The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem sits on one of the world's largest volcanic hotspots, fueling over 10,000 thermal features — more than anywhere else on Earth. While Yellowstone's geysers and rainbow-colored pools are strictly look-don't-touch, several soakable hot springs lie within a short drive of the park.
Whether you're staying in Island Park, Jackson Hole, or Gardiner, this guide covers every soakable option — from free backcountry pools to full-service resort springs — with drive times, tips, and what to expect.
Granite Hot Springs — one of the most scenic soakable pools near Yellowstone
Boiling River (Gardiner, Montana)
⚠️ Currently Closed
Boiling River has been closed since the June 2022 floods. Check the NPS Yellowstone website for reopening updates.
Boiling River was historically Yellowstone's most famous soaking spot — a stretch of the Gardiner River near the park's North Entrance where 140°F spring water pours into the cold river, creating naturally mixed pools.
What Made It Special
- Free and undeveloped — just a 0.5-mile walk from parking
- Year-round access (when open) — even in winter
- Temperature variety — move closer or farther from the hot inflow
- Location — just 2 miles south of Gardiner, MT
When It Reopens
The NPS has not announced a timeline. When open, expect dawn-to-dusk hours, no alcohol, and swimsuit requirements. From Island Park, it's about 1 hour 45 minutes via the park interior.
Firehole Swimming Area (Inside Yellowstone)
The Firehole Swimming Area is the only place inside Yellowstone where swimming is officially permitted. Located on Firehole Canyon Drive between Madison and Old Faithful, this stretch of the Firehole River is naturally warmed by upstream thermal features.
Details
- Season: Late June through early September
- Temperature: 70–80°F in summer
- Cost: Free with park admission ($35/vehicle)
- Facilities: Vault toilets, small parking area
- Best for: Families with older kids comfortable in river currents
Tips
Arrive before 11 AM to secure parking. The current can be swift in early summer. Water shoes recommended. Combine with nearby Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic, both within 20 minutes.
Granite Hot Springs (Hoback Junction, near Jackson)
Granite Hot Springs is a developed natural pool managed by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, set in a stunning mountain valley southeast of Jackson.
Details
- Season: Summer (mid-June to September) by car; Winter (December to March) by snowmobile/dog sled
- Temperature: ~93–100°F summer; up to 112°F winter
- Cost: $12 adults, $8 kids (cash only)
- Drive from Jackson: ~45 minutes (last 10 miles gravel)
- Drive from Island Park: ~2.5 hours via US-26
Why It's Worth the Drive
Surrounded by Gros Ventre peaks, Granite Hot Springs feels genuinely remote. In winter, accessing it by snowmobile is unforgettable. Pair with a Jackson Hole day trip.
Chico Hot Springs (Pray, Montana)
Chico Hot Springs Resort has been a Montana institution since 1900. Located in Paradise Valley between Livingston and Gardiner, it features two outdoor mineral pools — a large pool at 96°F and a hot pool at 103°F.
Details
- Season: Year-round
- Temperature: 96°F and 103°F
- Cost: $10 adults, $7.50 kids for day use
- Drive from Gardiner: ~35 minutes south on US-89
- Drive from Island Park: ~2.5 hours via West Yellowstone
The Experience
The on-site restaurant is one of Montana's finest. The resort also offers horseback riding, dog-sledding in winter, and live music. Ideal post-hike reward after the Beartooth Highway or Yellowstone trails.
Astoria Hot Springs (Jackson, Wyoming)
Reopened in 2020 after decades, Astoria is along the Snake River south of Jackson with three temperature-zoned pools and Teton views.
Details
- Season: Year-round
- Temperature: ~77°F (cool), ~92°F (warm), ~104°F (hot)
- Cost: $25 adults, $18 kids; reservations recommended
- Drive from Jackson: ~15 minutes south
- Drive from Island Park: ~2 hours via US-26
Pair with a Grand Teton day trip or Snake River rafting.
Yellowstone Hot Springs (Gardiner, Montana)
A privately operated facility just outside Gardiner, opened in 2018. Three temperature-controlled pools: cold plunge (~60°F), warm (~98°F), and hot (~104°F).
Details
- Season: Year-round
- Cost: $15 adults, $10 kids
- Drive from Gardiner: 5 minutes
- Drive from Island Park: ~2 hours via park interior
Includes changing rooms, showers, and a small café. Views of the Yellowstone River valley and Absaroka Range at sunset are excellent.
Quick Comparison Table
| Hot Spring | Type | Temp | Cost | Season | From Island Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling River | Wild (river) | Varies | Free* | Closed (2022) | 1h 45m |
| Firehole Swimming | River swim | 70–80°F | Park pass | Jun–Sep | 45 min |
| Granite Hot Springs | Developed pool | 93–112°F | $12 | Jun–Sep / Dec–Mar | 2h 30m |
| Chico Hot Springs | Resort pools | 96–103°F | $10 | Year-round | 2h 30m |
| Astoria Hot Springs | Developed pools | 77–104°F | $25 | Year-round | 2h |
| Yellowstone Hot Springs | Commercial pools | 60–104°F | $15 | Year-round | 2h |
*Boiling River requires park admission when open.
Drive Times from Island Park
Our cabin is centrally located in Island Park, Idaho. Approximate drive times:
- Firehole Swimming Area: 45 minutes (via West Entrance) — the closest
- Boiling River: 1h 45m via the park interior
- Yellowstone Hot Springs (Gardiner): ~2 hours via the park
- Astoria Hot Springs (Jackson): ~2 hours via US-26
- Granite Hot Springs: ~2.5 hours via Jackson
- Chico Hot Springs: ~2.5 hours via West Yellowstone and US-89
Combine with a day trip itinerary. Soak at Granite after a Grand Teton hike, or hit Chico on the way back from the Beartooth Highway.
Hot Springs Safety
🚨 Never Enter Yellowstone's Thermal Features
Yellowstone's geysers, hot springs, and mud pots can exceed 200°F. People have died from falling into thermal features. Stay on boardwalks at all times. Only swim in the Firehole Swimming Area or designated locations.
- Hydrate — hot water dehydrates fast, especially at 6,000+ feet
- Limit soak time — 15–20 minutes in water over 100°F
- Avoid alcohol — accelerates dehydration in hot water
- Protect jewelry — mineral content can tarnish silver and copper
- Check conditions — temperature and access can change with weather
See our Safety Guide for general park safety tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Yellowstone hot springs?
No — entering any natural thermal feature is illegal and dangerous. The only legal swimming spot inside the park is the Firehole Swimming Area.
Is Boiling River open in 2026?
As of early 2026, Boiling River remains closed due to the June 2022 floods. Check nps.gov/yell for updates.
What is the best hot spring near Yellowstone for families?
Chico Hot Springs — two pools, dining, horseback riding. Astoria Hot Springs near Jackson also works well for kids.
How far is Granite Hot Springs from Jackson Hole?
About 25 miles (45 minutes) southeast of Jackson. The last 10 miles are gravel.
Are there any free hot springs near Yellowstone?
When open, Boiling River is free (with park admission). The Firehole Swimming Area is also free with a park pass.