Unnamed Thermal Spring
This unnamed thermal feature steams at 187°F in Yellowstone National Park at 7,320 feet elevation, with recent USGS analysis showing 90.7°C water, neutral pH 6.7, and extremely high chloride content of 562 mg/L. Located 300 meters from Grand Loop Road, the spring runs 152 degrees above the 35°F ambient temperature in a zone of intense geothermal activity.
The spring sits within the Norris-to-Madison corridor at 7,320 feet, occupying thermal ground characterized by white silica deposits and sparse vegetation. The landscape consists of gently rolling terrain with lodgepole pine forest bordering open hydrothermal areas. Annual snowfall averages 123 inches, accumulating heavily from November through April. The spring drains toward the Gibbon River system, with thermal runoff supporting specialized bacterial and algal communities adapted to high-temperature conditions. Grand Loop Road provides nearby access, with the spring positioned a quarter-mile from paved parking areas.
Visit between late May and September when roads are open and snow has cleared. Expect rapid weather changes and subfreezing temperatures outside peak summer. Stay on designated trails; the nearly boiling water causes instant severe burns and thermal ground collapses without warning. The high chloride chemistry indicates deep circulation in Yellowstone's hydrothermal system. Indian Creek Campground, 22 kilometers north, provides the nearest developed camping with advance reservations required through park concessioners.
The spring remains unnamed in federal geothermal catalogs, documented during comprehensive thermal inventories of Yellowstone's geothermal systems. The area between Norris and Madison basins contains numerous dispersed thermal features that have received less scientific attention than major basin concentrations. The National Park Service maintains the zone under permanent protection with no development history beyond road infrastructure constructed in the early 20th century.
The water at This spring 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).
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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...
this spring sits at 7,320 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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
this spring 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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Springs Near This Spring
More Springs Around 187°F
Slightly Acidic Springs (pH ~6.7)
Hike 6 waterfalls near this spring
Looking for more outdoor adventures? Explore waterfall hikes near this spring, Wyoming.