# Washburn Hot Springs, Wyoming

Washburn Hot Springs in Wyoming. 196°F (91°C). Hike · Public Land. Gallatin County.

- Page: https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/washburn-hot-springs
- Source: Soaking Springs, researched and maintained by Armen Suny
- Updated: 2026-09-14

## Can you soak at Washburn Hot Springs?

Not at the source. The water leaves the ground at 196°F, hot enough to burn skin. Reaching it takes a hike. It's on National Park Service land.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 196°F (91°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| Elevation | 8,248 ft |
| Access | Hike · Public Land, 1.3 mi from the nearest road (Grand Loop Road) |
| Land | Yellowstone National Park, National Park Service |
| County | Gallatin County |
| Nearest town | West Yellowstone |
| Coordinates | 44.76600, -110.42900 |
| Best months to soak | December, January, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | Tower Fall Campground, 8.8 mi |

## Soaking safety

**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.

## About Washburn Hot Springs

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.

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.

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Cody](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/wyoming/cody), 64 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in Wyoming](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming)
- [Hot Springs At Sevenmile Hole, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/hot-springs-at-sevenmile-hole): 189°F source, Hike, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County
- [Sevenmile Hole, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/sevenmile-hole): 154°F source, Hike, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County
- [Unnamed thermal spring, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/unnamed-spring-gallatin-county-6): 167°F source, Short Walk, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County
- [Hot Springs, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/hot-springs-gallatin-county-4): Hot, Short Walk, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County
- [Forest Springs, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/forest-springs): Hot, Hike, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County
- [Warm Spring, WY](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/wyoming/warm-spring-gallatin-county): Warm, Short Walk, near West Yellowstone, Gallatin County

## 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.

## Sources

- USGS thermal springs records, Water Quality Portal lab analyses, OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia/Wikidata, NOAA climate normals