Iron Spring
Iron Spring emerges at 86 degrees Fahrenheit at 7,290 feet elevation, located just 700 feet from the nearest road in Yellowstone National Park. Recent USGS analysis measured water temperature at 31.3 degrees Celsius with pH of 5.6, revealing acidic character. The spring exceeds ambient air temperature by 50 degrees in terrain receiving 123 inches of annual snowfall.
At 7,290 feet elevation near the base of the Gallatin Mountains in Gallatin County, Iron Spring occupies lodgepole pine forest where thermal activity creates small clearings. The setting receives 26 inches of precipitation annually with average annual temperature of 35.7 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring derives its name from iron oxide staining characteristic of many Yellowstone thermal features. Thermal runoff flows across mineral-deposited terrain, supporting thermophilic bacteria and algae that create orange and yellow colorations.
The spring's roadside location makes it among Yellowstone's most accessible thermal features year-round. A short walk from parking area reaches the feature safely. Visit any season, though winter offers dramatic steam displays against snow. Indian Creek Campground provides quieter camping experience 25 kilometers south of Mammoth Hot Springs. Carry binoculars for viewing without approaching fragile formations.
Iron Spring appears in comprehensive NOAA thermal surveys from 1980 documenting hot springs across 23 western states. USGS geochemical analysis reveals water chemistry dominated by sodium at 68 mg/L with notably low sulfate at 1.6 mg/L and moderate chloride at 10.1 mg/L, distinguishing it from many neighboring thermal features. The spring remains unmodified under National Park Service stewardship since 1872, accessible for scientific monitoring and public viewing.
The water at Iron Spring is slightly acidic (pH 5.6).
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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...
Iron Spring sits at 7,290 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 29% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Iron Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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Springs Near Iron Spring
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Slightly Acidic Springs (pH ~5.6)
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