Hot Springs in Yellowstone that you can swim in

Yellowstone National Park is famous for its incredible geothermal features, including geysers, fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs. While many of these features are stunning to observe, they are also extremely dangerous. Most of the hot springs in Yellowstone are far too hot and acidic for safe human contact, and swimming or bathing in them is strictly prohibited because of the risk of severe burns, toxic exposure, and damage to the delicate thermal ecosystems. However, there are a few safe areas within and just outside the park where visitors can experience the rare opportunity of soaking in naturally heated waters without endangering themselves.

One of the most popular places to enjoy a warm soak in Yellowstone is the Boiling River. Located near the park’s North Entrance, close to Mammoth Hot Springs, this spot forms where hot water from thermal features mixes with the cold waters of the Gardner River. The result is a natural thermal bath where visitors can wade into areas of comfortable temperature, depending on where the hot and cold currents meet. The Boiling River is seasonal, as it often closes during spring and early summer when snowmelt makes the Gardner River run too high and fast, creating unsafe conditions. For much of the year, though, it remains one of the park’s most famous and accessible hot soaking areas, providing both a relaxing and unique Yellowstone experience.

Another safe thermal area for swimming can be found just outside the park’s western boundary in Montana, at a site called Firehole River Swimming Area. Located along Firehole Canyon Drive, this section of the river is warmed by geothermal runoff, making it more pleasant than the icy mountain streams that dominate much of Yellowstone. The water here is not as hot as a thermal spring but maintains a comfortable swimming temperature, which has made it a popular summer destination for families and adventurers alike. Surrounded by canyon walls and the sound of rushing water, it is one of the few designated swimming areas associated with Yellowstone.

Beyond these two locations, the National Park Service emphasizes that all other thermal areas, including iconic features such as Grand Prismatic Spring, Morning Glory Pool, and the Mammoth terraces, are strictly off-limits for swimming or bathing. The water in most hot springs can exceed boiling temperatures, and even springs that appear calm and inviting are dangerously unpredictable. The geothermal features are also fragile ecosystems, where human interference can permanently alter their natural chemistry and beauty. For both safety and conservation reasons, Yellowstone’s regulations are clear about protecting these sites.

Visitors seeking more hot spring experiences outside Yellowstone have several nearby options in the surrounding states of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, where commercial hot springs and natural soaking areas are safely managed for public enjoyment. Places like Chico Hot Springs in Montana and Granite Hot Springs in Wyoming provide safe, developed pools where travelers can enjoy geothermal waters without the dangers of Yellowstone’s wild springs.

In the end, while Yellowstone National Park itself is full of mesmerizing hot springs, only the Boiling River and Firehole River Swimming Area offer safe opportunities to get into the water within or directly adjacent to the park. These locations allow people to experience the wonder of Yellowstone’s geothermal activity in a way that is both safe and memorable, while also respecting the delicate balance of nature. For anyone visiting the park, taking a dip in one of these rare spots is an extraordinary way to connect more deeply with the geothermal heart of Yellowstone.