Cistern Spring
Cistern Spring discharges water at 199 degrees Fahrenheit in the Norris Geyser Basin, where USGS measurements recorded highly acidic pH of 3.6 and chloride concentrations reaching 532 milligrams per liter. This National Park Service-managed thermal feature sits at 7,480 feet elevation, requiring a 539-meter walk from the Grand Loop Road into one of Yellowstone's most dynamic and chemically extreme geothermal areas.
The spring occupies the Back Basin section of Norris, where sparse vegetation and bleached, thermally altered soils reflect the acidic, mineral-rich waters that characterize this basin. Elevation at 7,480 feet brings 27 inches of precipitation and 137 inches of snow annually. The surrounding terrain shows evidence of ongoing hydrothermal activity, with fumaroles, mud pots, and other springs creating a constantly steaming landscape.
Access the spring via boardwalk trails through Norris Back Basin, which remain open during summer months typically from May through October. The 539-meter walk crosses thermally active ground where staying on boardwalks is mandatory for safety. Indian Creek Campground, 17.3 kilometers away, provides the nearest reservable camping. Afternoon visits often offer better visibility as morning fog from thermal features dissipates.
The name describes the spring's pool configuration, which resembles a large cistern or reservoir. Norris Geyser Basin has undergone periodic thermal changes throughout recorded history, with individual features shifting between active and dormant states. Cistern Spring has maintained relatively consistent flow patterns since systematic monitoring began, though the basin as a whole remains one of Yellowstone's most geologically restless areas.
The water at Cistern Spring is acidic (pH 3.6). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration) and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
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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...
Cistern Spring sits at 7,480 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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Cistern Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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