Unnamed Thermal Spring
This unnamed thermal feature reaches 199°F in Yellowstone's Lower Geyser Basin, approaching boiling temperature at 7,214 feet elevation. Located 157 meters from Grand Loop Road with open public access under National Park Service management, the spring runs 163 degrees above the 36°F ambient temperature in this high-elevation geothermal zone.
The spring sits within Lower Geyser Basin's expansive hydrothermal landscape at 7,214 feet, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest and the characteristic white silica deposits of Yellowstone's thermal features. The terrain consists of flat to gently rolling ground with scattered thermal vents and runoff channels. Annual snowfall averages 141 inches, burying the area under deep snow from November through April. Grand Loop Road provides the primary access corridor through this section of the park, with the spring positioned within a short walk of paved parking areas.
The spring remains unnamed in the 1980 NOAA catalog, indicating it was among the thousands of thermal features documented during comprehensive geothermal surveys of Yellowstone. The Lower Geyser Basin has been known since the park's establishment in 1872, with extensive geothermal activity documented by early scientific expeditions. The National Park Service maintains the area in its natural state under permanent federal protection, with no development history beyond visitor infrastructure.
Visit between late May and September when roads and boardwalks are fully accessible. Expect subfreezing temperatures and heavy snow outside summer months. Stay on designated trails and boardwalks; thermal ground is unstable and water temperatures cause severe burns. Combine with visits to other Lower Geyser Basin features accessible from Grand Loop Road. The nearest developed camping is 36 kilometers away at Big Springs Group Area in Island Park, Idaho.
Is this spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
Overview Big Springs Group Area is located 22 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana in beautiful Island Park, Idaho at an approximate elevation of 6,300 feet. Visitors love Island Park for its world-class fishing and outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.Recreation Big Springs is the headwaters of Henry's Fork and is one of the largest springs in the country. Henry's Fork is considered one of the best fly-fishing streams in the nation. Fishermen cast for rainbow and brook...