Washburn Hot Springs

Gallatin County, Wyoming · Near West Yellowstone
44.7660°N, 110.4290°W · 8,248 ft
196°F 55°F air · Good soaking weather 8,248 ft Open Hike National Park Service Camping nearby (8.8 mi)
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 196°F, the source water at Washburn Hot Springs 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.

Washburn Hot Springs is a scalding thermal area in Yellowstone National Park, a little over a mile's walk from the Grand Loop Road. The water is near boiling. Nobody soaks here. It is open to visit under park rules, and the Park Service owns the ground.

Location

Over 8,200 feet on the Yellowstone plateau, the highest spring in this batch. Hike of about 1.3 miles from the Grand Loop Road. Cold mean temperature, 32 degrees, with snow near 133 inches a year and a wet climate. No route detail is on file.

Winter listed as best, though the snow will rule. Tower Fall Campground is just under nine miles away. Scalding water; stay on established ground. No chemistry is on file.

Monthly Climate
13°
Jan
14°
Feb
22°
Mar
28°
Apr
36°
May
46°
Jun
57°
Jul
56°
Aug
47°
Sep
32°
Oct
20°
Nov
11°
Dec
Annual Precip: 26.8 in Annual Snow: 133.1 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 11°F · Water 196°F · +185° contrast
January Air 13°F · Water 196°F · +183° contrast
February Air 14°F · Water 196°F · +182° contrast
December offers 46°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
55°F
S 10.5 mph 45% Good soaking weather
Labor Day 52° Low 41° Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Sunny 80% precip
Spring is +144° warmer
Tuesday 55° Low 33° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +141° warmer
Wednesday 61° Low 34° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +135° warmer
Thursday 63° Low 38° Sunny
Spring is +133° warmer
Friday 60° Low 41° Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 11% precip
Spring is +136° warmer
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Tower Fall Campground 8.8 mi away

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...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
High Altitude Advisory 8,248 ft

At 8,248 feet, Washburn Hot Springs is in high-altitude territory where the air is noticeably thinner. Soaking in hot water accelerates dehydration and can amplify altitude effects like headache and fatigue. UV radiation is roughly 33% stronger here. Wear sunscreen even on overcast days and take breaks from the water to rehydrate.

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Temperature
196°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 196°F (91°C)
Avg Air Temp 32°F
Above Ambient +164°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Hike
Nearest Road Grand Loop Road
Distance to Road 1.3 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 Washburn Hot Springs?
Washburn Hot Springs has a water temperature of 196°F (91°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Washburn Hot Springs located?
Washburn Hot Springs is located in Gallatin County, Wyoming at 8,248 feet elevation, near West Yellowstone. Coordinates: 44.7660°N, 110.4290°W.
How do I get to Washburn Hot Springs?
Washburn Hot Springs has Hike road access, with the nearest road being Grand Loop Road (1.3 mi from the road).
Is Washburn Hot Springs free to visit?
Washburn Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Washburn Hot Springs?
Yes, Tower Fall Campground is located nearby (8.8 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Washburn Hot Springs?
No, not at the source. The water at Washburn Hot Springs reaches 196°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.