Amphitheater Springs

Gallatin County, Wyoming · Near West Yellowstone
44.7970°N, 110.7250°W · 7,540 ft
196°F 44°F air · Good soaking weather 7,540 ft Open Short Walk National Park Service Camping nearby (6.2 mi)
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 196°F, the source water at Amphitheater 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.

Amphitheater Springs is a group of near-boiling springs in Yellowstone National Park, about six miles from West Yellowstone as the record measures it. The water is scalding. This is a thermal feature inside a national park, something to look at from a distance. Access is listed open. The USGS sampled it in 2007 and found it mildly acidic.

Location

Inside the park at high elevation, a third of a mile or so on foot from a road whose name is not recorded. Cold country. The average temperature sits in the mid thirties. Winter snow goes deep, with moderate precipitation overall. About six miles away, Indian Creek Campground is the closest place to camp that is listed.

December through February rank highest. The water scalds. National park rules govern the site and no fee specific to the spring is listed. The chemistry on file is from a 2007 sample.

History of Amphitheater Springs

The USGS keeps a thermal monitoring site here and sampled the water in September 2007.

Monthly Climate
15°
Jan
17°
Feb
25°
Mar
30°
Apr
39°
May
50°
Jun
61°
Jul
59°
Aug
50°
Sep
34°
Oct
22°
Nov
14°
Dec
Annual Precip: 27.7 in Annual Snow: 138.2 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 14°F · Water 196°F · +182° contrast
January Air 15°F · Water 196°F · +181° contrast
February Air 17°F · Water 196°F · +179° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
44°F
SW 7.2 mph 73% Good soaking weather
Sunday 63° Low 38° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +133° warmer
Monday 51° Low 28° Sunny 9% precip
Spring is +145° warmer
Tuesday 59° Low 26° Sunny
Spring is +137° warmer
Wednesday 60° Low 31° Sunny 5% precip
Spring is +136° warmer
Thursday 61° Low 30° Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 34% precip
Spring is +135° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 2007-09-18

The water at Amphitheater Springs is slightly acidic (pH 6.0).

pH 6.0 Slightly Acidic
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 5 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 1 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 5 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 2 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 1 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Indian Creek Campground (Wy) 6.2 mi away

Overview Located about eight miles (13 km) south of Mammoth Hot Springs on the road to Norris, Indian Creek Campground—elevation 7,300 feet (2225 m)—sits near the base of the Gallatin Mountains and offers breathtaking views of Electric Peak. The area offers easy access to fishing and hiking. The campground is away from the main road and provides a quieter, more primitive, experience than many other locations.  For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fi...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 7,540 ft

Amphitheater Springs sits at 7,540 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 30% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
196°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 196°F (91°C)
Avg Air Temp 35°F
Above Ambient +161°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.3 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency National Park Service
Designation National Park
Unit Yellowstone National Park
Manager National Park Service
Protection 1 - Permanent protection, natural state
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Amphitheater Springs?
Amphitheater Springs has a water temperature of 196°F (91°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Amphitheater Springs located?
Amphitheater Springs is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 7,540 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.7970°N, 110.7250°W.
How do I get to Amphitheater Springs?
Amphitheater Springs has Short Walk road access (0.3 mi from the road).
Is Amphitheater Springs free to visit?
Amphitheater Springs has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Amphitheater Springs?
Yes, Indian Creek Campground (Wy) is located nearby (6.2 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Amphitheater Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 6.0 (slightly acidic).
Is it safe to soak at Amphitheater Springs?
No, not at the source. The water at Amphitheater Springs reaches 196°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.
Sources: USGS NWIS