158°F7,520 ftOpenRoadsideNational Park ServiceCamping nearby (9.3 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 158°F, the source water at Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring 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:Cold twin lake - panoramio.jpg — cc by 3.0
Roadside Springs, also known as Frying Pan Spring, flows at 158 degrees Fahrenheit—123 degrees above ambient—virtually beside Grand Loop Road at 7,520 feet elevation in Yellowstone. The spring sits just 44 meters from pavement, making it one of the park's most accessible thermal features. Recent USGS sampling documented acidic conditions with pH of 4.7 and low dissolved mineral content at 3.81 mg/L calcium and 4.02 mg/L sodium.
The spring emerges in roadside thermal terrain at moderate elevation along Yellowstone's Grand Loop Road, surrounded by acidic thermal soils and sparse vegetation adapted to low-pH runoff. The setting receives 27 inches of annual precipitation with 136 inches of snowfall, creating harsh winter conditions typical of the park's interior. The spring lies within Gallatin County between Norris and Mammoth Hot Springs, in terrain where hydrothermal features cluster along the road corridor. OpenStreetMap identifies the feature as Roadside Spring East, suggesting multiple springs in the immediate vicinity with distinct discharge points.
History of Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring
The "Frying Pan" name likely references the spring's bubbling or steaming appearance reminiscent of a cooking pan, a common naming convention for Yellowstone thermal features observed by early visitors and park rangers. Documentation appears in systematic geothermal surveys preceding the 1980 NOAA publication. The spring's roadside location meant early automobile tourists could observe it without leaving their vehicles. National Park Service maintains the feature in natural state with minimal infrastructure beyond parking pullouts along the Grand Loop Road.
Visit from May through October when Grand Loop Road is open, with June through September providing optimal conditions. Park entrance fees apply. The 44-meter distance allows viewing from roadside pullouts without hiking, but visitors must stay on designated paths—thermal ground is unstable. The 158-degree temperature and acidic pH of 4.7 prohibit any contact. Indian Creek Campground lies 15 kilometers away with reservations required and views of Electric Peak. Bring layers for variable weather and combine with Norris Geyser Basin visits along the same road corridor.
Is Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring 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
Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
15°Jan
17°Feb
25°Mar
30°Apr
39°May
50°Jun
61°Jul
59°Aug
50°Sep
34°Oct
22°Nov
13°Dec
Annual Precip: 27.4 inAnnual Snow: 136.7 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 13°F · Water 158°F · +145° contrast
JanuaryAir 15°F · Water 158°F · +143° contrast
FebruaryAir 17°F · Water 158°F · +141° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
56.7°F
(13.7°C)Measured Jun 03, 2006
Water ChemistrySampled 2006-06-03
The water at Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring is acidic (pH 4.7).
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...
What is the water temperature at Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring?
Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring has a water temperature of 158°F (70°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring located?
Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 7,520 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.7530°N, 110.7240°W.
How do I get to Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring?
Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Grand Loop Road (144 ft from the road).
Is Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring free to visit?
Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring?
Yes, Indian Creek Campground (Wy) is located nearby (9.3 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 4.7 (acidic).
Is it safe to soak at Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring?
The water at Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring reaches 158°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 Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring crowded?
Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring 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 Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring?
Essentials for Roadside Springs, Frying Pan Spring: 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.
