Palette Spring

Palette Spring at Mammoth Hot Springs is one of Yellowstone’s most beautiful and photogenic spots — a place where color, steam, and motion come together to create a living work of art. Located along the Lower Terraces boardwalk near the main Mammoth Hot Springs area, this geothermal wonder attracts travelers with its flowing mineral terraces painted in shades of white, orange, yellow, brown and gold. The view looks almost like melted marble running down the hillside, glowing under the sunlight, especially in the early morning when the rising steam catches the first rays of day.

Palette Spring

Palette Spring

Quick Reference: Palette Spring

Category	Details
Name	Palette Spring
Location	Mammoth Hot Springs, near Lower Terraces, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Type	Hot Spring / Travertine Terrace Formation
Geothermal Feature	Active hot spring depositing travertine (calcium carbonate)
Water Temperature	Typically between 140°F–165°F (60°C–74°C)
pH Level	Around 6.2–6.8 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Elevation	Approximately 6,735 feet (2,053 meters)
Formation Process	Hot water rises through limestone, dissolving calcium carbonate and depositing travertine at the surface
Colors Origin	Thermophilic bacteria and algae; orange, yellow, and green hues reflect varying heat and mineral levels
Activity Pattern	Continuous but variable; water channels shift over time
Notable Features	Vivid terraces resembling an artist’s palette; constantly changing patterns of flow and color
Nearby Attractions	Canary Spring, Minerva Terrace, Liberty Cap, and Lower Mammoth Terraces
Accessibility	Easily accessible via Mammoth Hot Springs boardwalk; open year-round depending on conditions
Best Viewing Time	Early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and steam visibility
Safety Note	Stay on boardwalks; surface temperatures are extremely hot and fragile
Fun Fact	Palette Spring’s terraces can change noticeably within months due to shifts in underground water flow

The spring’s beauty stems from its rich mineral composition and thermophilic organisms. As superheated water rises through underground limestone, it dissolves calcium carbonate and other minerals, which are then deposited as travertine when the water cools at the surface. Over time, these deposits create terraces that grow, shift, and even collapse as underground water channels evolve. The bright orange, yellow, and green shades seen at Palette Spring come from heat-loving bacteria and algae that thrive in varying temperatures, painting the terraces in constantly changing patterns.

The water emerging from the spring typically ranges between 140°F and 165°F (60°C–74°C), hot enough to remind visitors to stay safely on the designated boardwalks. With a pH level around 6.2 to 6.8, the water is slightly acidic to neutral, dissolving minerals from the surrounding limestone as it moves. As the hot water rises to the surface, it releases carbon dioxide and deposits the calcium carbonate that builds the terraces. This process happens slowly but continuously, making the spring a living, breathing piece of Yellowstone’s geology that changes visibly even within months.

The spring’s activity pattern is continuous but variable — water channels shift naturally as underground flows change. Some areas that were dry in previous years may suddenly become active again, and new terraces appear as old ones fade. Visitors who return over time often notice new channels, colors, or formations that weren’t there before, making it a living and breathing display of geothermal artistry.

Palette Spring sits among the most photogenic geothermal areas of Mammoth Hot Springs. The setting is surreal: steam rising against a backdrop of forested hills and distant mountains. The terraces often shimmer under sunlight, while in the early morning or late afternoon, the light enhances the colors and the steam dances softly in the cool air. Winter adds yet another layer of beauty, with snow contrasting the vivid mineral hues and steam creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

One of the best things about visiting Palette Spring is its easy accessibility. Located just a short walk along the Mammoth Hot Springs boardwalk, it requires no strenuous hiking. The wooden pathway brings visitors close enough to appreciate the textures, colors, and warmth rising from the terraces — all while staying safe and protecting the fragile formations. The boardwalk is open year-round, though conditions may vary with weather, especially during winter when snow and ice can make paths slippery.

Nearby attractions such as Canary Spring, Minerva Terrace, and Liberty Cap are also within walking distance, making the Lower Terraces area a must-see stop for anyone exploring Yellowstone’s northern entrance. For photographers, early morning or late afternoon light offers the best chance to capture the full range of Palette Spring’s vibrant tones and gentle steam.

Standing before Palette Spring is more than just sightseeing — it’s witnessing Earth’s artistry in action. This spring is not static; it’s alive, evolving with the rhythms of Yellowstone’s geothermal energy. Whether you visit in summer, when the terraces gleam under a blue sky, or in winter, when steam meets snow, Palette Spring leaves a lasting impression of beauty and wonder.