# Ponuntpa Springs Group, Wyoming

Ponuntpa Springs Group in Wyoming. 180°F (82°C). Backcountry · Public Land. Gallatin County.

- Page: https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/ponuntpa-springs-group
- Source: Soaking Springs, researched and maintained by Armen Suny
- Updated: 2026-09-14

## Can you soak at Ponuntpa Springs Group?

Not at the source. The water leaves the ground at 180°F, hot enough to burn skin. It sits deep in the backcountry. It's on National Park Service land.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 180°F (82°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| Elevation | 8,265 ft |
| Access | Backcountry · Public Land, 6.4 mi from the nearest road (Grand Loop Road) |
| Land | Yellowstone National Park, National Park Service |
| County | Gallatin County |
| Nearest town | West Yellowstone |
| Coordinates | 44.67100, -110.29000 |
| Best months to soak | December, January, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | Tower Fall Campground, 15.8 mi |

## Soaking safety

**Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution.** At 180°F, the source water at Ponuntpa Springs 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.

## About Ponuntpa Springs Group

Ponuntpa Springs Group is a cluster of thermal springs deep in the Yellowstone backcountry, in the Gallatin County portion of the park. Scalding. The water on record runs far above anything a body could stand, so this is a feature to look at and give room. West Yellowstone is the town on file as nearest, and the closest pavement is a long way off on foot.

Getting there means leaving the Grand Loop Road and covering six and a half miles or so of park backcountry. The springs sit high, above eight thousand feet, which means a short summer. Snowfall on record is heavy, roughly twelve feet a season, with moderate precipitation the rest of the year. Park Service land throughout, protected as national park.

Backcountry travel in a national park usually means permits, so check with the park before setting out. The three winter months are listed as best, though with the snow on record that only makes sense for skiers. The water is scalding; stay on solid ground and keep pets and kids well back. Tower Fall Campground is the camp on record, around sixteen miles away.

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Cody](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/wyoming/cody), 55 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in Wyoming](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming)
- [Hot Springs, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/hot-springs-gallatin-county-6): Hot, Backcountry, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County
- [Hot Springs On Upper Sour Creek, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/hot-springs-on-upper-sour-creek): 194°F source, Backcountry, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County
- [Hot Springs, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/hot-springs-gallatin-county-5): Hot, Backcountry, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County
- [Hot Spring, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/hot-spring-gallatin-county-2): Hot, Backcountry, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County
- [The Mudkettles, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/the-mudkettles): Hot, Backcountry, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County
- [The Mushpots, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/the-mushpots): Hot, Backcountry, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at Ponuntpa Springs Group?**
Ponuntpa Springs Group has a water temperature of 180°F (82°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

**Where is Ponuntpa Springs Group located?**
Ponuntpa Springs Group is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 8,265 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.6710°N, 110.2900°W.

**How do I get to Ponuntpa Springs Group?**
Ponuntpa Springs Group has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Grand Loop Road (6.4 mi from the road).

**Is Ponuntpa Springs Group free to visit?**
Ponuntpa Springs Group has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.

**Can I camp near Ponuntpa Springs Group?**
Yes, Tower Fall Campground is located nearby (15.8 miles away).

**Is it safe to soak at Ponuntpa Springs Group?**
No, not at the source. The water at Ponuntpa Springs Group reaches 180°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.

## Sources

- USGS thermal springs records, Water Quality Portal lab analyses, OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia/Wikidata, NOAA climate normals
