Hike to Soak in the Boiling River
Details
Distance
1.25 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Elliott Kramer
Soak in amazing natural hot springs and experience the wildlife of Yellowstone up close. It's only a quick 1.25 mile roundtrip hike to the springs.
Boiling River Hot Springs is an awesome year-round place to experience the geo-thermal energy of Yellowstone in a more personal way. The Boiling River emerges out of a spring at boiling temperature and cascades down to the banks of the Gardiner, where they intercept and form a series of pools which are a mixture of the boiling hot and freezing cold waters.
A short walk of only 1.25 mile round trip makes for easy access off the side of the North Entrance Road into Yellowstone NP. The trail leads upstream of the carpark, bringing you into a small meadow before opening out into where the Boiling River emerges from the earth.
After getting changed at the end of the trail (no changing rooms) and edging along the rocks into the water, getting into the pool can be quite challenging at first with the sudden changes in water temperature. Finding a happy medium can be the hardest part of the adventure, but eventually you do find one and it makes a great spot to relax.
It was the intimacy with the Yellowstone Wildlife that made this particular hot springs soak so different from all others. On the hike from the carpark to the springs there was a small herd of Bison moving downstream, casually strolling next to us on the trail. Bald Eagles flew overhead in search of food and a Bull Elk hovered in the distance. It made for a special atmosphere at the springs knowing you were in their natural habitat.
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Go in the Winter!
The Boiling River in Yellowstone is a great place to spend a day to soak in the hot springs. There are usually bison or elk near the river. Keep your distance, but enjoy a refreshing soak in the Boiling River.
5.0
Great Soak
Still kept somewhat primitive. There is a trail with railing and can be somewhat packed at times. Only thing I did not like was there was a mandatory closure at 9pm every night by park rangers
4.0
Excellent Visit
While I never got to swim, I'm glad I decided to visit. I highly recommend this location, but so does every tour guide in the area. I recommend coming a little early to ensure a good time :)
4.0
Once In A Lifetime Kind Of Thing
Amazing experience! Hike/trail is flat and easy but finding the perfect spot in the river (and parking) can be difficult as the area tends to get busy in the middle of the day, but what doesn't in Yellowstone:) The Boiling River blends with the Gardner River, you need to find the sweet spot where the two mix creating the perfect temp. Make sure to check out all of the blending areas as there are more than 1 and some areas might be less busy. I'de suggest morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
4.0
Fun! But Can Be Crowded
This is an awesome place to relax after a long day of hiking but it's popular so get there early
4.0
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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
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