192°F7,340 ftOpenShort WalkNational Park ServiceCamping nearby (22.7 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 192°F, the source water at Five Sisters 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:A-0 Geyser eruption (11-13-11-14 AM, 8 August 2015) 1 (22090401842).jpg — cc by 2.0
Five Sisters Springs flows at 192 degrees Fahrenheit in Yellowstone's Lower Geyser Basin, accessible via a third-mile walk from Firehole Lake Drive and named for its multiple closely-spaced vents that suggest familial clustering.
The spring complex emerges at 7,340 feet elevation in Gallatin County along Firehole Lake Drive, one of the park's scenic side roads. The thermal feature sits amid the vast Lower Geyser Basin, where geyserite deposits and thermophilic microbial mats create colorful bands around runoff channels. Lodgepole pine forests surround the basin margins while steam vents and hot springs dot the flats. Annual snowfall of 141 inches blankets the landscape from November through May, with average temperatures of 36 degrees Fahrenheit producing dramatic winter steam displays.
History of Five Sisters Springs
The name references the spring's multiple vents, though specific naming history remains undocumented in park records. The Lower Geyser Basin saw early exploration during the 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition and the 1871 Hayden Survey, which helped establish the case for park creation. The National Park Service has managed the feature since 1916 under permanent natural protection status.
Access the spring from Firehole Lake Drive, typically open June through October depending on snowpack. The short walk crosses boardwalks and packed trails suitable for most visitors. Mornings provide better lighting for photography and fewer crowds. Bring layers as temperatures can swing 40 degrees between morning and afternoon. Winter road closures make the area accessible only by snowmobile or cross-country skis with permit.
Is Five Sisters Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Five Sisters Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
16°Jan
18°Feb
26°Mar
31°Apr
39°May
51°Jun
62°Jul
61°Aug
51°Sep
35°Oct
23°Nov
14°Dec
Annual Precip: 28.2 inAnnual Snow: 140.9 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 14°F · Water 192°F · +178° contrast
JanuaryAir 16°F · Water 192°F · +176° contrast
FebruaryAir 18°F · Water 192°F · +174° contrast
December offers 48°F more contrast than July
Nearby Camping
Big Springs Grp. Area Island Park22.7 mi away
Overview
Big Springs Group Area is located 22 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana in beautiful Island Park, Idaho at an approximate elevation of 6,300 feet. Visitors love Island Park for its world-class fishing and outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.Recreation
Big Springs is the headwaters of Henry's Fork and is one of the largest springs in the country. Henry's Fork is considered one of the best fly-fishing streams in the nation. Fishermen cast for rainbow and brook...
What is the water temperature at Five Sisters Springs?
Five Sisters Springs has a water temperature of 192°F (89°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Five Sisters Springs located?
Five Sisters Springs is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 7,340 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.5320°N, 110.7960°W.
How do I get to Five Sisters Springs?
Five Sisters Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Firehole Lake Drive (0.3 mi from the road).
Is Five Sisters Springs free to visit?
Five Sisters Springs has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Five Sisters Springs?
Yes, Big Springs Grp. Area Island Park is located nearby (22.7 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Five Sisters Springs?
The water at Five Sisters Springs reaches 192°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 Five Sisters Springs crowded?
Five Sisters Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Five Sisters Springs?
Essentials for Five Sisters 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.
