I endured and enjoyed the most because the other two were too hot for me.
In all the three pools, you will smell the sulfur which you may or may not be able to tolerate. For me it was not that bad and does not stick on the skin. Also, you may find small particles of moss in the water which did not make me itchy (I have a very sensitive skin btw).
Adjacent to these hot pools was a regular swimming pool which you need to pay a small amount of entrance fee. Unfortunately, this pool was closed when we were there. There was a river/stream nearby you can do sight-seeing.
The place has shower rooms to rinse. Make sure to bring your own towel and toiletries.
After swimming and you get hungry, the town has interesting cafeteria we tried. They have good pastries and beverages.
If it is on your way, plan to stop, relax and rest a bit before heading to your destination. It is worth a visit even just for a 30-minute dipping.
Before leaving the place, make sure to please do not litter and follow their rules.
larswrites 