Dangerously Hot — Not Safe for Soaking
Calcite Springs reaches 201°F, far above safe soaking levels. Contact with this water will cause severe burns. Look for cooled downstream pools or view from a safe distance only.
Image via Wikidata
Calcite Springs emerges at 201 degrees Fahrenheit along the walls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, where superheated water heats 163.5 degrees above ambient temperatures. Located at 6,305 feet elevation and 574 meters from the Northeast Entrance Road, this thermal system requires a short walk to reach viewing areas overlooking the canyon's northern reaches.
The springs flow from steep canyon walls carved by the Yellowstone River, where thermal vents stain the rock face with mineral deposits that inspired the feature's name. At this elevation, the terrain receives 26.5 inches of precipitation and 127 inches of snow annually. The surrounding landscape transitions between lodgepole pine forest and open thermal zones, with the Lamar Valley's wildlife-rich grasslands extending to the northeast.
History of Calcite Springs
Documentation of these springs dates to early Yellowstone surveys, when geologists cataloging the park's thermal features noted the calcite and other carbonate minerals precipitating from the hot waters. The springs have remained in a relatively stable state since systematic observations began in the 1870s, with no recorded major eruption or significant flow changes in modern records.
Tower Fall Campground, just 2.1 kilometers away, provides the closest reservable camping with access to wildlife viewing in the nearby Lamar Valley. The short walk to viewing areas requires attention to trail conditions, which can be muddy or icy depending on season. Visit May through September for optimal road access and trail conditions; winter brings deep snow and road closures to this section of the park.
Is Calcite Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Viewing dramatic geothermal features
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Calcite Springs is best appreciated as a dramatic geothermal feature rather than a place to soak.
Annual Precip: 26.5 in
Annual Snow: 126.6 in
December
Air 16°F · Water 201°F · +185° contrast
January
Air 17°F · Water 201°F · +184° contrast
February
Air 20°F · Water 201°F · +181° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
Overview
Tower Fall Campground—elevation 6,600 feet (2012 m)—is on the north side of the steep, winding, road to Dunraven Pass. The campground is near the Tower General Store and Tower Fall. The Lamar Valley, with spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, is nearby as are several Day Hikes in the Tower and Northeast Area. Roosevelt Lodge, a short drive from the campground, offers dining and horseback riding.
For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (F...
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Warm layers
Cold air before and after soaking
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Tower Fall Campground
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
Water shoes
Hot ground near source
18 miles from West Yellowstone, WY
USGS Quad: TOWER JUNCTION 15 · PP 492: 65.0 · Circ 790: 215.0 · NOAA: 3.0 · AMS Map: ASHTON
What is the water temperature at Calcite Springs?
Calcite Springs has a water temperature of 201°F (94°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Calcite Springs located?
Calcite Springs is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 6,305 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.9080°N, 110.3930°W.
How do I get to Calcite Springs?
Calcite Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Northeast Entrance Road (0.4 mi from the road).
Is Calcite Springs free to visit?
Calcite Springs has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Calcite Springs?
Yes, Tower Fall Campground is located nearby (1.3 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Calcite Springs?
The water at Calcite Springs reaches 201°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 Calcite Springs crowded?
Calcite Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Calcite Springs?
Essentials for Calcite 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.