Contents
Mammoth Hot Springs | Introduction
Mammoth Hot Springs is a unique geothermal feature in Yellowstone National Park, famed for its stunning travertine terraces. These terraced formations have an intriguing geological origin. High-temperature water flows through underground layers of limestone, dissolving calcium carbonate, which then rises to the surface and deposits as minerals, gradually forming the layered terraces. Unlike Yellowstone's dramatic geysers, the hot springs here create a more tranquil yet deeply captivating landscape that continually evolves with mineral deposition. The colors of the terraces, from orange to yellow to gray, reflect the varying mineral content, giving the scene a painterly quality.
In addition to its geological wonders, Mammoth Hot Springs has a rich human history. Developed in the late 19th century, it was one of the first areas of Yellowstone to be established, and the surrounding buildings reflect the park’s early days, when military protection was needed to preserve this land. This combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes Mammoth Hot Springs a unique destination within Yellowstone.
Mammoth Hot Springs | One-Day Itinerary
A half-day to a full day is recommended for exploring Mammoth Hot Springs.
Start your morning by driving the Upper Terraces Drive, a 1.5-kilometer loop that circles the upper terraces and provides multiple viewpoints for admiring the hot spring formations from above. Several parking spots allow you to stop, get out, and take in the geothermal scenery. With fewer visitors in the morning, it’s easy to explore at your own pace. After completing the drive, park and walk the Lower Terrace Boardwalk, a 1-kilometer trail that circles the lower terraces, offering different perspectives of Mammoth Hot Springs’ pools and terraced structures. If you’re up for it, you can continue onto the Upper Terrace Boardwalk. After visiting the hot springs, head to a nearby restaurant for lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring the Historic District, which includes some of Yellowstone's oldest lodges and military buildings.
Mammoth Hot Springs | Lodging and Dining
In-Park Lodging | Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is one of Yellowstone National Park’s most historic lodges, located right in the heart of Mammoth Hot Springs. Just steps away from the terraces and the Historic District, this hotel, built in the late 19th century, features classic decor and a rich atmosphere that reflects Yellowstone’s early days as a destination for explorers and tourists.
The hotel and nearby areas also have restaurants and cafés, providing convenient dining options for visitors.
Off-Site Lodging
The Mammoth Hot Springs area is located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, near the park's north entrance. The neighboring town of Gardiner, Montana, is just five miles and a 10-15 minute drive from the Mammoth Hot Springs area and offers a variety of lodging options. Gardiner is a prime location for off-site lodging near the Mammoth Hot Springs area if you're planning to stay overnight.
Looking for a stay in Gardiner?
Mammoth Hot Springs | Attractions
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
Mammoth Hot Springs is divided into the Upper Terraces and Lower Terraces, connected by a boardwalk system. Visitors are usually encouraged to drive the Upper Terraces first, then walk along the Lower Terrace Boardwalk and Upper Terrace Boardwalk.
Upper Terrace Drive
This drive is a must-see route, accessible only to small vehicles and pedestrians. It’s about 1.5 miles long and features geothermal sites such as New Highland Terrace, Prospect Terrace, the sculpture-like Orange Spring Mound, Snow Pond, Bath Lake, White Elephant Back Terrace, and Angel Terrace. The drive forms a loop and returns to the starting point after about half a mile.
This route is ideal for a leisurely drive with stunning views of the diverse hot spring landscapes. If time permits, consider walking part of it to experience each spring’s unique details and atmosphere up close.
Must-see | Lower Terrace boardwalk
The Lower Terrace Boardwalk is a highlight of Mammoth Hot Springs. This stroller-friendly path lies between Grand Loop Road and the lower parking area. If you can only visit one area, this is the one to choose, as it offers a concentrated display of Mammoth Hot Springs’ wonders.
Liberty Cap
At the entrance to the boardwalk stands Liberty Cap, a 12-meter-tall cone-shaped rock pillar. Named after the liberty cap of the French Revolution in 1871, this striking formation was created by long-term mineral buildup from a now-inactive hot spring vent. Centuries of flowing water, under pressure, shaped this unique structure.
Palette Spring
Further along, you’ll find the overlook for Palette Spring, one of the focal points of the Lower Terrace. Water flows down from the top, creating intricate layers. The terrain here is constantly changing, with previous flows displaying even more colors.
Palette Spring is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, as elk are often seen roaming the area, especially at dawn or dusk.
Later, at the other end of the trail, you can see the location of the hot spring source above Palette Spring.
Minerva Terrace
Further into the boardwalk is Minerva Terrace, known for its delicate travertine formations. The terraces resemble a layered wedding cake from afar. Minerva Terrace has had an eventful history—after drying up in the early 20th century, it flowed again in 1951. Recent earthquakes have shifted the water source slightly, leaving only a small trickle today.
Cleopatra Terrace
Cleopatra Terrace: Cleopatra Terrace stands alone with striking orange deposits, creating a dramatic display.
Mound Terrace
Mound Terrace is a staircase-like formation of geothermal deposits, with layers of soft orange and white hues. This terrace has seen fluctuating levels of activity over the years, sometimes turning fully white in dormancy and recently becoming active again. In the light of sunrise or sunset, Mound Terrace takes on a dreamlike appearance.
Upper Terrace Boardwalk
Continue up the path to the Upper Terrace Boardwalk for views from a higher perspective.
If you prefer not to climb stairs, you can drive to the Main Terrace parking lot and join the boardwalk there. Starting from the parking area, a short walk leads you to Grassy Spring.
Walking along the boardwalk, you’ll see steaming springs beneath the walkway, reminding visitors that this landscape is alive and ever-changing.
The boardwalk ends at Canary Spring, where sulfur and mineral deposits create a vibrant contrast of yellow and white over a 20-foot elevation change. This active spring has even “consumed” nearby trees and parts of the boardwalk, with the landscape shifting as the spring evolves. Every visit offers a unique experience as the spring’s activity alters the view.
Fort Yellowstone
Beyond the geothermal features, Mammoth Hot Springs also preserves buildings that reflect the early history of Yellowstone National Park. Fort Yellowstone was a military base established by the U.S. Army in the late 19th century. Due to poor management and rampant poaching, the government assigned the army to protect Yellowstone in 1886. Fort Yellowstone served as the base for this effort and represents the first permanent structures in the park. The site remained under military control until the National Park Service (NPS) took over in 1918.
Many of these historic buildings are well-preserved, allowing visitors to explore the military architecture and learn about the early efforts to manage and protect the park. Albright Visitor Center, housed in one of these buildings, now provides exhibits on Yellowstone’s history, geology, and ecology, with a particular focus on the army’s early role in conservation.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re driving south from Mammoth Hot Springs, a few nearby stops are worth visiting along the way.
Roaring Mountain
This mountain is highly active with geothermal vents, and steam rises from numerous fumaroles scattered across its slope, creating a deep rumbling sound.
The Golden Gate
This scenic overlook is also worth a visit. Built in the 19th century, the "Golden Gate" bridge crosses a challenging cliffside road through a rugged canyon—a remarkable engineering feat of its time.
Further reading
- More Yellowstone National Park posts
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