Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into RIW, drive to Thermopolis
1 h 17 min drive60 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- RIW
Airport drive- 1 h 17 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 1–2 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- A standard car is fine for town, but an SUV is better for reaching Legend Rock or exploring BLM lands.
Your route
RIW
Central Wyoming Regional Airport
Thermopolis
About 1 h 17 min · 60 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to RIW
Compare fares into Central Wyoming Regional Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at RIW
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Thermopolis. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at RIW
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Thermopolis
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
Hot Springs State Bath House and Dinosaur Dig Bookings
Access to Hot Springs State Park is generally open, but the State Bath House has specific time-limited entry rules. Specialized 'Dig for a Day' programs at the Dinosaur Center and canyon rafting trips require advance reservations. Check the official Wyoming State Parks site for seasonal pool maintenance closures.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
May – September
Your route
Day 1 · Ancient Waters and Terraces
Big Spring → Rainbow Terraces
Day 2 · Jurassic Giants and Bison Fields
Wyoming Dinosaur Center → Bison Pasture Drive
Day 3 · Canyons and Ancient Art
Wind River Canyon → Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site
Viator
Tours & experiences near Thermopolis
Explore guided activities around Thermopolis. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Thermopolis
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Thermopolis?
Central Wyoming Regional Airport (RIW) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from RIW to Thermopolis?
Roughly 1 h 17 min (about 60 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Thermopolis?
Access to Hot Springs State Park is generally open, but the State Bath House has specific time-limited entry rules. Specialized 'Dig for a Day' programs at the Dinosaur Center and canyon rafting trips require advance reservations. Check the official Wyoming State Parks site for seasonal pool maintenance closures.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Thermopolis
