163°F6,589 ftOpenRoadsideNational Park ServiceCamping nearby (0.9 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 163°F, the source water at Mammoth Hot 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.
Image via Wikidata
Mammoth Hot Springs discharges at 163 degrees Fahrenheit just 6 meters from Upper Terrace Drive at 6,589 feet elevation, depositing over two tons of calcium carbonate daily to build massive travertine terraces. The water runs 126 degrees above the 36.5-degree ambient temperature.
The spring complex sprawls across a prominent travertine hillside adjacent to Fort Yellowstone and the historic district. The terraced formations display white, orange, and brown mineral deposits created by millennia of calcium carbonate precipitation. The site receives 110 inches of annual snow and 24 inches of total precipitation.
History of Mammoth Hot Springs
The feature has drawn human attention for thousands of years, with Indigenous use documented before the park's 1872 establishment. Fort Yellowstone, built beginning in 1886, provided U.S. Army administration until the National Park Service assumed management in 1918. The spring complex remains one of Yellowstone's signature attractions.
Visit year-round, though winter brings severe cold and snow. Boardwalks provide wheelchair-accessible viewing of active terraces. Mammoth Campground, 1.4 kilometers away, offers the nearest established camping with reservations required. The developed site includes visitor center, lodging, and dining within walking distance.
Is Mammoth Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Easy day trips
Overnight camping trips
Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Mammoth Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
16°Jan
19°Feb
27°Mar
33°Apr
41°May
53°Jun
63°Jul
61°Aug
52°Sep
36°Oct
23°Nov
14°Dec
Annual Precip: 24.1 inAnnual Snow: 110.2 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 14°F · Water 163°F · +149° contrast
JanuaryAir 16°F · Water 163°F · +147° contrast
FebruaryAir 19°F · Water 163°F · +144° contrast
December offers 49°F more contrast than July
Nearby Camping
Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone)0.9 mi away
Overview
Starting Tuesday April 15th, the Mammoth Campground is open and reservations are required.
For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, and Grant Village campgrounds), please visit the Yellowstone National Park Lodges Camping website.
Recreation
There are many recreational opportunities in the Mammoth Hot Springs and the North area. Visit these pages to learn more:Boating Fishing Hiking Phot...
What is the water temperature at Mammoth Hot Springs?
Mammoth Hot Springs has a water temperature of 163°F (73°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Mammoth Hot Springs located?
Mammoth Hot Springs is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 6,589 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.9670°N, 110.7080°W.
How do I get to Mammoth Hot Springs?
Mammoth Hot Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Upper Terrace Drive (20 ft from the road).
Is Mammoth Hot Springs free to visit?
Mammoth Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Mammoth Hot Springs?
Yes, Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone) is located nearby (0.9 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Mammoth Hot Springs?
The water at Mammoth Hot Springs reaches 163°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 Mammoth Hot Springs crowded?
Mammoth Hot Springs is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Mammoth Hot Springs?
Essentials for Mammoth Hot 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.
