River Group

Gallatin County, Wyoming · Near West Yellowstone
44.5630°N, 110.8340°W · 7,192 ft
205°F 53°F air · Good soaking weather 7,192 ft Open Short Walk National Park Service Camping nearby (21.3 mi)
Dangerously Hot, Not Safe for Soaking

River Group reaches 205°F, far above safe soaking levels. Contact with this water will cause severe burns. Look for cooled downstream pools or view from a safe distance only.

The second River Group point on this site, a thermal spring in Yellowstone's Gallatin County with the hotter temperature of the pair on record, a few degrees over boiling. A short walk, around a third of a mile, from the nearest road. West Yellowstone is the nearest town listed. Open park land. The record links it to Azure Spring in the Lower Geyser Basin.

Location

The road is unnamed on file, but the distance is small, three tenths of a mile. Elevation a little under 7,200 feet. Snow on record runs around twelve feet, with the annual average temperature in the mid thirties. Park Service ground. Nothing else about the terrain is on record.

Above boiling. Do not approach the water. Winter months are the ones the record rates highest, and with twelve feet of snow that means skiing in. Big Springs group area in Island Park is the nearest campground on record, about twenty-one miles. No fee listed. Check the park for current access to this basin.

History of River Group

Wikipedia's entry for Azure Spring, which the record ties to this point, describes a hot spring in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone, with a water temperature of 174 degrees and Pocket Basin Geyser close by. The USGS also holds a site record here.

Monthly Climate
16°
Jan
18°
Feb
27°
Mar
32°
Apr
40°
May
52°
Jun
62°
Jul
61°
Aug
52°
Sep
36°
Oct
23°
Nov
14°
Dec
Annual Precip: 28.2 in Annual Snow: 140.9 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 14°F · Water 205°F · +191° contrast
January Air 16°F · Water 205°F · +189° contrast
February Air 18°F · Water 205°F · +187° contrast
December offers 48°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
53°F
E 16.9 mph 44% Good soaking weather
Labor Day 58° Low 39° Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny 88% precip
Spring is +147° warmer
Tuesday 61° Low 29° Sunny
Spring is +144° warmer
Wednesday 67° Low 29° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +138° warmer
Thursday 68° Low 33° Sunny
Spring is +137° warmer
Friday 67° Low 37° Sunny 8% precip
Spring is +138° warmer
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Big Springs Grp. Area Island Park 21.3 mi away

Overview Big Springs Group Area is located 22 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana in beautiful Island Park, Idaho at an approximate elevation of 6,300 feet. Visitors love Island Park for its world-class fishing and outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.Recreation Big Springs is the headwaters of Henry's Fork and is one of the largest springs in the country. Henry's Fork is considered one of the best fly-fishing streams in the nation. Fishermen cast for rainbow and brook...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 7,192 ft

River Group sits at 7,192 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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Temperature
205°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 205°F (96°C)
Avg Air Temp 36°F
Above Ambient +169°F
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.3 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 River Group?
River Group has a water temperature of 205°F (96°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is River Group located?
River Group is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 7,192 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.5630°N, 110.8340°W.
How do I get to River Group?
River Group has Short Walk road access (0.3 mi from the road).
Is River Group free to visit?
River Group has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near River Group?
Yes, Big Springs Grp. Area Island Park is located nearby (21.3 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at River Group?
No, not at the source. The water at River Group reaches 205°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.