Sevenmile Hole
Sevenmile Hole features thermal springs at 154 degrees Fahrenheit in a Yellowstone backcountry canyon, requiring a 4.4-kilometer hike descending 600 feet to reach springs along the Yellowstone River at 6,704 feet elevation.
The springs emerge along the Yellowstone River's Grand Canyon where thermal features concentrate on steep canyon walls and riverside terraces. At 6,704 feet in a sheltered river corridor, the location receives 27 inches of precipitation and 133 inches of snowfall annually. Thermal runoff creates zones of altered rock and bacterial mats amid Douglas fir and spruce forest. The canyon's 1,000-foot walls rise to the north rim, with the river cutting through rhyolite flows and thermal-altered volcanic rock.
Access from June through September after snowmelt clears high-elevation trails. The 4.4-kilometer approach includes steep switchbacks; allow 2-3 hours for descent and longer for return. Bear safety protocols apply; backcountry permit required. Water temperature makes soaking possible in mixing zones. Tower Fall Campground provides the closest developed camping 15 kilometers northeast.
The name describes the trail distance from the Canyon Village area, reflecting the site's status as a recognized backcountry destination since early park visitation. The thermal springs represent one of several canyon-bottom hot spring areas accessible via steep trails. Current management maintains natural conditions with backcountry camping permits required for overnight visits.
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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...
Sevenmile Hole sits at 6,704 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 27% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Sevenmile Hole is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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