State guides
Yellowstone Hot Springs: Where You Can Swim and Soak
Last updated October 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Popular searches:Firehole Swim Area · Firehole Swimming Area Yellowstone · Firehole Swim Area Yellowstone
Yellowstone has more hot springs than anywhere else on Earth, but you cannot soak in any of them. The water is often near boiling and strongly acidic or alkaline, and the ground around the pools is fragile. Stay on boardwalks.
The Firehole River swim area
The main legal swim in the park is the Firehole River swim area, on Firehole Canyon Drive just south of Madison Junction. Geyser runoff warms the river, so the water is pleasant rather than hot. It usually opens in summer once river levels drop and closes when currents are dangerous. There are no lifeguards. Check the National Park Service for opening dates.
The Boiling River
The Boiling River, where a hot spring meets the Gardner River near Mammoth Hot Springs, was a popular soak for decades. It was closed after the June 2022 flood. Check current park notices before planning around it.
Legal soaks near Yellowstone
North of the park in Montana, Yellowstone Hot Springs near Gardiner and Chico Hot Springs in Paradise Valley have developed pools. South of the park, Granite Hot Springs near Jackson has a pool open in summer and reached by snowmobile or skis in winter. See the Montana and Wyoming maps, and our Montana and Wyoming guides.
Listed Wyoming hot springs
The 7 best-documented of 12 Wyoming springs in our directory. See all Wyoming hot springs on a map.
| Hot spring | Water temp | Type | Nearest town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermopolis Hot Springs | 133°F | Developed | Thermopolis, WY (1 mi) |
| Alcova Hot Springs 1981 record | 129°F | Natural | Mills, WY (27 mi) |
| Auburn Hot Springs 1981 record | 144°F | Natural | Afton, WY (8 mi) |
| Jackson Lake Hot Springs 1981 record | 162°F | Natural | Driggs, ID (26 mi) |
| Kelly Warm Springs | 81°F | Natural | Jackson, WY (13 mi) |
| Shoshone Hot Springs 1981 record | 95°F | Natural | Cody, WY (4 mi) |
| Washakie Mineral Hot Springs 1981 record | 111°F | Natural | Fort Washakie, WY (2 mi) |
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Yellowstone's hot springs?
No. Entering hot springs or thermal pools in Yellowstone is illegal and dangerous. The ground can be a thin crust over scalding water, and people have died.
Where can you swim in Yellowstone?
The Firehole River swim area, in Firehole Canyon south of Madison Junction, is the main legal spot. It usually opens in summer when river levels are safe.
Is the Boiling River open?
The Boiling River soaking area near Mammoth was closed after the 2022 flood. Check the National Park Service for its current status.
Where can I soak in hot springs near Yellowstone?
Developed springs near the park include Yellowstone Hot Springs near Gardiner and Chico Hot Springs in Montana, and Granite Hot Springs near Jackson, Wyoming.