196°F7,540 ftOpenShort WalkNational Park ServiceCamping nearby (6.2 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 196°F, the source water at Amphitheater 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.
Amphitheater Springs reach 196°F in Yellowstone National Park's Norris Geyser Basin, one of Earth's most dynamic thermal areas. The springs sit at 7,540 feet elevation in Gallatin County, Montana (just across the park boundary from Wyoming), emerging 161.2 degrees warmer than the 34.8°F annual average air temperature. A 481-meter walk accesses these boiling features under National Park Service permanent protection.
Located in the Norris Geyser Basin, the springs occupy a barren thermal landscape where acidic waters (pH 6.0) and extreme temperatures prevent vegetation growth. At 7,540 feet elevation in Yellowstone's high volcanic plateau, the basin features steaming vents, colored mineral deposits, and constantly changing thermal activity driven by the underlying supervolcano's heat. Annual snowfall totals 138.2 inches while precipitation reaches 27.7 inches, blanketing the landscape in deep snow for six months yearly. Lodgepole pine forests surround the basin's margins, with bare thermal ground dominating the active zone where Amphitheater Springs emerges.
History of Amphitheater Springs
Norris Geyser Basin, including Amphitheater Springs, represents Yellowstone's oldest continuously active thermal area. The basin's documented thermal features have undergone constant change since park establishment in 1872, with new vents appearing and old springs ceasing flow as underground plumbing shifts. The name likely derives from the amphitheater-like terrain surrounding the spring complex. Indigenous peoples avoided building permanent settlements in active thermal areas, though evidence suggests they traveled through the region seasonally.
Visit from late May through October when park roads are open; winter access requires snowcoach or snowmobile tours. The 481-meter boardwalk walk protects both visitors and fragile thermal formations; remain on designated paths. Indian Creek Campground 10.0 km away offers quieter, more primitive camping than busier park locations. Water at 196°F is dangerously hot; maintain safe distances from all thermal features. Expect subfreezing nights even in summer at this elevation.
Is Amphitheater Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Amphitheater Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
15°Jan
17°Feb
25°Mar
30°Apr
39°May
50°Jun
61°Jul
59°Aug
50°Sep
34°Oct
22°Nov
14°Dec
Annual Precip: 27.7 inAnnual Snow: 138.2 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 14°F · Water 196°F · +182° contrast
JanuaryAir 15°F · Water 196°F · +181° contrast
FebruaryAir 17°F · Water 196°F · +179° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
70.0°F
(21.1°C)Measured Sep 18, 2007
Water ChemistrySampled 2007-09-18
The water at Amphitheater Springs is slightly acidic (pH 6.0).
Overview
Located about eight miles (13 km) south of Mammoth Hot Springs on the road to Norris, Indian Creek Campground—elevation 7,300 feet (2225 m)—sits near the base of the Gallatin Mountains and offers breathtaking views of Electric Peak. The area offers easy access to fishing and hiking. The campground is away from the main road and provides a quieter, more primitive, experience than many other locations.
For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fi...
What is the water temperature at Amphitheater Springs?
Amphitheater Springs has a water temperature of 196°F (91°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Amphitheater Springs located?
Amphitheater Springs is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 7,540 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.7970°N, 110.7250°W.
How do I get to Amphitheater Springs?
Amphitheater Springs has Short Walk road access (0.3 mi from the road).
Is Amphitheater Springs free to visit?
Amphitheater Springs has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Amphitheater Springs?
Yes, Indian Creek Campground (Wy) is located nearby (6.2 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Amphitheater Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 6.0 (slightly acidic).
Is it safe to soak at Amphitheater Springs?
The water at Amphitheater Springs reaches 196°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. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Amphitheater Springs crowded?
Amphitheater Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Amphitheater Springs?
Essentials for Amphitheater 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.