Gas Vent
Gas Vent occupies remote backcountry at 8,205 feet elevation in Yellowstone's wilderness interior, positioned 6.4 miles from the Norris-Canyon Road and accessible only to committed backcountry hikers willing to navigate unmarked terrain to this isolated thermal feature.
The spring emerges in Gallatin County between the Norris and Canyon areas across heavily forested terrain dominated by lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce. At this elevation, the environment experiences harsh conditions with average temperatures of 33 degrees Fahrenheit and 145 inches of annual snow that persists through June. The thermal feature creates a small clearing in otherwise dense forest, with steam visible above the canopy in cold weather. The area sits far from major thermal basins in a landscape of rolling volcanic terrain cut by small streams.
Documentation on this isolated feature remains limited beyond its inclusion in comprehensive park thermal inventories. The generic 'Gas Vent' name reflects field classification during systematic surveys rather than historical or cultural naming. The National Park Service maintains the area as protected wilderness without trails or visitor facilities, preserving it in completely unmodified natural condition.
Accessing this spring requires extensive backcountry navigation skills and appropriate permits from park rangers. Plan for a minimum 13-mile round-trip hike across unmarked terrain, possible only from July through September after snowmelt. Carry topographic maps, compass, and GPS as no trails exist. Grizzly bears are common in this area; proper food storage and bear spray are mandatory. Indian Creek Campground at 32 kilometers provides the nearest developed camping, though backcountry campsites may be more practical.
Is Gas Vent worth visiting?
Best for
- Backpacking adventures
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Day trips with young children
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...