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Hot Springs, Swim
Added on 13 Feb 2022
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Hot Springs, Swim
Added on 13 Feb 2022
14.8-30.2 mi
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Hike, Hot Springs
Added on 13 Feb 2022
Mr. Bubbles Hot Spring
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
24.0 miles SW of Old Faithful, Yellowstone National ParkMr. Bubbles is one of the few places you can actually soak in the thermal waters of Yellowstone National Park. The Bechler area of Yellowstone is one of the best kept secrets of the otherwise densely populated park. It's off the beaten path far from paved roads, boardwalks, tour busses and gift shops. In the backcountry, you'll walk singletrack dirt trails and see natural features not included on any brochure. There's also a good chance you'll see wildlife outside the safe comforts of your car door. Be aware of the animals around you (like bears, moose and bison). Give animals their space as to not threaten them.
You'll find the hot spring about halfway between the Bechler Ranger station and Old Faithful on the Bechler River Trail. (If you want to camp along the trail, you'll need to make a reservation with one of the parks backcountry offices)
This is a 15 mile hike to the attractions and another 15 to get out. Along the trail, you'll see several waterfalls and will have to cross the river multiple times. Some crossings are on logs while others are on bridges. Plan to get your feet wet. There is an impressive thermal feature near the hot springs.This is not the hot spring. This thermal feature is what pours into and heats up the small stream where you will soak in. Do not mistake this for the soaking pool you're looking for. The feature is dangerous because it will scald and can kill you. Mr. Bubbles will relax you. Don't mix them up!
CAUTION: WATER TEMPERATURES CHANGE AND ARE NOT ALWAYS SAFE. CHECK WITH THE RANGER STATION TO MAKE SURE IT'S SAFE BEFORE YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP.
CAUTION: NEVER HIKE AT NIGHT IN THE HOTSPOT AREAS OF YELLOWSTONE.. YOU WOULDN'T BE THE FIRST EXPERIENCED HIKER TO BE SCALDED TO DEATH IN AN UNEXPECTED THERMAL FEATURE.
Check https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/swimming-soaking.htm for closures, regulations, and conditions.
15.9-16.6 mi
Union Falls & Ouzel Pool
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
26.6 miles SW of Grant Village, Yellowstone National ParkBackpack, Hike, Hot Springs, and Swim near Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
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Backpack, Hike, Hot Springs, Swim
Added on 13 Feb 2022
6.9 mi
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Backpack, Camp, Hike, Hot Springs
Added on 13 Feb 2022
Heart Lake Trail
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
5.7 miles S of Grant Village, Yellowstone National ParkThe trail is very clear and leads to a moderate eight mile hike to Heart Lake. This hike has many possibilities. Day hikers need to push their time to make sure they are on the trail early to allow enough time to enjoy the lake, and then get back on the trail before dark. Backpackers can hike into a campsite near the lake and/or you can hike to and around the lake and camp out for a couple of days. Many hikers have said that if you plan to spend more than a couple of days that hiking to the summit of Mount Sheridan is a must, which may add an extra day to your trip.
The trail leads you to great thermal features and is very scenic. You will see deep blue pools, fumaroles, steam vents and Rustic Geyser. Remember to use caution and respect when around these fragile features, especially since the ground can be very unstable.
The fishing from the drainage of Heart Lake is remarkable. This is one of the reasons why this location is popular. If you catch a native fish to the park, you can catch and release it. If it is nonnative, there is no limit to how many fish you can catch. Native fish include the cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish and Arctic grayling. Nonnative fish include: brown trout, brook trout, rainbow and lake trout. Fisherman are asked to only fish with single, pointed, barbless hook and lead-free artificial lures. All watercraft needs to have a permit purchased from the park service.
Due to bear activity, the trail is closed from April 1 to June 30 each year. You should carry bear spray and make noise as you hike to keep wildlife away.
Boiling River
North Entrance, Yellowstone National Park
0.5 miles S of North Entrance, Yellowstone National ParkThe Boiling River is created where a large hot spring enters the Gardner River, allowing the hot and cool waters to mix into a temperature comfortable enough to bathe in. The natural hot tub makes a great place to stop and relax while soaking in the warm water and soaking up the natural beauty of Yellowstone.
WARNING: After about half a mile into your hike to The Boiling River, the trail circles a seductive looking stream coming from an outcropping on the riverbank. The clear water may look appealing, but DO NOT dip your toes in yet. You can get immediate and severe burns by entering the runoff channel directly. It simmers at extreme temperatures between 113 to 140 degrees! Instead, follow the trail to the end where the stream pours into the significantly colder waters of the Gardner River, where will you be safe enough to enjoy a nice swim.
Check https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/swimming-soaking.htm for closures, regulations, and conditions.
Firehole River
Madison, Yellowstone National Park
1.9 miles S of Madison, Yellowstone National ParkThe Firehole River starts south of Old Faithful, runs through the thermal areas northward to join the Gibbon and form the Madison River. The Firehole is world famous among anglers for its pristine beauty and healthy brown, brook, and rainbow trout.
Firehole River Canyon in Yellowstone N.P. is a great place to spend a few hours and get a respite from the desert sun. It includes rapids emptying into a deep pool as well as shallow sections outside the current. All should be careful to keep out of the main current.* The water is warm for this elevation because the river contains the runoff from many thermal features, including Old Faithful. Portable toilets are available (as of summer 2001). Camp at Madison campground near Madison Junction near the West Yellowstone entrance in order to be near the swimming. Courtesy of swimmingholes.org
The river is surrounded by geothermal features which empty water into it, which in turn affects the temperature of the water. Temperatures in the river have been measured as high as 86 °F and average 9 to 18 °F higher than areas upstream of geothermal influence. It is always good to discuss the water temperatures with a local park ranger to make sure temperatures are safe.
*WARNING: All should be careful to keep out of the main current - A GIRL DIED HERE IN 2003 JUMPING INTO THE CURRENT AND GETTING TRAPPED UNDER AN OVERHANGING ROCK - DON'T DO IT.) Courtesy of swimmingholes.org
Check https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/swimming-soaking.htm for closures, regulations, and conditions.
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