Gas Vent East Of Mary Lake
This geothermal feature lies 6.8 miles from Grand Loop Road at 8,349 feet elevation in Yellowstone's backcountry, accessible only with wilderness permits and extensive hiking. The National Park Service classifies it as a hot gas vent with no recorded water temperature data, representing the park's volatile thermal processes at extreme elevation.
The vent occupies rugged terrain in the Gallatin Range backcountry, where subalpine forest gives way to sparse high-elevation vegetation. At this altitude, the landscape experiences average annual temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit with nearly 147 inches of annual snowfall. The feature sits in a remote drainage system east of Mary Lake, surrounded by steep mountain slopes and dense lodgepole pine at lower elevations. This section of Yellowstone sees minimal human traffic, with the nearest maintained trail system miles away across challenging topography.
Visiting requires backcountry permit from park rangers, navigation skills, and gear for multi-day wilderness travel. The area remains snowbound from October through June, with stable access limited to July through September. Carry bear spray, water purification, and topographic maps. Combine with other Mary Lake area thermal features only if experienced in off-trail wilderness navigation through burned forest and thermal terrain.
The feature takes its name from its position east of Mary Lake, a backcountry water body named in the early park survey era. No records document Indigenous use or homesteader history at this extreme elevation and distance from travel corridors. The thermal feature was cataloged during systematic USGS geothermal mapping efforts in the 1970s as part of comprehensive documentation of Yellowstone's thousands of thermal features.
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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...
At 8,349 feet, Gas Vent East Of Mary Lake is in high-altitude territory where the air is noticeably thinner. Soaking in hot water accelerates dehydration and can amplify altitude effects like headache and fatigue. UV radiation is roughly 33% stronger here — wear sunscreen even on overcast days and take breaks from the water to rehydrate.
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Gas Vent East Of Mary Lake requires a hike to reach, so pack light but prepared. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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