Secret Valley Hot Springs
Secret Valley Hot Springs flows at 95 degrees Fahrenheit in Yellowstone National Park's backcountry, requiring a 1.9-kilometer hike to reach thermal features at 7,320 feet elevation with sodium-chloride chemistry showing 407 mg/L sodium and 562 mg/L chloride.
The springs emerge in volcanic terrain characteristic of Yellowstone's thermal basins, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest and thermal-altered ground. At 7,320 feet on the Yellowstone Plateau, the area receives 26 inches of precipitation annually with 123 inches of snowfall creating deep winter accumulations. The setting combines geothermal features with subalpine forest, thermal runoff channels cutting through sinter deposits and bacterial mats. The Gallatin Mountains rise to the north beyond the Madison River drainage.
The name suggests historical knowledge of the thermal area before National Park Service management began in 1916. The springs exist within Yellowstone's 3,500-square-mile geothermal system, with documented USGS monitoring showing 90.7-degree Celsius discharge. Current status maintains natural conditions under permanent wilderness protection.
Plan for summer through early fall access as snowpack closes backcountry trails from October through June. The 1.9-kilometer approach requires bear safety protocols and backcountry permits. Water chemistry makes bathing inadvisable. Indian Creek Campground lies 24 kilometers away for base camping; reserve ahead for July-August visits.
Is Secret Valley Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Secret Valley Hot Springs is slightly acidic (pH 6.7). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration) and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
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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...