12 Free Swimming Holes near Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail
first prev 1 next lastShowing Swimming Holes within 50 miles Distance miles of 85PFG589+22 City, Zip, or Address
Firehole River
Madison, Yellowstone National Park
7.2 miles NA thermally warmed Yellowstone river with a calm swim area that is beautiful and historic for anglers — but stay strictly out of the main current, which has been fatal. Check with a ranger before entering.
Hot Springs, Swim 17.5 mi
Tear Drop Lake
Ashton, Idaho
24.9 miles SWA small, lively lake in the Targhee forest for kayaking, swimming, and an easy loop trail — family fun with primitive lakeside camping.
Camp, Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Swim 0.9 mi
Buffalo River Campground
Island Park, Idaho
26.9 miles WAn easy, clear, and often warm float on the Buffalo River near Island Park, with slow enough current to paddle back upstream in a canoe or kayak after your run.
Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim 15.9-16.6 mi
Union Falls & Ouzel Pool
Bechler Ranger Station, Yellowstone National Park
27.6 miles SA ~16-mile backcountry trek into Yellowstone's remote Bechler region rewards you with a 250-foot waterfall and Ouzel Pool — a warm-spring-fed swimming hole you can jump into.
Backpack, Hike, Hot Springs, Swim
Horseshoe Lake
Ashton, Idaho
27.8 miles SWA lily-pad-dotted lake hidden in the Targhee National Forest with a gradual beach entry perfect for wading, a floating dock for jumping, and no motorized boats.
Camp, Canoe, Dive, Swim
Loon Lake
Ashton, Idaho
28.4 miles SCamp, Kayak, and Swim near Ashton, Idaho
Camp, Kayak, Swim
Boiling River
North Entrance, Yellowstone National Park
33.7 miles NWhere a hot spring pours into the Gardner River in Yellowstone, warm soaking awaits — but never enter the scalding upstream runoff channel, which reaches 113–140°F. Check with a ranger first.
Hot Springs, Swim
Porcupine Creek
Ashton, Idaho
35.2 miles SWA backcountry hunting, fishing, camping, and swimming spot in Targhee National Forest, surrounded by forests, meadows, a creek, and unmarked trails — bear country, so pack and store food carefully.
Camp, Swim
Hellroaring Creek Trail
Yellowstone National Park
35.8 miles NEA suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River leads to sandy creek-side beaches and a mild backcountry trail past Yellowstone's largest granite slab — great for all ages.
Camp, Hike, Swim
Wade Lake
Cameron, Montana
41.2 miles NWWade Lake is a hidden gem of southwestern Montana — a spring-fed mountain lake famous for its glassy, aquamarine water, tucked into a forested ravine at the southern end of the Gravelly Range....
Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim 4.8 mi
Aldous Lake and Hancock Lake
Kilgore, Idaho
49.8 miles WTwin alpine lakes — Aldous and Hancock — on a scenic 1.5-to-2.5-mile hike near Kilgore, with beautiful mountain scenery and heavier weekend crowds.
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Swim
Fall River Bridge
Ashton, Idaho
49.9 miles SWA rope swing under a railroad bridge and a swimming hole just north — pull off Highway 20, check the mid-river rocks for water level, and enjoy a quick summer splash.
Dive, Swim
