Places to Swim in Yellowstone

Places to Swim in Yellowstone: A Comprehensive and Detailed Guide

Swimming in Yellowstone National Park is a rare and carefully controlled activity due to the extreme geothermal danger and fragile environments found throughout the park. While the park is famous for hot springs and boiling geysers, most of Yellowstone’s waters are either too hot, too acidic, or too unstable for safe human contact. 

However, there are a few designated locations where swimming has historically been allowed or is still possible, offering unique experiences in some of the most scenic landscapes in the American West. Each of these areas provides a different atmosphere, from river swimming to soaking in warm natural waters surrounded by mountains and forests. Below are the notable places associated with swimming opportunities within or near Yellowstone, described in detail for visitors looking to enjoy the experience safely and responsibly.

Quick Reference – Swimming Locations in and around Yellowstone

Location	Swimming Allowed	Water Type & Conditions	Best Time to Visit	Notes for Visitors
Firehole Canyon Swim Area	Yes (Designated Zone Only)	Warm river water naturally heated by geothermal sources	Summer (typically late June to August depending on river conditions)	Popular official swimming spot inside the park; may close due to high water or wildlife
Boiling River (near Mammoth)	Closed Indefinitely	Mix of hot spring water and cold Gardner River	Currently Not Accessible	Closed due to 2022 flood damage; no reopening date announced
Madison River (selected safe shallow areas only)	Limited wading / informal swimming	Cool freshwater river	Late Spring through Early Fall	Not an official swim site; avoid thermal zones and follow park safety rules
Hebgen Lake (outside park, Montana)	Yes	Warm summertime lake water	June–September	Great for full swimming, boating, beaches, and family recreation
Earthquake Lake (outside park, Montana)	Yes	Clear cool lake water	Summer	Scenic water recreation spot formed by 1959 earthquake landslide

1. Boiling River (CLOSED INDEFINITELY)

For many years, the Boiling River near Mammoth Hot Springs was one of the most famous natural soaking spots in Yellowstone. Here, extremely hot water from a hydrothermal outlet mixed with the cold Gardner River, creating sections that were comfortably warm for swimming and soaking. Visitors could wade into the river and find their preferred temperature by adjusting how close they sat to the hot water source, creating a therapeutic and relaxing natural bath. The experience was unlike anything else in the park, offering mountain views and winter steam rising dramatically from the river’s surface. 

However, the Boiling River site has been closed indefinitely due to severe damage from the 2022 floods that destroyed infrastructure and altered the riverbanks. As of now, access is not available, and the National Park Service has not announced a reopening date. Despite its temporary closure, it remains an important part of Yellowstone’s swimming history and may return in the future once repairs and safety assessments are complete.

2. Firehole Canyon Swim Area

The Firehole Canyon Swim Area is currently the primary active swimming location inside Yellowstone National Park. Situated south of Madison Junction, this area of the Firehole River has long been enjoyed by visitors looking to cool off during the summer months. The river flows through a narrow volcanic canyon where the water is naturally warmed by geothermal sources upstream, creating a comfortable temperature for swimming that is neither too hot nor uncomfortably cold. The dramatic black lava rock walls surrounding the river add to the beauty, and the sound of rushing water creates a refreshing and immersive atmosphere. 

Access is available via a designated parking area and steep stairway leading down to the river, with a section specifically marked as the legal swimming zone. Although not artificially heated like a hot spring, the warm water and natural setting make it one of the most memorable outdoor swimming experiences in the park. The area typically opens during summer, but it can be closed at any time due to high water, dangerous currents, or wildlife activity.

3. Madison River Activities

The stretch of the Madison River outside the designated geothermal zones is popular for floating, wading, and light recreational swimming rather than full immersion bathing. While it is not officially a developed swimming site, visitors often enjoy dipping into shallow areas during warmer months, particularly near pullouts and picnic areas. The water here is colder than the Firehole, offering a refreshing contrast on hot summer days, and the environment is scenic with forests and meadows lining the riverbanks. 

It is important for visitors to avoid entering any part of the river located near hydrothermal activity, boardwalks, or restricted areas, as temperatures and chemical levels can change suddenly. Wildlife such as elk, bison, and occasionally bears frequent the region, adding both beauty and the need for caution. Swimming is only recommended where it is explicitly allowed, and always under safe water conditions.

4. Lakes Near Yellowstone for Swimming

While most lakes within Yellowstone National Park prohibit swimming due to cold temperatures, fragile ecosystems, or safety risks, several lakes in the surrounding communities are very popular for swimming during the warm season. Yellowstone Lake, despite its size and beauty, remains too cold for safe recreational swimming. However, many visitors enjoy heading just outside the park to enjoy safe, comfortable swimming options. 

Locations such as Hebgen Lake and Earthquake Lake in Montana offer sandy beaches, boat rentals, and warm summer water temperatures ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and family recreation. These lakes provide an excellent alternative for visitors who want a water-based day during their Yellowstone trip without violating park regulations or entering dangerous geothermal areas. The combination of mountain scenery, clear water, and accessible amenities makes nearby lakes a strong complement to Yellowstone’s more regulated environment.