Boiling River Hot Springs

Nestled near the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, just outside the town of Gardiner, Montana, the Boiling River Hot Springs has long been one of the park’s most beloved and unique geothermal attractions. This natural wonder forms where a scalding-hot stream of water, heated by underground volcanic activity, flows directly into the icy Gardner River. The meeting point of these two extremes creates a remarkable and rare phenomenon—a naturally balanced soak where hot and cold waters mix to form a perfect, soothing temperature. Over the years, it became a favorite spot for visitors looking to experience Yellowstone’s geothermal magic up close, in a way that felt raw, natural, and deeply connected to the Earth.

Quick Reference: Boiling River Hot Springs

Feature	Details
Location	Near the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, close to Gardiner, Montana
Type of Feature	Natural hot spring formed by geothermal water mixing with the Gardner River
Water Temperature	Extremely hot at source (up to 140°F / 60°C), mixes with cold river water to form safe soaking temperatures (when open)
Status	Closed indefinitely to public access for safety and environmental reasons
Trail Access	About 0.5 miles (0.8 km) walk from parking area near 45th Parallel Bridge
Soaking Allowed	No — soaking and swimming are currently prohibited
Reason for Closure	Safety hazards, bacterial risk, unpredictable thermal shifts, and environmental damage
Alternative Hot Springs Nearby	Chico Hot Springs (30 miles north), Yellowstone Hot Springs (near Gardiner)
Best Time to Visit (for Viewing)	Year-round (trail access may depend on weather)
Managed By	U.S. National Park Service
Special Note	Visitors may still walk the trail and view the area, but entering the water is strictly forbidden

The Boiling River is not a typical developed hot spring with concrete pools or spa facilities. Instead, it is a truly wild, natural experience. The hot water flows down from a series of geothermal vents and cascades into the river in a steaming, mineral-rich stream. Visitors who came here would find shallow rock pools formed by nature and by the hands of past soakers, where they could sit and feel the unique mix of heat and cold swirling around them. Depending on where you sat, the temperature could vary drastically—too close to the geothermal flow, and the water could become dangerously hot; too far, and the icy mountain river would dominate. This constant dance of temperatures made every visit to the Boiling River slightly different, adding to its charm and sense of adventure.

Accessing the Boiling River required a short half-mile walk along a well-marked path from the parking area near the 45th Parallel Bridge. The trail followed the Gardner River, winding through a picturesque landscape of sagebrush, forest, and mountains. The sound of rushing water and the sight of steam rising from the river ahead served as a natural invitation. Many visitors came in the early morning or late afternoon when the air was cool, and the steam rising from the water created an ethereal atmosphere that felt both peaceful and otherworldly.

However, in recent years, the Boiling River Hot Springs has been closed indefinitely to the public. The National Park Service made this decision for a combination of safety, environmental, and preservation reasons. The area’s fragile ecosystem had suffered from overuse, with visitors leaving behind litter, sunscreen residues, and other contaminants that threatened the natural balance of the water. Moreover, the thermal features in Yellowstone are unpredictable—temperatures and underground water flows can shift suddenly. There have been recorded instances of dangerously high temperatures, strong currents, and even bacterial contamination from natural sources like Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that can thrive in warm freshwater environments. These risks made the site too hazardous for continued open public use.

Despite its closure, the Boiling River remains an iconic part of Yellowstone’s history and folklore. For decades, it represented one of the few opportunities for people to safely enjoy a thermal feature within the park’s boundaries. Many longtime visitors and locals recall it as a place of relaxation and connection—a spot where the raw power of Yellowstone’s geothermal heart met the cool, refreshing flow of the Gardner River. Today, the area can still be admired from a distance, and the trail remains an interesting walk for those who wish to see where the phenomenon occurs, though entry into the water is strictly prohibited.

For those hoping to experience something similar to the Boiling River, there are nearby legal and safe alternatives just outside Yellowstone National Park. The most popular option is Chico Hot Springs, located about 30 miles north in Paradise Valley, Montana. This historic resort offers naturally heated mineral pools in a controlled environment, allowing guests to enjoy the therapeutic warmth of geothermal waters without any safety concerns. Other nearby spots, such as Yellowstone Hot Springs near Gardiner, also provide scenic and well-managed soaking experiences inspired by the spirit of the Boiling River.

The story of the Boiling River Hot Springs serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human curiosity and nature’s untamed power. It exemplifies both the wonder and the danger of Yellowstone’s geothermal features. While swimming there is no longer possible, the legacy of the Boiling River lives on in the memories of those who once bathed where fire and ice met, and in the ongoing commitment to protect Yellowstone’s wild and extraordinary landscape for generations to come.