Boiling River
North Entrance, Yellowstone National Park
Address: | 61 N Entrance Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA |
GPS: |
44°59'32.9"N 110°41'29.2"W Maps | Directions |
State: | Wyoming |
Rivers Streams National Park
Hot Springs and Swim
The Boiling River is created where a large hot spring enters the Gardner River, allowing the hot and cool waters to mix into a temperature comfortable enough to bathe in. The natural hot tub makes a great place to stop and relax while soaking in the warm water and soaking up the natural beauty of Yellowstone.
WARNING: After about half a mile into your hike to The Boiling River, the trail circles a seductive looking stream coming from an outcropping on the riverbank. The clear water may look appealing, but DO NOT dip your toes in yet. You can get immediate and severe burns by entering the runoff channel directly. It simmers at extreme temperatures between 113 to 140 degrees! Instead, follow the trail to the end where the stream pours into the significantly colder waters of the Gardner River, where will you be safe enough to enjoy a nice swim.
Check https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/swimming-soaking.htm for closures, regulations, and conditions.
More Information
Be careful. Pay attention to posted signs and always test the waters before you get in. Some hot springs can get up to boiling temperatures. Be sure to drink plenty of water to combat the dehydrating effect of the spring.
Be respectful of other soakers and the hot spring. Don't hog the pool. Camp at least 200 yards away and keep fires in designated areas. Keep your pets out of the water and never pee in thermal feature. Glass bottles should never go near a hot spring.
Directions
From North Entrance, Yellowstone National Park
- Head south on US-89 SToll roadDestination will be on the left(0.5 mi)
Driving south from Roosevelt Arch on Hwy 89/N. Entrance Road, look for a sign that says “45th Parallel of Latitude Halfway Between Equator and North Pole.” Drive a short distance farther south (about three miles south of Roosevelt Arch) and look for a parking area on the east side of the road. Park here, and then walk upstream about a half-mile from the parking area to where the footpath intersects with the river. There, you’ll find the Boiling River, marked by large steam clouds.
Other Swimming Holes and Hot Springs Nearby
Hellroaring Creek Trail
Yellowstone National Park
12.9 miles EIf the name didn't scare you enough, the Hellroaring creek trail begins with an arduous descent down to the the Yellowstone River Suspension Bridge.The suspension bridge is a beautiful...
Camp, Hike, SwimFirehole River
Madison, Yellowstone National Park
27.2 miles SThe Firehole River starts south of Old Faithful, runs through the thermal areas northward to join the Gibbon and form the Madison River. The Firehole is world famous among anglers for its pristine...
Hot Springs, SwimOusel Falls
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
36.2 miles NWOusel Falls Park Trail is a 1.7 mile out and back trail located near Big Sky, Montana that features a waterfall. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible from May until October.
Hike, Rock Climb, SwimWade Lake
Cameron, Montana
44.7 miles WCamp, Canoe, Kayak, and Swim near Cameron, Montana
Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim 6.9 miHeart Lake Trail
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
46.9 miles SThe trail is very clear and leads to a moderate eight mile hike to Heart Lake. This hike has many possibilities. Day hikers need to push their time to make sure they are on the trail early to allow...
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Hot SpringsNearby Campsites
Mammoth Hot Springs Campground
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
1.1 miles SMammoth Hot Springs Campground is the only campground in Yellowstone that is open to campers year-round. Campsites cannot be reserved and are available on a first come first served basis. It is...
Camp 0.1-5.2 miMammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park
1.4 miles SWMammoth Hot Springs is a unique sight in Yellowstone National Park. The soft limestone in this area allowed the water to form colorful terraces. The extremely hot running water is clear and smooth,...
Camp, HikeIndian Creek Campground Yellowstone
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
8.0 miles SIndian Creek Campground is a quiet and secluded wooded campground within Yellowstone National Park, ideal for tent campers. It’s close to lots of hiking and fishing, and only a few miles to...
CampHellroaring Creek Trail
Yellowstone National Park
12.9 miles EIf the name didn't scare you enough, the Hellroaring creek trail begins with an arduous descent down to the the Yellowstone River Suspension Bridge.The suspension bridge is a beautiful...
Camp, Hike, SwimTower Falls
Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park
16.5 miles SETower Fall is a waterfall on Tower Creek in the northeastern region of Yellowstone National Park, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. Approximately 1,000 yards (910 m) upstream from the creek's...
Camp, HikeNorris Campground
Norris, Yellowstone National Park
17.6 miles SNorris campground is centrally located in Yellowstone National Park and offers a good spot for those planning to visit many of the most famous features in Yellowstone. Norris is a relatively short...
CampSlough Creek Campground
Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park
19.1 miles ESlough Creek campground is a small but very popular campground on the Northeast Entrance Road. Most of the campsites are situated right on the banks of Slough Creek where fishing is a favorite...
Camp 1.5-3.8 miLittle Gibbon Falls
Norris, Yellowstone National Park
19.6 miles SIce Lake and Little Gibbon Falls Loop is a 4.5 mile loop trail located near Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The trail is good for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking, but there are...
Camp, Canoe, HikeCanyon Campground
Canyon Junction, Yellowstone National Park
20.3 miles SECanyon Campground is a popular choice for visitors to Yellowstone National Park, and it's easy to see why. Located in the heart of the park, the campground offers easy access to some of the...
CampMadison Campground
Madison, Yellowstone National Park
25.5 miles SMadison Campground is named for its proximity to the Madison River, which runs through the area in a lush mountain setting rich in wildlife. Madison Campground is at an elevation of 6,800’ and...
CampPebble Creek Campground
Northeast Entrance, Yellowstone National Park
28.8 miles EPebble Creek is a popular campground for fishermen and those seeking a more quiet and smaller campground in Yellowstone National Park. The campsites can fill very early, so get there before 11 AM...
CampFishing Bridge RV Campground
Lake Village, Yellowstone National Park
33.6 miles SEThe Fishing Bridge Recreational Vehicle Park is located near the mouth of the Yellowstone River as it leaves Yellowstone Lake. The RV park is named after the Fishing Bridge, a wooden vehicle bridge...
CampBridge Bay
Lake Village, Yellowstone National Park
34.1 miles SBridge Bay Campground was named for its proximity to Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake. The area is quite scenic, with wooded areas, open meadows and some limited views of the lake. Because of...
Camp 14.8 miBiscuit Basin to Fairy Falls and Firehole Meadows
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
37.0 miles SFreight Road trail is a almost 15 mile hike that leaves from Biscuit Basin or Fountain Flats Drive. This hike is a beautiful remote hike that passes several unique landmarks, breaking up this hike...
Backpack, Camp, HikeGrant Village
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
41.9 miles SGrant Village was built in 1984 and named after Ulysses S. Grant, president when Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872. Located near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake,...
Camp, Canoe, KayakBig Springs
Island Park, Idaho
44.1 miles SWThere's also a great little walking trail along the river with placards that tell about the ecosystem and history of the area. There's about a 1/2 mile that's paved and then a 1/2 mile...
Camp, HikeWade Lake
Cameron, Montana
44.7 miles WCamp, Canoe, Kayak, and Swim near Cameron, Montana
Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim 6.9 miHeart Lake Trail
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
46.9 miles SThe trail is very clear and leads to a moderate eight mile hike to Heart Lake. This hike has many possibilities. Day hikers need to push their time to make sure they are on the trail early to allow...
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Hot SpringsUpper Coffee Pot Campground
Island Park, Idaho
48.0 miles SWUpper Coffeepot Campground stretches along a floatable section of Henry's Fork of the Snake River. A mixed growth lodgepole pine forest provides partial shade and summer wildflowers are...
Camp, Canoe 0.1 miLewis Lake Campground
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
49.2 miles SLewis Lake is located in the southern part of Yellowstone National Park. It is 4 miles southeast of Shoshone Lake. Lewis Lake offers a plethora great water activities. This lake offers...
Camp, Canoe, Kayak