Washburn Hot Springs
Washburn Hot Springs emerges at 196°F on Mount Washburn's flanks in Yellowstone National Park, creating one of the park's most intensely hot thermal features at 8,248 feet elevation. The spring flows 164 degrees above ambient temperature in an environment where average annual temperatures barely reach 32°F. Located 2,039 meters from Grand Loop Road, the spring requires a hike to reach through Yellowstone's backcountry.
The spring sits at 8,248 feet elevation on the slopes of Mount Washburn, a 10,243-foot peak in Yellowstone's central volcanic complex. The surrounding landscape consists of subalpine forests transitioning to alpine tundra at higher elevations, with sweeping views across the Yellowstone caldera. The area receives 27 inches of annual precipitation with 133 inches of snow accumulation, supporting whitebark pine and Engelmann spruce at treeline. The spring emerges in open thermal ground where extreme heat prevents vegetation growth, with steaming vents visible from considerable distance.
The spring takes its name from Henry D. Washburn, Surveyor General of Montana Territory and leader of the 1870 Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition that explored Yellowstone. The expedition's reports helped drive creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872. Mount Washburn became a prominent landmark during early park exploration, with the thermal features on its slopes documented in USGS surveys beginning in the 1870s. The spring remains in its natural state under permanent National Park Service protection.
Plan for a moderate hike exceeding one mile from Grand Loop Road, requiring good physical conditioning at this elevation. Visit during July-September when snow has melted from high-elevation trails. The extreme water temperature of 196°F is dangerous; maintain safe distances from thermal features. Tower Fall Campground offers reservable sites 14 kilometers away. Bring layers for rapid weather changes and afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Backcountry travel requires signing in at trailhead registers.
Is Washburn Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
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...