198°F7,816 ftOpenRoadsideNational Park ServiceCamping nearby (17.2 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 198°F, the source water at Steamboat 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.
File:Forest Fire At Yellowstone Park - panoramio.jpg — cc by-sa 3.0
Steamboat Springs erupts at 198 degrees Fahrenheit just 12 meters from the East Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park at 7,816 feet elevation, running 162 degrees above the 35-degree annual average temperature in this high-elevation roadside thermal feature.
The spring occupies volcanic terrain along Yellowstone's eastern boundary where the road climbs from the North Fork Shoshone River canyon onto the Yellowstone Plateau. At 7,816 feet in subalpine forest, the location receives 27 inches of precipitation and 144 inches of snowfall annually, creating deep winter accumulations that persist into June. Lodgepole pine forest surrounds the thermal feature, with thermally-altered ground supporting heat-tolerant vegetation. The East Entrance Road corridor marks the transition from the Absaroka Range outside the park to the volcanic plateau within park boundaries.
History of Steamboat Springs
The name derives from the rhythmic thermal pulses characteristic of the feature, suggesting early visitors' comparison to steamboat sounds. The springs exist along the park's eastern thermal zone where hot water ascends through fracture systems in Yellowstone's volcanic bedrock. Current status maintains roadside access with protective barriers preventing thermal ground damage while allowing viewing from the road corridor.
Visit mid-May through October as the East Entrance Road typically opens in early May and closes with heavy snowfall. Early season visits encounter snowbanks into June. The roadside location permits stops without hiking, though altitude causes rapid exertion fatigue. Threemile Campground outside the east entrance provides the closest developed camping 28 kilometers east, requiring hard-sided units in grizzly country. Plan early morning or evening stops to avoid midday tour bus traffic.
Is Steamboat 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
Steamboat Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
16°Jan
17°Feb
25°Mar
30°Apr
38°May
49°Jun
59°Jul
60°Aug
51°Sep
37°Oct
26°Nov
16°Dec
Annual Precip: 26.9 inAnnual Snow: 144.0 in
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryAir 16°F · Water 198°F · +182° contrast
DecemberAir 16°F · Water 198°F · +182° contrast
FebruaryAir 17°F · Water 198°F · +181° contrast
January offers 44°F more contrast than August
Nearby Camping
Threemile Campground17.2 mi away
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...
What is the water temperature at Steamboat Springs?
Steamboat Springs has a water temperature of 198°F (92°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Steamboat Springs located?
Steamboat Springs is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 7,816 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.5300°N, 110.2970°W.
How do I get to Steamboat Springs?
Steamboat Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being East Entrance Road (38 ft from the road).
Is Steamboat Springs free to visit?
Steamboat Springs has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Steamboat Springs?
Yes, Threemile Campground is located nearby (17.2 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Steamboat Springs?
The water at Steamboat Springs reaches 198°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 Steamboat Springs crowded?
Steamboat 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 Steamboat Springs?
Essentials for Steamboat 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.
