Hot Springs
Hot springs flow at 7,535 feet elevation in Yellowstone National Park's interior, situated 8.1 kilometers from Firehole Lake Drive. These backcountry thermal features are classified as hot in historical survey records but lack specific temperature data. The springs sit in remote terrain in Gallatin County requiring extensive off-trail hiking to reach.
The springs emerge in the Firehole River drainage basin at 7,535 feet elevation, within the central Yellowstone volcanic plateau. The area experiences average annual temperatures of 35.2 degrees Fahrenheit, 28.6 inches of precipitation, and 145.2 inches of snow. Lodgepole pine forest blankets the landscape, broken by thermal clearings and meadows. The Firehole River system drains numerous thermal features, making it one of Yellowstone's warmest major streams. Thermal runoff channels support specialized bacterial communities and heat-adapted vegetation, while the surrounding forest provides typical subalpine habitat. The underlying geology demonstrates the caldera's extensive geothermal plumbing that feeds thousands of thermal features.
Historical records for these specific springs are sparse. The features appear in systematic geothermal catalogs but lack detailed documentation common to major thermal basins. The Firehole region was well-known to early Yellowstone explorers due to the concentration of geysers and springs, though not every individual feature received thorough study. The area became part of the national park in 1872 and has maintained protected status since, with the thermal features remaining in natural condition.
This backcountry location requires solid wilderness skills and is appropriate only for experienced hikers. Obtain required backcountry permits from park offices before attempting the five-mile approach. Carry topographic maps, compass, and GPS for navigation through dense lodgepole forest with limited visibility. Visit July through September when snow permits passage; prepare for cool conditions even in summer at this elevation. Pack bear-resistant food storage as the Firehole drainage supports significant grizzly bear activity. Indian Creek Campground 35.2 kilometers north offers developed camping with reservations required. The remote location means complete self-sufficiency is essential; no facilities or services exist in the backcountry.
Is Hot Springs 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...