194°F7,805 ftOpenShort WalkNational Park ServiceCamping nearby (17.0 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 194°F, the source water at Sulphur 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
Sulphur Spring, also known as Crater Hills Geyser, reaches 194°F in Yellowstone's Hayden Valley at 7,805 feet elevation, requiring a 1.4-kilometer walk from the Grand Loop Road. The feature functions as both spring and geyser with documented vent temperatures of 192°F, running 160 degrees above the ambient air temperature.
Located in the Crater Hills area of Hayden Valley, the spring sits in open sagebrush and grassland roughly one mile west of the Grand Loop Road. The valley floor provides expansive views of surrounding mountains and serves as prime wildlife habitat for bison, elk, and grizzly bears. Thermal runoff creates mineral-stained channels through the valley grasses, and the elevation supports a climate with 126 inches of annual snowfall and 26 inches of precipitation.
History of Sulphur Springs
The Crater Hills thermal area has been documented since early Yellowstone explorations in the 1870s. The sulfur name reflects the chemical signature common to many Yellowstone thermal features. The area remains undeveloped under National Park Service management, with the spring functioning in its natural geothermal cycle as it has for thousands of years.
Access requires a cross-country walk through bear habitat; carry bear spray and make noise. Summer and early fall offer the best conditions when valley grasses are dry and wildlife viewing is excellent. The spring sits in an area without maintained trails, so strong navigation skills are essential. Check with park rangers about current bear activity before venturing into Hayden Valley backcountry.
Is Sulphur Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Sulphur Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
15°Jan
17°Feb
25°Mar
30°Apr
38°May
48°Jun
59°Jul
58°Aug
49°Sep
34°Oct
22°Nov
13°Dec
Annual Precip: 25.9 inAnnual Snow: 125.5 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 13°F · Water 194°F · +181° contrast
JanuaryAir 15°F · Water 194°F · +179° contrast
FebruaryAir 17°F · Water 194°F · +177° contrast
December offers 46°F more contrast than July
Nearby Camping
Tower Fall Campground17.0 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 Springs has a water temperature of 194°F (89°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Sulphur Springs located?
Sulphur Springs is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 7,805 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.6530°N, 110.4820°W.
How do I get to Sulphur Springs?
Sulphur Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Grand Loop Road (0.9 mi from the road).
Is Sulphur Springs free to visit?
Sulphur Springs has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Sulphur Springs?
Yes, Tower Fall Campground is located nearby (17.0 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Sulphur Springs?
The water at Sulphur Springs reaches 194°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 Springs crowded?
Sulphur Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Sulphur Springs?
Essentials for Sulphur 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.
