190°F7,728 ftOpenRoadsideNational Park ServiceCamping nearby (18.2 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 190°F, the source water at Sulphur Caldron 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
Sulphur Caldron boils at 190°F just 31 meters from the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park, making it one of the park's most accessible superheated features. At 7,728 feet elevation, the caldron runs 156 degrees above the ambient temperature of 34°F in this permanently protected National Park Service wilderness.
The caldron sits in Gallatin County's harsh high-elevation terrain where annual snowfall reaches 125 inches and precipitation totals 26 inches yearly. The immediate landscape consists of thermal ground with acidic runoff channels carved through mineral deposits, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest characteristic of Yellowstone's plateau. The Grand Loop Road provides the dominant human element in an otherwise wild setting dominated by geothermal activity and severe alpine weather patterns.
History of Sulphur Caldron
The name references the sulfurous compounds that give the feature its distinctive chemistry and acrid smell. The caldron has been a documented Yellowstone thermal feature since the park's establishment in 1872, accessible to visitors via the Grand Loop Road system developed in the early 20th century. It remains in natural condition under National Park Service stewardship.
Visit between June and September when the Grand Loop Road is reliably open; winter access requires snowcoaches or skis. The caldron is visible directly from a roadside pullout, requiring no hiking. Expect cold temperatures even in summer at this elevation. Combine with nearby Mud Volcano area features. Stay on boardwalks; thermal ground is unstable and dangerous.
Is Sulphur Caldron 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
Sulphur Caldron is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
15°Jan
17°Feb
25°Mar
30°Apr
37°May
48°Jun
59°Jul
58°Aug
50°Sep
34°Oct
23°Nov
14°Dec
Annual Precip: 25.9 inAnnual Snow: 125.5 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 14°F · Water 190°F · +176° contrast
JanuaryAir 15°F · Water 190°F · +175° contrast
FebruaryAir 17°F · Water 190°F · +173° contrast
December offers 45°F more contrast than July
Nearby Camping
Tower Fall Campground18.2 mi away
Overview
Tower Fall Campground—elevation 6,600 feet (2012 m)—is on the north side of the steep, winding, road to Dunraven Pass. The campground is near the Tower General Store and Tower Fall. The Lamar Valley, with spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, is nearby as are several Day Hikes in the Tower and Northeast Area. Roosevelt Lodge, a short drive from the campground, offers dining and horseback riding.
For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (F...
Sulphur Caldron has a water temperature of 190°F (88°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Sulphur Caldron located?
Sulphur Caldron is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 7,728 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.6280°N, 110.4330°W.
How do I get to Sulphur Caldron?
Sulphur Caldron has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Grand Loop Road (102 ft from the road).
Is Sulphur Caldron free to visit?
Sulphur Caldron has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Sulphur Caldron?
Yes, Tower Fall Campground is located nearby (18.2 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Sulphur Caldron?
The water at Sulphur Caldron reaches 190°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 Sulphur Caldron crowded?
Sulphur Caldron 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 Sulphur Caldron?
Essentials for Sulphur Caldron: 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.
