Hot Springs in Yellowstone that you can swim in

Yellowstone National Park is world-famous for its geysers, colorful hot springs, and steaming thermal basins. These geothermal features are part of one of the most active volcanic systems on Earth, and they attract millions of visitors every year. When people hear about Yellowstone’s hot springs, a common question naturally arises: can you actually swim in any of them? The short answer is yes, but only in very specific and carefully regulated places. While most hot springs in Yellowstone are strictly off-limits due to extreme temperatures and fragile ecosystems, one natural area allows visitors to experience warm geothermal water safely.

Understanding where swimming is permitted, why most hot springs are dangerous, and how Yellowstone protects these unique environments helps visitors enjoy the park responsibly.

Why Most Hot Springs in Yellowstone Are Not Safe for Swimming

The hot springs of Yellowstone are not like typical warm pools found in other parts of the world. Many of them reach temperatures well above boiling, often exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is heated by magma deep beneath the surface, and it carries dissolved minerals, gases, and sometimes acidic compounds. These conditions make most hot springs extremely dangerous for human contact.

In addition to the risk of severe burns, the ground surrounding hot springs is often thin and unstable. What looks like solid earth can actually be a fragile crust covering scalding water or steam. Stepping off designated boardwalks has led to serious injuries and even fatalities in the past.

There is also an environmental reason for the strict rules. Yellowstone’s thermal features support unique microorganisms that thrive in extreme heat and chemical conditions. These organisms create the vivid colors seen in many hot springs and are scientifically important. Human contact can damage these fragile ecosystems permanently.

Because of these dangers, swimming in Yellowstone’s hot springs is generally prohibited. However, one location offers a rare and controlled opportunity to enjoy warm geothermal water safely.

Boiling River: Yellowstone’s Famous Swimmable Hot Spring

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.

Firehole River Swimming Area

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.