Terrace Spring

Terrace Spring is one of Yellowstone’s most overlooked thermal areas, tucked quietly along the road just north of Madison Junction, where the Gibbon River winds through a landscape of forests, meadows, and steaming earth. Although it sits adjacent to the southwest corner of Gibbon Geyser Basin, Terrace Spring is considered a small thermal region of its own. Its features are few and subtle compared to Yellowstone’s larger basins, but its beauty, accessibility, and unique chemistry make it a rewarding stop for visitors who enjoy peaceful thermal scenes without the crowds.

Terrace Spring

Terrace Spring Pond

Terrace Spring

Quick Reference: Terrace Spring

Category	Details
Name	Terrace Spring
Location	Along the road just north of Madison Junction, Yellowstone National Park
Thermal Type	Gas-driven hot spring (CO₂ bubbling causes the “boiling” effect)
Water Temperature	About 140°F (60°C) — appears to boil but is not
Cause of Activity	Rising carbon dioxide gas creates constant bubbling and surface disturbance
Appearance	Clear, blue-green pool with roiling water and gentle steam
Geological Notes	Once deposited travertine during wetter prehistoric periods; remnants still visible
Boardwalk Access	Short, easy loop trail (about 1/3 mile); suitable for most visitors
Parking	Small lot; usually quiet and not crowded
Nearby Areas	Madison Junction, Gibbon River, Gibbon Geyser Basin
Best Time to Visit	Mornings or late afternoon for quiet atmosphere and better steam visibility
Safety Reminder	Stay on the boardwalk; ground around the spring is thin and unstable
Visitor Tips	Quick, peaceful stop to stretch legs during the Madison–Norris drive; no restrooms

The spring itself immediately stands out because it looks like a vigorously boiling pool, sending ripples, roiling bubbles, and delicate waves across a luminous emerald-blue surface. However, the spring is not actually boiling at all—its temperature hovers around 140°F (60°C), far below the boiling point at Yellowstone’s elevation. The energetic motion instead comes from carbon dioxide escaping through the water. Unlike geysers or superheated pools, which churn from intense heat and pressure, Terrace Spring’s activity is driven almost entirely by CO₂-rich gases rising from below. These bubbles create an illusion of intense boiling while the water remains comparatively cool for a Yellowstone hot spring.

Thousands of years ago, during wetter climatic periods, the chemistry of this spring allowed travertine deposits to accumulate much like the ones seen today at Mammoth Hot Springs. Over time, changes in water composition and flow altered the deposition process, but remnants of old travertine still border parts of the spring, offering a glimpse into its past. Modern hydrothermal studies have documented that the pool remains saturated with carbon dioxide, explaining its unusually active surface despite its modest temperature.

A short boardwalk loop circles the spring and continues toward a smaller bubbling pool fed by the same CO₂-rich source. The walk is gentle, scenic, and often quiet, making Terrace Spring a peaceful place to stretch your legs after driving between Madison and Norris. Park scientists regularly photograph and study the site because its chemistry and water clarity make it ideal for observing how gases move through hydrothermal systems. The wooden walkway is well-maintained and provides close views of the shimmering pool as it pours into a small adjoining pond, reflecting trees and sky on calm days.

Because Terrace Spring is smaller and less famous than Yellowstone’s main basins, many visitors pass it without stopping. Those who do pull into the small parking lot often find they have the entire loop to themselves. The area is especially pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon when steam drifts lightly above the water and sunlight enhances the contrasting colors of the pool and its sinter edges. Although services are minimal—there are no restrooms—it remains a lovely, low-effort, high-reward stop along the scenic drive.