Hot Springs
This warm spring emerges at 7,948 feet elevation in Yellowstone's northeastern wilderness, 11.5 miles from Northeast Entrance Road. Classified as warm rather than hot, it occupies some of the park's most remote terrain. The thermal feature sits in Carbon County near the Montana border, managed by the National Park Service.
Located in Yellowstone's backcountry at nearly 8,000 feet elevation, the spring occupies alpine terrain where harsh climate conditions prevail year-round. Annual snowfall exceeds 165 inches, while average temperatures reach just 34.2°F. The surrounding landscape features high-elevation forests and meadows in a region receiving 29.3 inches of annual precipitation. The nearest road access lies more than eleven miles distant through rugged wilderness.
Records provide limited historical context for this thermal feature beyond its inclusion in systematic thermal inventories. The generic name reflects survey documentation rather than Indigenous or settler traditions. Its extreme remoteness likely prevented historical use or development, preserving the spring in its natural state since park establishment.
This spring requires expedition-level planning with multi-day backcountry permits and expert navigation abilities. Late summer provides the only viable access window due to extreme snow accumulation. Threemile Campground on the Shoshone National Forest, 27.2 km away near the park's east entrance, offers the nearest camping infrastructure. Complete self-sufficiency is mandatory.
Is Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Backpacking adventures
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Day trips with young children
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...