Yellowstone’s steaming pools, colorful terraces, and bubbling springs form one of Earth’s most active geothermal landscapes. The park contains more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, many accessible from its north and west entrances. In North Yellowstone, these natural wonders pair easily with wildlife watching, scenic drives, and restorative mineral soaks in Paradise Valley. While the park’s hot springs are spectacular to see, they are far too hot for swimming. Fortunately, developed hot springs near Yellowstone offer safe, relaxing places to soak between park adventures. Here’s your guide to exploring North Yellowstone’s geothermal side.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Located about five miles south of Yellowstone’s north entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the park’s most famous geothermal areas. Here, hot water rises through limestone and deposits calcium carbonate at the surface, forming layers of white, cream, gold, and rust-colored travertine.
Explore the terraces along the 1.75 miles of boardwalks and paved paths, which lead past Palette Spring, Minerva Terrace, Canary Spring, and other ever-changing formations. Allow 60 to 90 minutes to explore, take photos, and navigate the network’s stairs and steeper sections.
During summer, you can also drive the 1-mile Upper Terrace Drive, stopping at overlooks like Orange Spring Mound. Visit in the morning to watch steam rise dramatically from the terraces and keep an eye out for elk, which are frequently seen in the area. Remember to admire wildlife from a safe distance.
Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s hottest, oldest, and most active thermal area and is home to Steamboat Geyser, the tallest geyser in the world at 300 feet (much bigger than Old Faithful but not as predictable or “faithful”).
The 1-mile Porcelain Basin Trail crosses an open landscape filled with steaming vents, milky blue pools, and colorful mineral deposits. In the Back Basin, a longer boardwalk leads past hot springs and geysers, including Steamboat Geyser.
Many of Norris Geyser Basin’s thermal features reach temperatures near the local boiling point of approximately 199°F. Make sure to stay on the boardwalk and never touch or enter the water.
More Yellowstone Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions on Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road
You can visit many of Yellowstone’s hot springs and hydrothermal areas while driving Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road.
Just south of Norris Geyser Basin, Artists Paintpots features colorful hot springs, steaming vents, and bubbling mudpots along an approximately 1-mile hiking loop. Nearby Beryl Spring is visible from a roadside pullout beside the Gibbon River, making it one of the park’s most accessible geothermal stops by car.
Near Old Faithful, the Upper Geyser Basin contains the park’s largest concentration of geysers, along with hot springs such as Morning Glory Pool. Boardwalks and paved paths connect many of the area’s geothermal features, making it easy to combine a hot spring walk with an Old Faithful eruption that happens about every 90 minutes.
Farther south, West Thumb Geyser Basin sits along the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Its boardwalk passes by colored pools, steaming springs, and features extending beneath the lake’s surface.
Use this 5-Day Montana Road Trip Itinerary to plan the perfect trip around Yellowstone National Park, including top sights near the north and west entrances.
Best Hot Springs Near Yellowstone for Soaking and Relaxation
The hot springs inside Yellowstone National Park should be admired from a safe distance. For relaxing hot springs near Yellowstone, visit one of the professionally maintained mineral pools outside the park, where water temperatures are carefully managed so visitors can soak in the benefits of the region’s mineral-rich waters.
Yellowstone Hot Springs
24 East Gate Road, Gardiner, MT
For hot springs near Gardiner, Yellowstone Hot Springs is one of the most convenient places to soak. Located along the Yellowstone River about eight miles north of the park’s north entrance, this soaking experience pairs naturally heated mineral water with views of Paradise Valley.
Soak in three different pools ranging in temperature, including a hot pool at 103–105°F, a larger main pool at 98–100°F, and a 60–65°F cold plunge. Alternating between hot and cold water can feel especially refreshing after a long hike or an early morning spent watching wildlife in nearby Lamar Valley.
The pools are family-friendly, with shallow areas for children, although there are no lifeguards on duty. Check the Yellowstone Hot Springs website for hours and prices before setting out.
Chico Hot Springs
163 Chico Road, Pray, MT
Surrounded by the Absaroka Mountains in Paradise Valley, Chico Hot Springs has welcomed visitors for more than a century and features two open-air geothermal pools filled with naturally heated mineral water.
The larger pool is kept at a comfortable temperature for swimming, while the smaller pool offers a warmer soak. Together, they are the perfect way to relax and unwind after hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, or exploring North Yellowstone.
Chico is about 30 miles from Yellowstone’s north entrance and offers day-use pool access, subject to availability. Check the Chico Hot Springs website for updated hours and prices.
Tips for Exploring Yellowstone National Park’s Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal features are beautiful but extremely hot and potentially dangerous. Protect yourself and the park by following these important guidelines:
- Stay on Trails: Always remain on boardwalks and designated trails.
- Watch Children Closely: Keep children nearby and do not allow them to run on boardwalks.
- Never Touch Water: Do not touch thermal features or their runoff, which can cause burns.
- Do Not Swim: Swimming or soaking in Yellowstone’s thermal features is prohibited.
- Leave Pets Behind: Pets are not permitted in thermal areas.
- Leave No Trace: Never throw coins, rocks, or other objects into hot springs or hydrothermal features.
Where to Stay in North Yellowstone
Situated near Yellowstone’s north entrance, just 20 minutes from Livingston and 45 minutes from Bozeman, Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley is the perfect base for exploring Yellowstone’s hot springs, watching wildlife, and unwinding under Montana’s big sky. The camp offers more than a mile of riverfront access along the Yellowstone River, with world-class fly fishing and river float experiences on-site. Stay in a comfortable safari-inspired tent with a king-size bed, plush linens, an ensuite bathroom with hot running water, a wood-burning stove, and a private deck. Spend your days exploring the best of North Yellowstone and Paradise Valley. Back at camp, dine al fresco, and gather around the fire for nightly s’mores beneath star-filled skies.
Experience more of Yellowstone National Park with a stay at both Under Canvas Yellowstone resort locations: Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley and Under Canvas West Yellowstone.