187°F7,959 ftOpenShort WalkNational Park ServiceCamping nearby (16.0 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 187°F, the source water at Butte 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.
File:Wyoming (42978106710).jpg — cc by 2.0
Butte Springs discharges water at 187 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of Yellowstone's hotter thermal features accessible via a short 269-meter walk from the East Entrance Road. At 7,959 feet elevation in the park's eastern sector, this National Park Service-managed spring heats water 152 degrees above the area's frigid 35-degree annual average temperature.
The spring sits in high-elevation terrain near Yellowstone's eastern boundary, where the landscape receives 27 inches of annual precipitation and 144 inches of snow. The surrounding environment reflects typical subalpine conditions at nearly 8,000 feet, with coniferous forest giving way to thermally influenced zones where steam and mineral deposits mark the geothermal activity. The East Entrance Road provides the primary access corridor through this section of Gallatin County.
History of Butte Springs
The name derives from the butte-like topography characteristic of this portion of Yellowstone's eastern plateau. Historical documentation of this specific spring is limited in published records, though it sits within lands long recognized for geothermal activity by Indigenous peoples and later by park surveyors cataloging thermal features during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Visit during summer months when the East Entrance Road is reliably open and snow has cleared from the short access trail. Winter closures typically extend from November through April. The 269-meter walk from roadside parking requires sturdy footwear for uneven terrain. Threemile Campground, located 26 kilometers away just outside the park's east entrance, provides the nearest reservable overnight option.
Is Butte Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Butte Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
16°Jan
17°Feb
25°Mar
30°Apr
37°May
48°Jun
59°Jul
59°Aug
51°Sep
36°Oct
25°Nov
16°Dec
Annual Precip: 26.9 inAnnual Snow: 144.0 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 16°F · Water 187°F · +172° contrast
JanuaryAir 16°F · Water 187°F · +171° contrast
FebruaryAir 17°F · Water 187°F · +170° contrast
December offers 44°F more contrast than August
Nearby Camping
Threemile Campground16.0 mi away
Overview
Threemile Campground is located just three miles from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and 50 miles from the full service gateway community of Cody, in northwestern Wyoming. The area is an ideal destination for a family getaway, with many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hard-sided camp trailers and RVs are required.Recreation
Great opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing are available around the campground. The North Fork of the Sho...
Butte Springs has a water temperature of 187°F (86°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Butte Springs located?
Butte Springs is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 7,959 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.5210°N, 110.2750°W.
How do I get to Butte Springs?
Butte Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being East Entrance Road (0.2 mi from the road).
Is Butte Springs free to visit?
Butte Springs has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Butte Springs?
Yes, Threemile Campground is located nearby (16.0 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Butte Springs?
The water at Butte Springs reaches 187°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 Butte Springs crowded?
Butte Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Butte Springs?
Essentials for Butte 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.
