Granite Hot Springs, Wyoming facts for kids

Granite Hot Springs is a natural warm water pool found in Sublette County, Wyoming. It's about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of a town called Jackson. This special place is looked after by the United States Forest Service, which helps protect natural areas.

Long ago, people who first settled in the area dug a simple pool to gather the warm spring water. Later, in 1933, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made the pool even better. They added a campground, a changing room, and a deck for visitors to enjoy.

There is also a more natural, "primitive" pool located near Granite Falls. This spot is about half a mile (0.8 km) downstream from the main hot spring. Interestingly, this primitive pool was one of the places where the 1992 movie A River Runs Through It was filmed.

Visiting Granite Hot Springs

Granite Hot Springs is a fun place to visit, but how you get there depends on the time of year. The pool is open for visitors in both summer and winter.

Summer Access

During the summer months, it's easy to reach the hot springs. You can drive your car right up to the pool. The roads are clear and open, making it a simple trip for families and friends.

Winter Access

Getting to Granite Hot Springs in winter is a bit more of an adventure! The roads are covered in snow, so you can't drive a regular car. Instead, visitors need to use special ways to travel through the snow. You can get there by using skis, snowshoes, a snowmobile, or even a dogsled. It's a unique experience that many people enjoy.

Water Temperature at the Springs

The temperature of the water at Granite Hot Springs can change throughout the year. This is because of the weather and how much snow is melting.

Winter Temperatures

In the winter, when it's cold outside, the hot spring water can be very warm. It might reach temperatures of up to 112°F (44°C). This makes it a perfect place to warm up on a chilly day.

Spring and Summer Temperatures

During the spring, when a lot of snow is melting, the water from the melting snow can mix with the hot spring water. This can make the pool a bit cooler, sometimes dropping into the 80s°F (around 27-32°C). In the summer, the temperature usually stays in the mid-90s°F (around 32-35°C), which is still very comfortable for swimming.

Granite Creek Fire Incident

In July 2007, a large wildfire called the Granite Creek Fire happened near the hot springs. This fire burned over 1,700 acres (about 6.9 square kilometers) of land. While the fire blackened a large area, the hot springs themselves were not destroyed. Firefighters worked hard to protect the area and keep visitors safe.