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Hot spring · Gardiner, Montana
Mammoth Hot Springs
Travertine terraces formed by hot springs, 8 km from Gardiner, with boardwalks, and the historic village of Mammoth, with the old Fort Yellowstone.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs is 8 km from Gardiner, in the northern part of Yellowstone. Hot springs rise through layers of limestone and deposit travertine, forming stepped terraces that change shape and color over the years, from white to orange, depending on the water and microorganisms.
Wooden boardwalks cross the lower terraces, such as Minerva and Palette Spring, and a one-way road passes by the upper terraces. Some springs dry up and others appear, so the landscape is not the same from one year to the next.
Next to them is the village of Mammoth, with the stone buildings of the old Fort Yellowstone, where the Army administered the park from 1886 to 1918, before the creation of the National Park Service. The buildings now house the park headquarters and a visitor center. Elk often graze on the village lawns.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From one to three hours.
Best time
All year, with car access even in winter. Early morning, low light and steam often highlight the terraces.
How to get there
By car, 8 km from Gardiner via the north entrance road.
Tip
The elk that graze in the village are wild: keep your distance, especially in autumn, the mating season.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mammoth Hot Springs
Is Mammoth Hot Springs open in winter?
Yes. The north entrance road via Gardiner is open to cars year-round.
Why do the Mammoth terraces change color?
The springs deposit travertine and host microorganisms of different colors; when the water shifts course, parts dry out and become white.
What is Fort Yellowstone?
The group of stone buildings where the U.S. Army administered the park from 1886 to 1918, now the park headquarters in the village of Mammoth.