Boundary Creek Hot Springs
Boundary Creek Hot Springs flows at 181°F in one of Yellowstone's most remote backcountry locations, requiring a 3.8-mile hike to reach this thermal feature near the park's southwestern boundary. Located at 6,575 feet elevation in Gallatin County, the spring emerges 142.2 degrees above ambient temperature in terrain receiving 43.1 inches of annual precipitation and an extraordinary 222.5 inches of snow. The springs discharge along Boundary Creek in grizzly bear habitat under permanent National Park Service protection.
The springs flow at 6,575 feet in southwestern Yellowstone where the park borders Idaho's Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Boundary Creek drains westward through forested terrain dominated by lodgepole pine, with Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir at higher elevations. The area receives the park's heaviest snowfall at 222.5 inches annually, creating deep winter snowpack that persists into summer. Rhyolitic volcanic rocks and glacial deposits form the substrate, with thermal springs emerging along fault zones. The remote location maintains wild character with minimal human infrastructure, surrounded by designated grizzly bear habitat.
Boundary Creek Hot Springs appears in Yellowstone thermal inventories documenting springs along the park's less-visited southwestern margins. The name derives from Boundary Creek, which forms part of the Wyoming-Idaho border. Indigenous peoples including Shoshone and Bannock traveled through this region during seasonal movements between summer hunting grounds and winter encampments. Park designation in 1872 included these remote thermal features within federal protection boundaries. The springs remain undeveloped, representing Yellowstone's backcountry thermal resources in their natural state.
Access requires backcountry hiking from June through September when snowmelt allows passage and before fall snows close the route. The 3.8-mile approach crosses bear habitat requiring approved bear-resistant food storage containers and awareness of grizzly safety protocols. Backcountry camping permits are required for overnight stays. The 222-inch annual snowfall creates impassable conditions from October through May. River crossings along Boundary Creek can be hazardous during spring snowmelt. Combine with Cave Falls area exploration 12.8 kilometers away in Idaho.
Is Boundary 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
This campgrond is situated on the banks of Fall River in Wyoming along the south border of Yellowstone National Park. Cave Falls Campground has 23 single site units and a terrific area for fishing. Each campsite has fire rings, grills and picnic tables. Located throughout the campground are vault toilets, water faucets, bear proof storage boxes, and a dumpster. The campground is located in grizzly bear habitat that requires special precautions be taken with food storage.