Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring

Also known as: Hot Lake
Gallatin County, Wyoming · Near West Yellowstone
44.5440°N, 110.7880°W · 7,360 ft
205°F 33°F air · Good soaking weather 7,360 ft Open Short Walk National Park Service Camping nearby (23.2 mi)
Dangerously Hot, Not Safe for Soaking

Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring reaches 205°F, far above safe soaking levels. Contact with this water will cause severe burns. Look for cooled downstream pools or view from a safe distance only.

Shelf Spring belongs to the Black Warrior Group of thermal features in Yellowstone National Park, about twelve miles from West Yellowstone. The reading on file is past two hundred degrees, scalding. OpenStreetMap labels the spot Hot Lake. Park Service land, open. Photo on file.

Location

Firehole Lake Drive passes within a few hundred feet, a short walk. High country inside the park, cold year round with heavy snow. The nearest campground on record is the Big Springs group area at Island Park, more than twenty miles off.

Winter months rate best. Water this hot will scald instantly. Stay where the park puts you. No fee is listed. No chemistry sampled, though a USGS site record exists.

History of Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring

Shelf Spring is the name it goes by inside the Black Warrior Group, while OpenStreetMap calls the same spot Hot Lake. The USGS keeps a site number on it.

Monthly Climate
16°
Jan
18°
Feb
26°
Mar
31°
Apr
39°
May
51°
Jun
62°
Jul
61°
Aug
51°
Sep
35°
Oct
23°
Nov
14°
Dec
Annual Precip: 28.2 in Annual Snow: 140.9 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 14°F · Water 205°F · +191° contrast
January Air 16°F · Water 205°F · +189° contrast
February Air 18°F · Water 205°F · +187° contrast
December offers 48°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
33°F
E 3.2 mph 100% Good soaking weather
Sunday 73° Low 40° Mostly Sunny 8% precip
Spring is +132° warmer
Labor Day 57° Low 41° Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Mostly Sunny 60% precip
Spring is +148° warmer
Tuesday 61° Low 32° Sunny 2% precip
Spring is +144° warmer
Wednesday 67° Low 31° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +138° warmer
Thursday 69° Low 37° Sunny
Spring is +136° warmer
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Big Springs Grp. Area Island Park 23.2 mi away

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...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 7,360 ft

Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring sits at 7,360 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 29% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
205°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 205°F (96°C)
Avg Air Temp 36°F
Above Ambient +169°F
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road Firehole Lake Drive
Distance to Road 346 ft
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 Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring?
Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring has a water temperature of 205°F (96°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring located?
Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 7,360 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.5440°N, 110.7880°W.
How do I get to Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring?
Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Firehole Lake Drive (346 ft from the road).
Is Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring free to visit?
Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring?
Yes, Big Springs Grp. Area Island Park is located nearby (23.2 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring?
No, not at the source. The water at Black Warrior Group, Shelf Spring reaches 205°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.