Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the most dynamic hydrothermal areas in Yellowstone National Park. And it is one of the park's most popular destinations. View travertine terraces. See multi-colored hot springs. Take a ranger-led walk. Learn about thermophiles and geothermal features. Tour Fort Yellowstone, a cavalry post from 1886 to 1916. Visit Albright Visitor Center and, in addition to exploring the exhibits, watch a short film on the history of Yellowstone. But don't limit your discovery to natural phenomena and history. Discover the habitats and terrain of the Northwest Yellowstone. Hike Bea... Read Morever Ponds Trail, a moderate 5-mile loop, and catch sight of elk, mule deer, pronghorn, moose and beaver (dams and lodges). Head to the Boiling River, one of only two safe soaks in Yellowstone, and take a fun break from family touring. Follow Grand Loop Road south to Willow Park and watch wildlife in solitude in the early morning and late afternoon. Ride horseback in Gardners Hole and survey the backcountry from the saddle. Watch elk on the front lawn of the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel before you retire each evening. In winter, snowshoe and x-country ski in a group or individually.
Child with Park Ranger
Alfredo De Simone
Child on Horse in Yellowstone
Alfredo De Simone
Elk Calf, Mammoth Hot Springs
Jim Peaco courtesy NPS
Minerva Terrace, Mammoth Hot Springs
Alfredo De Simone
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Getting There
Mammoth Hot Springs is located 5 miles (8 km) south of Gardner, MT, 49 miles (79 km) northeast of the West Yellowstone, MT and 47 miles (76 km) west of Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance. The North Entrance is the only park entrance open all year. North Entrance Road and Grand Loop Road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Cooke City are open to wheeled vehicles year-round weather permitting. Snow tires and/or chains are often required. All other park roads and entrances are open seasonally.
Getting Around
Hiking trails offer a closer look at nature yet it is wise to take care when selecting a path; Mammoth area trails vary in length and grade. The easy, 1-mile Lower Terrace Trail is predominately boardwalk but is only wheelchair accessible at Liberty Cap. The 1-mile (1.6 km) Wraith Falls Trail is graded easy. The 5-mile Beaver Ponds Trail is graded moderate. The 11-mile (17.7 km) Sepulcher Mountain Trail is graded strenuous. Bighorn Pass, Fawn Pass, Sportsman Lake and Yellowstone River trails are lengthy backcountry treks (permits required for backcountry camping). Ranger-led programs are offered from June through September and late December through late February. Traveling to Mammoth in winter? Don't despair. There are a variety of x-country trails to choose from. NB: Check the ranger station for trail closings before you set out. Be sure to pull your car off the roadway when stopping at roadside turnouts and overlooks.
Mammoth Day Hikes
National Park Service Backcountry Trip Planner National Park Service Cross-Country Trails Xanterra Parks & Resorts Ranger-Led Programs National Park Service When to Travel
While there is no right or wrong time of year to visit Yellowstone there are few things to keep in mind when traveling with kids. July is the warmest month (75°F or 24°C); January is the coldest (25°F or -4°C). The nighttime low is significantly cooler than the daytime high all through the year. Afternoon rain showers are likely in July and August and snow is possible from September to June. Sudden changes in the weather happen all the time. The peak tourist season is late June to mid-August. Fall (late August to late October) and spring (April and May) offer the best wildlife viewing. Yellowstone is magical in winter (November to March) but it is often downright frigid. Pack warm cloths and wet weather gear and plan to dress in layers no matter when you travel.
Travel Health & Child Safety
Dehydration, altitude sickness, hot water, hypothermia and wildlife encounters are the main health risks in Yellowstone. Carry plenty of water (4 liters per person per day is recommended when hiking in summer) and encourage children to drink regularly. Don't drink the water in the lakes, rivers or streams unless you boil or filter it first. Select activities that are commensurate with the age and ability of the kids and give your body a chance to acclimate before you play hard. Keep to boardwalks and designated trails; the earth in geothermal areas is little more than a thin crust overlaying hot, scalding water. Swimming and bathing is prohibited in all areas but two: Boiling River and Firehole Canyon. Dress with highs and lows in mind. Pack rain gear and extra clothing even if it is warm and sunny when you set out. Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, 100 yards (91m) from bears and wolves and 25 yards (23m) from all other animals. Be bear aware at all times; carry bear spray, make lots of noise on hikes, and store food and discard debris in apposite bear safe containers.
Altitude Sickness
MD Travel Health Hypothermia First Aid MayoClinic.com Water Treatment Methods Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Be Bear Aware Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Things to Keep in Mind
The following services are available at Mammoth Hot Springs: hotel, campground, service station, restaurant and general store. There is no food or water at boardwalks and trailheads and there is little reprieve from the sun on area paths. Pack water and snacks. Wear sunscreen and hats. Junior ranger booklets are available for purchase ranger at stations throughout the park. A fishing permit is required for all Yellowstone anglers. Permits are required for backcountry camping.
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