What is Mammoth Hot Springs?
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the largest collections of hot springs in the world. Instead of gushing geysers or bubbling mud pots, visitors are met with an alien landscape of white travertine terraces.
What makes Mammoth really stand out is how unpredictable it is. Some springs dry up, others suddenly spring to life somewhere else. That means that all of the features are gradually reshaping themselves. One day, you’ll see a terrace flowing like a natural fountain; come back another time, and it might be dry and ghostly white, like the ruins of some ghostly city.
How Are The Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces Made?
It all starts with precipitation, either rain or snow. All that meteoric (atmospheric) water percolates its way down through the rocks and into underground magma chambers, picking up limestone along the way.
When the superheated water rises and re-emerges through cracks and springs, it carries with it all of that dissolved limestone and minerals. As the water cools, it redeposits the limestone as something called travertine.
Over the centuries, these mineral-rich spring waters have covered the hillside with pale, cavernous-looking formations. New formations may be bright white, peach, or soft yellow, depending on the thermophiles (heat-loving organisms) that live in the warm water.
Older, less active springs, may fade to gray over time. As Mammoth’s springs are always opening and closing, every visit to Mammoth Hot Springs is guaranteed to be a unique experience.
History of Mammoth Hot Springs
Image by Rachel Ennis
But Mammoth isn’t just about the weird and wonderful geology. This is also where you’ll find the park’s headquarters, right in the heart of the historic Fort Yellowstone district. When Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872, it didn’t come with a blueprint—or a ranger staff. In fact, the first protectors of the park weren’t park rangers at all, but U.S. Army soldiers.
After three brutally cold winters trying to manage this wild new park, the Army figured they weren’t going anywhere anytime soon. (And they were right—they stuck around for 32 years.) They needed a base of operations, not just for soldiers, but for their families and the growing number of tourists. So in 1891, they started construction on the first official building: the guard house. From there, Fort Yellowstone kept growing—well into the 1930s.
Today, many of those historic structures still stand. The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, the old post office, and the Army barracks are among the buildings you can see on a walk through the village. Some, like the hotel, have been renovated over the years, but they still keep that original frontier feel. And keep an eye out for the locals—elk love to lounge on the lawns like they own the place. (Honestly, they kind of do.)
If you're curious to dig deeper, the Albright Visitor Center is well worth a stop. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on everything from the park's geothermal wonders to its human history.
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Is it worth visiting Mammoth Hot Springs?
It’s more than worth visiting Mammoth Hot Springs! In fact, I’d consider it one of the three essential Yellowstone stops, along with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Old Faithful Geyser Basin. Prepare to spend about 2-3 hours exploring this part of the park.
Things to Do in Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs’ Terraces
The travertine terraces are some of the biggest and best in the world. This is definitely a do-not-miss attraction. Mammoth’s terraces are divided into two sections: the upper and lower.
The upper terrace is a short driving loop that takes about 30 minutes to complete and has several pullovers where you can get out of the car and take a closer look at some of the features. Some of the major highlights here are the Orange Spring Mound, the Aphrodite Terrace, and the Angel Terrace.
The lower terrace is a boardwalk hiking path that totals just 1.75 miles, or 2.8 kilometers. Highlights of the lower terrace include Mound Spring and Jupiter Terrace, Minerva Terrace, and the Liberty Cap. You can walk from the upper terrace to the lower terrace without driving to the next lot, but you’ll need to be fit enough to tackle well over a hundred stairs.
Writer's Tip: Those stairs sound tough, but they're not that bad. Since there tends to be a lot of traffic through this area, I really suggest just walking from terrace to terrace.
Mammoth Hot Springs Upper and Lower Terrace Map:
Yellowstone NPS, restoration by Matt Holly
The Mammoth Historic Fort and Albright Visitor Center
The United States Army initially constructed the Albright Visitor Center in 1909 as officers' quarters. Today, it’s a place to explore exhibits, shop for souvenirs, speak to a park ranger, and plan out your trip.
Grab a Bite to Eat
If you’re feeling a bit peckish, Mammoth features several dine-in restaurants for those who want to escape the elements, as well as a general shop where you may pick up some snacks for a picnic on the grass. There's the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room, Grant Village Cafeteria, Mammoth Terrace Grille, and The Map Room.
Writer’s Tip: On a nice day, those picnic tables on the lawn are chef’s kiss. Great views, fresh air, and plenty of space to relax. However—if the elk are out in force (and they often are), maybe skip the sandwich session. They have zero respect for personal space, and the rangers will end up herding you (repeatedly) away from the elk. Trust me, it’s hard to enjoy your lunch when you’re playing a slow-motion game of musical benches with a 700-pound local and a very stressed park ranger.
Visit the Town of Gardiner, Montana
Mammoth Village is only a 20-minute drive from the town of Gardiner, where you’ll find no shortage of activities. You can swim in a hot spring, see the Roosevelt Arch, visit the Yellowstone Heritage Center, and much more.
Can I Swim in the Hot Springs?
Swimming is not permitted in any of Yellowstone's hydrothermal waters. The two exceptions are the Boiling River and Firehole River, which are fed by hydrothermal waters. The Boiling River is only a three-mile drive north of Mammoth.
Note: As of 2022, access to the Boiling River has been closed indefinitely due to damage from historic flooding. Be sure to check the NPS website for the latest updates before your visit.
RELATED: The Top 10 Things to Do At Yellowstone National Park
Mammoth Hot Springs for Photographers
Mammoth Hot Springs is a dream for photographers—where steam drifts through skeletal trees and mineral terraces glow at golden hour. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or your phone, here are a few quick tips to capture its surreal beauty:
- Catch the Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset light up the terraces in glowing tones, especially at Palette and Canary Springs.
- Bring a Monopod
For soft, moody steam shots or low-light winter scenes, a monopod makes all the difference. Tip: tripods can block the boardwalk path, try to stick to something less obtrusive.
- Explore Both Levels
The Lower Terrace has iconic features like Minerva Terrace; the Upper Drive offers sweeping views and surprise wildlife.
- Try Black and White
Dead trees, crusted terraces, and foggy air can create striking monochrome phographs.
Where is Mammoth Hot Springs?
So now that you know you want to go visit Mammoth, how do you get there? Mammoth Hot Springs is located in the northwest corner of Yellowstone’s northern loop. It’s also just about a 20-minute drive south of the town of Gardiner, Montana, or 5 minutes south of the north gate.
If you’re coming in from Bozeman Airport, it will take you about 2 hours to reach Mammoth Hot Springs. If you’re entering the park from the town of West Yellowstone, it’s a little over 40 miles, and takes about an hour and a half.
Elevation in Mammoth Hot Spring is: 6,735 feet, 1,943 meters
And remember, Yellowstone is huge. Like, drive-for-hours-and-still-be-in-the-park huge. It’s nearly impossible to see all the major highlights in a single day. That’s why your Shaka Guide tour will help point out the best nearby stops based on your location. Still, to help you get a sense of the distances, here are a few key drive times from Mammoth to popular park spots:
| Nearby Points of Interest | |
| Bunsen Peak Trail | 2.5 miles |
| Golden Gate Bridge | 2.75 miles |
| Undine Falls | 5.75 miles |
| Sheepeater Cliff | 6 miles |
| Major Points of Interest | |
| Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone | 33 miles |
| Old Faithful Geyser Basin | 51 miles |
Staying near Mammoth
There is one hotel and two campgrounds inside Yellowstone’s Mammoth Hot Springs; and countless more options in the nearby town of Gardiner. Here are some of the in-park lodging options.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins
From May to October, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel opens to visitors. It was remodeled in 2019, and, 30 million dollars later, this beautiful historic hotel has all of the classic charm of the early 1900s paired with modern-day amenities. Make reservations when they open, 13 months in advance. This is the only hotel in the Mammoth area, so apply early!
Mammoth Hot Springs Campground
This is the only campground inside Mammoth Hot Springs and the only campground in Yellowstone that is open year-round. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and a few shady spots under Douglas and Juniper trees. There are no showers available at the campground; the closest public showers are in the nearby town of Gardiner. Reservations are required through the spring and summer.
Indian Creek Campground
About 8 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs lies the Indian Creek Campground. From here, campers can enjoy views of the Gallatin Mountain Range and Electric Peak. Be aware that this is a primitive campground with few amenities. Seasonal potable water is available. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov in twice-yearly windows, about 6 months in advance. There are also a limited number of two-week reservations available.
RELATED: Top 20 Best Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park
When to Visit Mammoth Hot Springs
Shutterstock Image
Unlike some other highlights of the park, there’s really no bad time to visit Mammoth Hot Springs. If you’d like to visit when it’s less crowded, try coming in the morning or late afternoon. If you go midday, expect to share the boardwalk with a lot of other tourists.
FAQs and Tips For Your Visit
When is the best time to arrive?
Try to arrive early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
Do I need a reservation?
Nope, no reservation!
Can I touch the hot springs?
Better not. The water is scalding, the terraces are fragile, and most importantly, it’s illegal.
Is Mammoth worth seeing in the winter?
Yes! In fact, it may just be Mammoth's most beautiful season.
Is it a good place to bring children?
Yes! Mammoth Hot Springs is an easy, flat trail with a lot to see. Be aware, though, that there are no guardrails on the trail. Keep the young ones close.
Can I bring my pets?
Big no. Except in campgrounds and in your car, pets are not permitted in the park. It’s very dangerous for them, and several pets have died from jumping into hot springs.
Why does Mammoth look different than in the pictures?
The terraces themselves are continually changing as a result of the constantly shifting spring flows. Every visit is unique, so you never know what you'll get!
About the Writer:
Rachel Ennis is a storyteller, nature nerd, and park enthusiast who believes every trail has a tale—even if it bubbles, steams, or smells a little like rotten eggs. On her first trip to Yellowstone, she found herself lingering at overlooks, taking the long way around, and seeking out quiet places where nature feels a little more personal. Now, she’s on a mission to share the stories that live in the land and the spaces that make us feel small in the best way.
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We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Yellowstone Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.
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