Can You Swim in Mammoth Hot Springs? (Things You Need to Know Before Visiting)

Ever caught yourself gazing into those steaming pools at Mammoth Hot Springs and wondered, “Can I swim in that?” I’ve visited Yellowstone National Park on 7 different occasions and have been lucky to see this natural wonder multiple times in person.

Mammoth Hot Springs is often listed as one of the top “places you should see in Yellowstone for first-time visitors”. The striking geological features found here stand out as one of the park’s most unique attractions.

BUT, before you pack your swimsuit, I’m here to tell you if you can turn this geological marvel into your own personal hot tub. Let’s dive in!

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Where is Mammoth Hot Springs Located?

Mammoth Hot Springs is situated in the tippy-top region of Yellowstone National Park, just 5 miles south of the north entrance (open year-round). It’s essentially the northernmost area in the park you can visit before you enter the state of Montana.

So you’ll need a car to visit this area (enjoy a driving audio guide along the way) or take a sightseeing tour that takes care of all the logistics for you.

Distance to other popular landmarks in YNP from Mammoth Hot Springs:

• Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Geyser Basin — 21 mi (1 hr drive)
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Grand Prismatic Spring — 44 mi (1 hr 15 min drive)
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful — 51 mi (1 hr 23 min drive)
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — 40 mi (>1 hr drive)
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Roosevelt Arch — 5 mi (20 min drive)
• Mammoth Hot Springs to Lamar Valley — 33 mi (>1 hr drive)

Can You Swim in Mammoth Hot Springs?

Let’s get right to it. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a big NO. The average temperatures of Mammoth Hot Springs hover around 160°F. For reference, popular hot springs near Santa Fe, NM that you can swim in are between 98 and 105°F.

In order words, the water is BOILING hot! So don’t be one of those individuals who ignore the warning signs and dip their finger in to “test” just how hot it really is (yes, people have done this before…and let’s just say it did not end well).

The same goes for other popular sights across Yellowstone National Park, like Grand Prismatic Spring, Norris Geyser Basin, and Old Faithful.

It’s best to observe these hot springs at a distance! Please stay on the marked trails and wooden boardwalks for your safety.

I know, I know. This could be disappointing news if you are like me and want to enjoy a nice soak in natural hot springs. But, trust me, just because you can’t swim in Mammoth Hot Springs doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. It’s definitely a sight to see!

If you do want to soak in natural, mineral-rich waters during your trip that won’t burn your skin right off, I would recommend Yellowstone Hot Springs, located about 13 miles north of Mammoth, or Astoria Hot Springs and Granite Hot Springs in Jackson Hole.

Map of Mammoth Hot Springs (Yellowstone)

Mammoth Hot Springs is divided into two main areas: Lower Terrace and Upper Terrace, with over 50 hot springs that lie within.* The most popular sights are highlighted below:

• Main Terrace: The Main Terrace features a series of stepped, terraced formations, each marked by distinct mineral deposits.
• Minerva Terrace: One of the most photographed spots in Mammoth Hot Springs, Minerva Terrace is a prime example of the ever-changing landscape. It has transitioned from dry to wet and back to dry, in the last century.
• Palette Spring: Palette Spring is a picture-worthy display of orange, white, and pink hues, with mineral-rich waters cascading down the travertine terraces.
• Liberty Cap: Liberty Cap stands as a unique geological feature—a dormant 37-foot tall hot spring cone. Its cone-shaped structure is named after the peaked knit caps worn in the French Revolution.

*If you only have time to explore one of the two, I would suggest the Lower Terrace.

How was Mammoth Hot Springs Formed?

Picture the scene: centuries ago, deep beneath the Earth’s surface, a bustling cauldron of geothermal activity was cooking up something extraordinary.

It started with underground water, added by a generous serving of heat from the Earth’s interior, and mixed in with dissolved limestone. Let this concoction bubble and percolate through the rock layers, dissolving minerals along the way.

As this mineral-rich elixir made its way to the surface, it encountered a unique transformation. The hot acidic solution met the cooler air and the dissolved minerals solidified and started to form the terraces we now know as Mammoth Hot Springs.

Think of it as nature’s art studio, with each terrace a unique brushstroke on a canvas painted by time and the Earth’s subterranean creativity. So, Mammoth Hot Springs wasn’t born in a day; it’s the result of an epic collaboration between time, heat, and a touch of geological magic. And it’s constantly changing still to this day!

Hotels near Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is also the name of the adjacent town, officially known as the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District. It’s also where Yellowstone’s headquarters are located.

The town itself is small and quaint with a just visitor center, post office, clinic, gas station, chapel, and 1 hotel—Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins (⭐️8.2/10).

This historic hotel is one of two hotels inside Yellowstone National Park that is open during the winter. It just recently re-opened in the summer of 2023 after the 2022 flood.

P.S. Did I mention the elk casually strolling around town? There are a TON of them that love to just hang out as if they were one of the locals. This reason alone makes Mammoth Hot Springs one of my favorite areas in the entire national park.

If the town of Mammoth Hot Springs is maybe a little too “quaint” for you, I would try Gardiner, Montana, located approximately 5.5 miles away or a short 15-minute drive.

Short on time? Use the interactive map below to input your dates and check availability for accommodations in Gardiner.

My favorite place to stay in Gardiner is Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel (⭐️9.5/10), located just north of downtown and 10 minutes from the north entrance of YNP. Highlights: Complimentary s’mores, beer, and wine for all guests every evening. Plus, the tipis and communal (private) bathrooms are all heated. AH, love this place!

READ MORE: WHERE TO STAY NEAR GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

Additional FAQs

Have more questions about Mammoth Hot Springs? Here you’ll find answers to additional frequently asked questions below.

Is Mammoth Hot Springs free?

Yes, entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park is included in the park admission fee ($35 per vehicle). Note: Entrance fees may vary based on the vehicle type and the length of stay in the park. Free parking is also provided on-site.

How long do you need at Mammoth Hot Springs?

A typical visit might range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on if you take time to explore both the upper and lower terraces. The lower terrace consists of a boardwalk hiking path that totals 1.75 miles (2.8 kilometers). You can then walk from the lower to the upper terrace, but it requires several hundred [steep] stairs.

The other option is to drive the short, one-way 0.8-mile loop circling the upper terrace. Or you can choose to park at the top and explore this area on foot.

Is it worth going to Mammoth Hot Springs?

Definitely! In my initial trips to Yellowstone National Park, I spent my time exploring attractions further south, such as Old Faithful and Canyon Village. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I ventured up to Mammoth Hot Springs. While it’s a bit north, especially if you’re flying into Jackson Hole Airport, the drive is worthwhile. It’s such a unique landmark and you are practically guaranteed to see wildlife in Mammoth.

What is the best time of day to visit Mammoth Hot Springs?

Any time of day is a good time to visit Mammoth Hot Springs, but for a less crowded experience, consider going in the morning (before 10 AM) or later in the evening (after 5 PM) to avoid a ton of other tourists on the boardwalk.

Tip: Summertime (July-August) is particularly warm, so remember to bring water to stay hydrated. You can try to beat the summer heat by planning your visit outside the afternoon hours. Plus, your pictures will turn out better!

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, despite “hot springs” being in its name, Mammoth Hot Springs is not a place you can go for a swim. It’s actually illegal due to its geothermal nature.

Despite the no-swimming policy, the site offers a unique landscape with its terraces and mineral-rich formations. So, take a stroll, and enjoy this incredible natural wonder that you won’t find anywhere else in Yellowstone National Park.