Yellowstone Hot Springs
Gardiner, Montana · Accessibility score 0.8/5
Address: 24 E Gate Rd Gardiner, MT 59030
Phone: (406) 848-4141
About
Yellowstone Hot Springs sits within one of the most geologically active regions on Earth. The park's hydrothermal features include bubbling hot springs, vivid mineral terraces, and steaming pools that paint the ground in striking shades of orange, turquoise, and white. It's a place where the planet's raw energy is on full display, and visitors of all abilities can witness it up close.
Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the most popular areas, where travertine terraces form ever-changing limestone sculptures. Boardwalks wind through the terraces, giving you a front-row seat to watch mineral-rich water cascade over rocky shelves. The formations shift constantly, so every visit offers something a little different.
Beyond the hot springs themselves, the surrounding area offers plenty to explore. Canyon Village, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel all provide lodging, dining, and supplies. The Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Canyon Village Education Center are great stops for learning about the park's geology and wildlife. Medical services are available near Yellowstone Lake.
The Old Faithful area, while famous for its geyser, also features an extensive boardwalk loop through the Upper Geyser Basin. This 0.8-mile path passes dozens of hot springs, fumaroles, and smaller geysers. Benches along the route let you pause and soak in the sights. The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center is a worthwhile stop for interactive exhibits on the park's hydrothermal systems.
Whether you're watching steam rise from a turquoise pool at dawn or strolling past the terraced formations at Mammoth, Yellowstone's hot springs deliver an experience unlike anything else in the country. Plan to spend at least a full day exploring the different thermal areas, and check seasonal road openings before you go.
Accessibility
Yellowstone's hot springs areas offer several accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs. The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and its surrounding boardwalks are fully ADA-compliant. The 0.8-mile boardwalk loop around the Upper Geyser Basin is wheelchair-accessible and includes benches for resting along the route.
At Mammoth Hot Springs, boardwalks provide wheelchair-accessible paths through the travertine terraces. The hotel offers two accessible rooms, and a wheelchair is available on-site for visitor assistance. ADA-compliant restrooms and accessible parking are available at multiple locations throughout the park.
Lodging options with accessible rooms include Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Canyon Lodge and Cabins. Canyon Village provides general amenities including the Canyon Village Education Center. Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Yellowstone Lake Lodge offer food services and supplies along the lakeshore.
Accessible parking spaces are located at major visitor areas and trailheads. Many boardwalks feature gentle grades, though some sections near thermal features may have steeper portions. Restroom facilities at visitor centers and developed areas are ADA-compliant.
Conditions can vary by season, and some roads and facilities close during winter months. Contact the park directly at (307) 344-7381 for current accessibility details, seasonal availability, and to confirm specific accommodations before your visit.
More accessible places in Montana
- Yellowstone ZipLine & Canopy Tours (Gardiner)
- A Carousel for Missoula (Missoula)
- Yellowstone Art Museum (Billings)
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site (Deer Lodge)
- Missoula Art Museum (Missoula)
- Big Hole National Battlefield (Wisdom)