Hot Spring Basin Group

Gallatin County, Wyoming · Near West Yellowstone
44.7430°N, 110.2420°W · 8,388 ft
198°F 55°F air · Good soaking weather 8,388 ft Open Backcountry National Park Service Camping nearby (12.4 mi)
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 198°F, the source water at Hot Spring Basin Group 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.

A scalding cluster in the Yellowstone National Park backcountry, Hot Spring Basin Group lies in Gallatin County, Wyoming, nine miles out from the Northeast Entrance Road. Temperature on record runs near boiling. The nearest town listed is West Yellowstone, roughly twenty-five miles off. It's public land under the Park Service, and it is nowhere near a road.

Location

Nine miles of backcountry separate the basin from the Northeast Entrance Road, and the record does not describe the route. Elevation is around 8,400 feet. The climate on file is cold, average around freezing, with about a hundred and thirty-six inches of snow in a year. National Park Service land deep in Yellowstone.

Winter months, December to February, sit at the top of the list, which does not fit a nine-mile backcountry approach under heavy snow. Take that as a warning sign and ask the park. Tower Fall Campground is the camping on record closest to it, roughly twelve miles. Scalding water. Stand back from it.

Monthly Climate
13°
Jan
15°
Feb
23°
Mar
28°
Apr
36°
May
46°
Jun
57°
Jul
56°
Aug
47°
Sep
32°
Oct
21°
Nov
12°
Dec
Annual Precip: 27.4 in Annual Snow: 135.7 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 12°F · Water 198°F · +186° contrast
January Air 13°F · Water 198°F · +185° contrast
February Air 15°F · Water 198°F · +183° contrast
December offers 45°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
55°F
S 10.5 mph 45% Good soaking weather
Labor Day 51° Low 39° Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny 90% precip
Spring is +147° warmer
Tuesday 55° Low 29° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +143° warmer
Wednesday 61° Low 31° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +137° warmer
Thursday 62° Low 33° Sunny
Spring is +136° warmer
Friday 59° Low 37° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 14% precip
Spring is +139° warmer
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Tower Fall Campground 12.4 mi away

Overview Tower Fall Campground—elevation 6,600 feet (2012 m)—is on the north side of the steep, winding, road to Dunraven Pass. The campground is near the Tower General Store and Tower Fall. The Lamar Valley, with spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, is nearby as are several Day Hikes in the Tower and Northeast Area. Roosevelt Lodge, a short drive from the campground, offers dining and horseback riding. For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (F...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
High Altitude Advisory 8,388 ft

At 8,388 feet, Hot Spring Basin Group 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 34% stronger here. Wear sunscreen even on overcast days and take breaks from the water to rehydrate.

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Temperature
198°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 198°F (92°C)
Avg Air Temp 32°F
Above Ambient +166°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Nearest Road Northeast Entrance Road
Distance to Road 9.0 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 Spring Basin Group?
Hot Spring Basin Group has a water temperature of 198°F (92°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Spring Basin Group located?
Hot Spring Basin Group is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 8,388 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.7430°N, 110.2420°W.
How do I get to Hot Spring Basin Group?
Hot Spring Basin Group has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Northeast Entrance Road (9.0 mi from the road).
Is Hot Spring Basin Group free to visit?
Hot Spring Basin Group has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Hot Spring Basin Group?
Yes, Tower Fall Campground is located nearby (12.4 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Hot Spring Basin Group?
No, not at the source. The water at Hot Spring Basin Group reaches 198°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.