Hot Spring On Moss Creek
Hot Spring on Moss Creek flows at 115 degrees Fahrenheit at 8,495 feet elevation in Yellowstone National Park's wilderness, located 8.8 kilometers from Inspiration Point Road. The pleasantly warm water emerges 83.2 degrees above ambient air temperature where Moss Creek drains high-elevation terrain in Gallatin County. This backcountry thermal feature requires extensive hiking to access.
The spring sits in remote high-elevation terrain at 8,495 feet where Moss Creek flows through subalpine forest and meadow. The area experiences extreme conditions with average annual temperatures of 31.8 degrees Fahrenheit, 28.2 inches of precipitation, and 143 inches of snow. Moss Creek drains westward from the divide between the Yellowstone River and Madison River watersheds, carving through lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest. The thermal discharge warms sections of the creek, creating microhabitats where aquatic vegetation and thermophilic organisms thrive. Surrounding ridges rise into alpine zones while the creek valley maintains dense forest cover broken by beaver meadows.
This spring requires solid backcountry experience and multi-day planning. Obtain required permits from park rangers before attempting the 5.5-mile approach. Carry topographic maps, compass, and GPS for navigation through forested terrain with limited sightlines. Visit late July through September when snow permits passage; prepare for freezing temperatures even in summer at 8,495 feet. Pack bear-resistant food storage and be alert for wildlife including grizzly bears. Tower Fall Campground 18.7 kilometers north provides developed facilities for trip preparation. The moderately warm water temperature makes this spring more thermally accessible than superheated features, though viewing is still the only appropriate interaction.
The spring takes its name from Moss Creek, the watercourse it feeds. Historical documentation is limited given the backcountry location. The feature appears in systematic Yellowstone geothermal surveys conducted during the mid-20th century as scientists inventoried the park's complete hydrothermal system. The Moss Creek drainage remained largely unexplored until modern backcountry mapping efforts. The area has maintained protected status since the park's 1872 establishment.
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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...
At 8,495 feet, Hot Spring On Moss Creek 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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Hot Spring On Moss Creek requires a hike to reach, so pack light but prepared. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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