Hot River

Gallatin County, Wyoming · Near West Yellowstone
44.9850°N, 110.6890°W · 5,685 ft
136°F 63°F air · Good soaking weather 5,685 ft Open Short Walk National Park Service Camping nearby (0.8 mi)

Hot River lies close to the Old North Entrance Road in Yellowstone National Park, over in Gallatin County, Wyoming. Its water runs well past soaking warm, hot enough to burn you. West Yellowstone, some nineteen miles off, counts as the closest town. Mammoth Campground is under a mile away. Park Service ground here, and access is open.

Location

A short walk, about a tenth of a mile, from the Old North Entrance Road. The ground here is under 5,700 feet. The climate on file shows an average around forty degrees and about a hundred and twelve inches of snow a year. National Park Service land inside Yellowstone.

December through February are the best months on the record, with a lot of snow to go with them, so check what the park has open. Short walk, public access. Mammoth Campground is the camping on file, less than a mile off. The water is hot enough to scald. Do not get in and do not let anyone with you try.

Monthly Climate
19°
Jan
22°
Feb
31°
Mar
36°
Apr
45°
May
57°
Jun
66°
Jul
65°
Aug
55°
Sep
39°
Oct
26°
Nov
18°
Dec
Annual Precip: 24.4 in Annual Snow: 111.6 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 18°F · Water 136°F · +119° contrast
January Air 19°F · Water 136°F · +117° contrast
February Air 22°F · Water 136°F · +114° contrast
December offers 49°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
63°F
S 8.3 mph 27% Good soaking weather
Labor Day 62° Low 50° Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Sunny 12% precip
Spring is +74° warmer
Tuesday 66° Low 41° Sunny 2% precip
Spring is +70° warmer
Wednesday 74° Low 40° Sunny
Spring is +62° warmer
Thursday 74° Low 44° Sunny
Spring is +62° warmer
Friday 70° Low 48° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 11% precip
Spring is +66° warmer
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone) 0.8 mi away

Overview Starting Tuesday April 15th, the Mammoth Campground is open and reservations are required. For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, and Grant Village campgrounds), please visit the Yellowstone National Park Lodges Camping website. Recreation There are many recreational opportunities in the Mammoth Hot Springs and the North area. Visit these pages to learn more:Boating   Fishing   Hiking Phot...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 5,685 ft

Hot River sits at 5,685 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 23% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
136°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 136°F (58°C)
Avg Air Temp 40°F
Above Ambient +96°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road Old North Entrance Road
Distance to Road 0.1 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 Hot River?
Hot River has a water temperature of 136°F (58°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot River located?
Hot River is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 5,685 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.9850°N, 110.6890°W.
How do I get to Hot River?
Hot River has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Old North Entrance Road (0.1 mi from the road).
Is Hot River free to visit?
Hot River has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Hot River?
Yes, Mammoth Campground (Yellowstone) is located nearby (0.8 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Hot River?
With care. At 136°F Hot River is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.