Can you swim in any of the hot springs at Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park is home to more than 10,000 geothermal features, including some of the world’s most famous hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles. These steaming wonders attract millions of visitors every year, curious about their mesmerizing colors and bubbling waters. However, one of the most common questions travelers ask is whether they can swim in Yellowstone’s hot springs. The short answer is no—with very limited exceptions, swimming in Yellowstone’s hot springs is both extremely dangerous and illegal due to the unpredictable nature of the park’s geothermal system.

Quick Reference: Swimming in Yellowstone’s Hot Springs

Category	Details
Is swimming allowed in Yellowstone’s hot springs?	No. Swimming or soaking in Yellowstone’s hot springs is strictly prohibited for safety and conservation reasons.
Why can’t you swim in them?	The water is often near or above boiling, the ground around thermal areas is fragile and unstable, and sudden temperature changes can cause fatal burns.
Are there any exceptions?	Previously, the Boiling River near Mammoth Hot Springs was open for limited soaking, but it is now permanently closed due to safety concerns.
Legal status	Entering or disturbing any thermal feature is a federal offense under National Park Service regulations. Violators face heavy fines and possible bans.
Environmental reason	Human contact can harm the delicate thermophilic bacteria and algae that create Yellowstone’s vibrant spring colors.
Current situation	No thermal features or hot springs within Yellowstone are open for public bathing or swimming.
Safe soaking alternatives outside the park	Yellowstone Hot Springs (near Gardiner, Montana)  Chico Hot Springs Resort & Spa (Pray, Montana)  Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis, Wyoming)
Visitor safety tip	Stay on boardwalks and marked trails in thermal areas. Ground crusts can be paper-thin and collapse underfoot. Never touch or approach hot spring water.

The geothermal features in Yellowstone are powered by the vast magma chamber that lies just a few miles beneath the surface. This underground heat source superheats groundwater, creating pools of boiling water, acidic mud pots, and geysers that can erupt without warning. Many of these hot springs reach temperatures between 160°F and over 200°F (70°C to 93°C), far beyond the safe limit for human contact. The thin, brittle ground crust surrounding thermal areas can easily give way under pressure, leading to instant and fatal burns if someone falls through. For this reason, the National Park Service has strict rules prohibiting people from entering or bathing in thermal features.

Beyond the immediate safety risk, there’s also an environmental reason behind the swimming ban. The fragile ecosystems within Yellowstone’s thermal features support rare thermophilic bacteria and microorganisms that thrive only in extreme conditions. These organisms create the vivid colors that make places like the Grand Prismatic Spring so famous. Human interference—through touch, sunscreen, soap, or even body oils—can permanently damage these delicate microbial mats. Preserving these natural wonders is essential for maintaining the ecological integrity and scientific value of the park.

That said, Yellowstone once offered one rare exception—the Boiling River, located near Mammoth Hot Springs. This natural hot-spring-fed section of the Gardner River was once open to visitors for soaking, where cold river water mixed with hot geothermal flow to create a more comfortable temperature. However, even this area was dangerous due to shifting water temperatures, strong currents, and unpredictable geothermal activity. As of recent years, the Boiling River has been permanently closed to the public for safety and conservation reasons. The National Park Service continuously evaluates areas like this, but at present, there are no open swimming or soaking spots inside the park’s boundaries.

Visitors who want to experience a natural hot spring soak safely can do so outside the park boundaries in nearby areas. Locations such as Yellowstone Hot Springs (north of Gardiner, Montana) or Chico Hot Springs Resort (also in Montana) provide relaxing, geothermally heated pools that are safe, regulated, and open to the public. These spots allow travelers to enjoy the unique geothermal experience without endangering themselves or the park’s fragile natural features.

In summary, swimming in Yellowstone’s hot springs is not only prohibited but can be deadly. The combination of scalding water, fragile ground, and volatile geothermal conditions makes these areas extremely unsafe for human contact. The National Park Service enforces strict safety measures to protect both visitors and the park’s remarkable natural systems. For those who wish to soak in geothermal waters, nearby resorts outside the park provide the perfect balance of comfort, safety, and natural beauty—letting you enjoy the spirit of Yellowstone without risking your life or harming the environment.