The Big Horn Basin offers a mix of rugged geology, western history, and small town charm. Using Worland as a base, visitors can comfortably explore Thermopolis, Ten Sleep Canyon, and several unique cultural and natural sites within an easy drive.
Day 1
Thermopolis and Wyoming’s Famous Hot Springs
Start the trip with a scenic drive south from Worland to Thermopolis, about 30 minutes away. This small town is home to some of the largest mineral hot springs in the world.
Begin at Hot Springs State Park, where steaming mineral terraces line the hillside above the Bighorn River. Boardwalks allow visitors to walk among the colorful formations while taking in views of the valley below. A herd of bison often grazes inside the park, adding to the classic Wyoming atmosphere.
The park also offers a free public bath house where visitors can soak in the naturally heated mineral water.
Next, explore the nearby Hot Springs County Museum. This excellent local museum includes historic buildings, pioneer artifacts, and exhibits on the region’s ranching and frontier heritage. It is one of the best places in the basin to understand how communities developed along the Bighorn River.
After lunch in Thermopolis, return to Worland for the evening. Spend time walking the downtown area where locally owned shops offer western apparel, handmade goods, and regional souvenirs.
Dinner in Worland provides a relaxed close to the day before the next day’s mountain adventure.
Day 2
Ten Sleep Canyon and a Classic Wyoming Small Town
Head west from Worland toward the small town of Ten Sleep, about 45 minutes away. The route follows the western edge of the Bighorn Mountains and gradually climbs into one of Wyoming’s most beautiful canyons.
Ten Sleep Canyon is known for its towering limestone cliffs, winding road, and world class rock climbing. Even without climbing gear, the canyon is spectacular to explore by car with numerous pullouts for photos.
Spend time wandering the quiet streets of Ten Sleep, which sits at the mouth of the canyon and has a population of only a few hundred residents. The town offers a glimpse of traditional rural Wyoming life.
Popular stops include the local brewery, small cafés, and western themed shops. The town also serves as a gateway to hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic overlooks deeper in the canyon.
After exploring the canyon and town, return to Worland for dinner and another evening in the basin.
Day 3
Museums, Badlands, and Wyoming Whiskey
Begin the final day by exploring local history at the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center. The museum highlights the cultures and stories that shaped the Big Horn Basin, including Native American history, early homesteaders, agriculture, and the region’s oil industry.
Next, take a short drive south to the dramatic landscapes of the Gooseberry Badlands. These colorful clay hills and eroded formations create an otherworldly landscape that looks more like a desert planet than central Wyoming. Scenic overlooks provide sweeping views across the basin and are especially beautiful in morning or evening light.
Continue the drive toward Kirby to visit Wyoming Whiskey. This distillery produces small batch bourbon using Wyoming grown grains and mountain water. Tours explain the distillation process and the company’s commitment to local ingredients and traditional methods.
Return to Worland in the afternoon to spend time browsing downtown shops and picking up locally made goods before heading home.
Trip Overview
Driving times from Worland:
Thermopolis about 30 minutes
Ten Sleep about 30 minutes
Gooseberry Badlands about 40 minutes
Wyoming Whiskey Distillery about 20 minutes
Using Worland as a base makes it easy to explore the Big Horn Basin while returning each evening to a comfortable small town atmosphere.
Between scenic canyons, historic museums, geothermal wonders, and Wyoming made whiskey, this three day adventure offers a diverse introduction to one of the state’s most underrated regions.
Big Horn Basin Explorer 
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