At 154°F, the source water at Wolf Creek Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Wolf Creek Hot Springs reaches 154 degrees Fahrenheit in the mountains of Gallatin County, Montana, near Big Sky. USGS measurements confirm 67 degrees Celsius with alkaline pH of 8.6 and high sodium at 120 mg/L. Reaching the spring requires a 2,079-meter hike from Sun Ranch Road, placing it firmly in backcountry territory at 6,116 feet elevation.
The spring emerges in the upper Madison River drainage, surrounded by high-elevation terrain where the Gallatin and Madison ranges converge. Dense conifer forest and alpine meadows define the landscape. Annual snowfall averages 103.7 inches, and the mean air temperature is just 39.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The Upper Madison River runs through the valley below, framed by volcanic and metamorphic geology that feeds the region's thermal activity.
History of Wolf Creek Hot Springs
Specific historical documentation for Wolf Creek Hot Springs is sparse. The spring lies in a zone of intense geothermal activity linked to the Yellowstone hotspot system, which drives thermal features across this portion of southwestern Montana. The area has been used for ranching and recreation since the late 1800s, but no commercial development has occurred at the spring itself. It remains a primitive backcountry thermal feature.
This is a committed day hike or overnight trip. The 2 km approach from Sun Ranch Road crosses uneven terrain with no maintained trail for portions of the route. Visit between July and September to avoid deep snowpack. The water is dangerously hot at 154 degrees and requires mixing with creek water for any contact. Palisades Campground, 3.9 km away on the Upper Madison River, has 10 first-come sites with vault toilets.
Is Wolf Creek Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Wolf Creek Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
20°Jan
21°Feb
30°Mar
35°Apr
44°May
56°Jun
65°Jul
64°Aug
54°Sep
39°Oct
27°Nov
18°Dec
Annual Precip: 24.5 inAnnual Snow: 103.7 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 18°F · Water 154°F · +136° contrast
JanuaryAir 20°F · Water 154°F · +134° contrast
FebruaryAir 21°F · Water 154°F · +133° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
152.6°F
(67.0°C)Measured Aug 13, 1976
Water ChemistrySampled 1976-08-13
The water at Wolf Creek Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 8.6).
The Palisades Recreation Area is located on the Upper Madison River, 5 river miles upstream of Ruby Creek Recreation Area and 25 miles south of Ennis. The campground has 10 camping sites with 2 accessible vault toilets and a campground host pad. A separate day use site with a paved boat launch and parking area is located near the campground.
What is the water temperature at Wolf Creek Hot Springs?
Wolf Creek Hot Springs has a water temperature of 154°F (68°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Wolf Creek Hot Springs located?
Wolf Creek Hot Springs is located in Gallatin County, Montana at 6,116 feet elevation, near Big Sky. Coordinates: 44.9840°N, 111.6130°W.
How do I get to Wolf Creek Hot Springs?
Wolf Creek Hot Springs has Hike road access, with the nearest road being Sun Ranch Road (1.3 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Wolf Creek Hot Springs?
Yes, Palisades Campground is located nearby (2.4 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Wolf Creek Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 8.6 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Wolf Creek Hot Springs?
The water at Wolf Creek Hot Springs reaches 154°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Wolf Creek Hot Springs crowded?
Wolf Creek Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Wolf Creek Hot Springs?
Essentials for Wolf Creek Hot Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.