Update: This post was originally written before the historic flood of 2022 but has been updated to reflect the current situation in the Mammoth Hot Springs area. However some repairs such as the road between Mammoth and Gardiner are still in process so be sure to always check the most recent information.
Please be sure to check the latest park information before visiting the Mammoth Hot Springs area.
Yellowstone National Park’s Mammoth Hot Springs is one of my favorite landscape photography spots in all of Yellowstone. Yes, it is true and let me show you why.
Mammoth Hot Springs is comprised of colorful travertine hills sitting on top of hot boiling land. In fact its hills resemble underground cave formations. But that’s not all, Mammoth Hot Springs is also home to over 50 hot springs, historic buildings, the Roosevelt Arch, tons of elk, black bears and peaceful forests.
There is no landscape like Mammoth Hot Spring anywhere else in Yellowstone National Park. For photographers who love intimate landscape, wildlife and abstract photography, Mammoth is a gift that keeps on giving.
In this post, I share with you my favorite Mammoth Hot Springs spots to visit including photo tips, what to photograph and much more. So let’s begin by grabbing your cameras or phones and heading for a walk along the Lower Terrace boardwalks.
Note: This post covers topics specific to the Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone. However, it does not cover general information that pertains to all of Yellowstone National Park such as rules and regulations and other things you should know prior to visiting the park.
Please be sure to also read the following post:
Where is Mammoth Hot Springs?
Mammoth Hot Springs is located in the Northwest corner of Yellowstone’s Loop Road and about 5 miles from Gardiner, Montana.
Directions to Mammoth Hot Springs
Driving:
Take Interstate 90 to Livingston, Mt. thee head south on Highway 89 toward Gardiner, Montana then on to Mammoth Hot Springs. From Interstate 90, it is about a 45 minute drive on a good two lane highway to Gardiner.
As of January 2025, the road between Gardiner and Mammoth is a temporary route over the historic Old Gardiner Road that, prior to the flood of June 2022, was a one way dirt road. The road has been upgraded to serve as the park entrance, but, until a permanent road is built, count on additional travel time.
Mammoth Hot Springs: Things To Know
Mammoth Operational Times
The road between Mammoth Hot Springs through Lamar Valley to Cooke City is open year round 24 hours a day if weather permits. Snow tires may be required at times.
Although the Mammoth Hot Springs area is open year round, in winter the Upper Terrace Drive is closed to motor vehicles and can only be accessed by cross country skiers.
The Lower Terrace Boardwalks remain open year round.
Mammoth Hot Springs Weather
Temperatures:
The following table represents the average temperatures for each month in both Mammoth Hot Springs and all of Yellowstone National Park. When looking at the average temperatures in Yellowstone, keep in mind that Yellowstone is very big with a wide range of elevations. It can be snowing at the top of Mt. Washburn and comfortable at Mammoth.
The Mammoth Hot Springs area represents some of the warmest weather in the entire park as shown on the table below.
| Month | Mammoth Temps | Yellowstone Temps | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29° / 10 | 25° / -3 | 5 days |
| February | 33° / 12 | 28° / -1 | 4 days |
| March | 40° / 18 | 36° / 7 | 5 days |
| April | 49° / 26 | 43° / 15 | 6 days |
| May | 59° / 34 | 52° / 25 | 8 days |
| June | 69° / 41 | 62° / 31 | 7 days |
| July | 80° / 48 | 72° / 36 | 6 days |
| August | 78° / 46 | 71° / 33 | 5 days |
| September | 67° / 30 | 61° / 26 | 5 days |
| October | 54° / 29 | 47° / 19 | 5 days |
| November | 38° / 19 | 33° / 7 | 5 days |
| December | 29° / 11 | 24° / -3 | 5 days |
Be aware that weather changes can occur very suddenly anywhere in Yellowstone. One year on a warm sunny day in August, I left Gardiner to take a friend to the airport in Bozeman. I returned a few hours later to a park that had shut down due to snowfall.
Wildfire Smoke:
Visitors with respiratory issues should be aware that smoke from western wildfires can be quite bad from July through September so plan your trip accordingly. In Spring, the air is usually clear of smoke.
Mammoth Cell Service & Internet
Cell Service does exist at Mammoth but is spotty at best. Although the park claims internet access at Mammoth’s Visitor Center but there is not enough band width for the crowds. Gardiner, Montana is the closest location for reliable internet.
I assume Starlink will work at Mammoth Hot Springs but have no personal experience with using it at this time.
Pro Tip: I plan my trips for showers, internet use and laundry together and head to Gardiner. In particular, I recommend the North Entrance Wash Tub in Gardiner for all the above.
An added benefit is that this laundromat is located across the street from the Wonderland Cafe which also has internet access and very good food.
Propane
Yes, this is an unexpected topic but for RVers an important fact to know. As of 2020, there was only one place in all of Gardiner that filled propane tanks and they only fill tanks on certain days within specific hours. Hopefully that has changed as they were not friendly.
Be sure to plan accordingly for propane needs, especially over weekends. You can buy tanks at a couple other places but not refill existing tanks.
Mammoth Hot Springs Overview
The terraces at Mammoth are constantly changing color, faster than any other features in the park. The reason for this is that Mammoth terraces are comprised of limestone which is a soft rock that allows water to seep in faster. Well there is more to it than that but I will leave that to other blogs to cover.
One summer, over a three month period, there were very noticeable changes all over Mammoth’s landscape. With all the rapid changes, keep in mind that an area that was once vibrantly colored, may now be a dull grey indicating a dying terrace.
Mammoth Hot Springs Lower Terrace
Lower Terrace Boardwalk and Upper Terrace Drive. These two terrace areas are connected through the boardwalks and yellow dotted trails shown below.
To visit both terraces, you can choose to hike the approximate 1.7 miles including steep stairs or you can drive to each location. For anyone with mobility issues, I highly recommend driving to each terrace.
Best Times to Visit
When– Mammoth is open year round, however, the Upper Terrace Drive is closed to vehicles in winter. Access to the Upper Terrace is only by cross country skis, although I am not sure about snow shoes.
One of the best times to visit the Mammoth Hot Springs area is in fall when the elk rut is in full swing. Actually, Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the best places in all of Yellowstone to observe the elk run that runs from September though mid October. The elk are everywhere, including the colorful terraces, making it especially great for photography.
What Time of Day to See the Terraces-It is best to visit the Terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs in the early mornings or at sunset. Parking anywhere in the Village of Mammoth Hot Springs, especially by the Lower and Upper Terraces, is challenging in the peak of the day.
Arrive no later than 8 A.M. during summer months and no later than 9 A.M in fall. Not only can you park but there will also be fewer people on the boardwalks..
Tip: Watch for elk encounters on the boardwalk in the early morning hours.
Best Things to See- Lower Terrace
The first area in Mammoth Hot Springs, referred to as the Lower Terrace, is comprised of boardwalks with numerous stairs some of which are steep. These are my favorite spots along the Lower Terrace
Palette Springs
Palette Springs is located at the end of the northern most boardwalk in the Lower Terrace area of Mammoth. As with all terraces in Mammoth, this formation is constantly changing as parts of it die and new areas emerge.
The main viewing area for Palette Springs is a relatively small overlook which tends to get very crowded.
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The image below shows all the dead sections of this once spectacular terrace. Therefore, only by using a telephoto lens was I able to create the above image.
Pro tip: Expect constant shaking from the boardwalk due to the crowds even in the early morning.
Boardwalk to Palette Springs
Even if Palette Springs is not as stunning as it once was, it is definitely worth seeing. The walk from the parking lot to the springs takes you past a number of interesting limestone formations.
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After you leave the boardwalk to Palette Springs, head towards the parking lot then turn right and follow the path to the next boardwalk on your right. Oh, before you go, take a minute to walk north on the sidewalk to Liberty Cap.
Liberty Cap
Liberty Cap is a 37 foot dormant hot spring cone first named in 1871 that stands prominently at the entrance to the terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. It’s not very pretty but definitely an interesting spring and unlike any other I have ever seen.
Interesting Note: My first visit to Yellowstone in the 1990’s, the area just behind Liberty Cap had some of the most colorful terraces in the entire area. They are now completely white.
Minerva, Mound and Cleopatra Terrace Boardwalk
This boardwalk section will take you past the mostly now dead terraces of Minerva and to a golden colored terrace called Mound Springs which is located between Minerva and Cleopatra.
View of part of Mound Springs with now dead Minerva in the background.
Mound Springs Abstract
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Canary Springs from Yellowstone Loop Road
As you drive south on Yellowstone’s Loop Road to the Upper Terraces, part of Canary Springs will be on your right facing the road. Directly across the street are restrooms and a parking lot. Take a few minutes to stop and capture this view of Canary Springs.
Photo Tip: This location is best viewed and photographed in the morning light once the sun has risen enough to fully light the terrace.
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Mammoth Upper Terrace Drive
The second area in Mammoth Hot Springs is the Upper Terrace Drive. There is a 1.5 mile one way scenic but narrow road through a combination of travertine terraces, hot springs and forests.
The Upper Terrace Drive is directly off the Yellowstone Park Loop Road and has two parking areas. The first parking lot is just after you enter the drive and is on the left with room for only a few cars. The second parking area is larger and can accommodate more cars although parking is still very limited and tight.
Do not attempt to park any oversized vehicle or RV on the drive; instead park at the entrance to Upper Terrance Drive and walk.
In addition to the parking areas, there are also a few pulloffs on the Upper Terrace Drive which are especially great for viewing sunsets. In fact, a short walk from either the larger parking area or the pullout will treat visitors to sunset vista of the entire Mammoth Hot Springs area.
Do not park off the pavement or leave the boardwalks unless clearly indicated on this drive as the ground is very hot.
Below is a map of Mammoth Hot Springs Upper Terrace Drive and sights.
Upper Terrace Drive Photo Spots
Canary Springs from the Upper Terrace Boardwalk
As mentioned above, immediately after entering the Upper Terrace Drive, there will be a few parking spaces on the left. Park here if you can and take the boardwalk directly across the road to its end.
If there is no space in this lot, drive a short distance for additional parking. From the second parking lot walk the boardwalk to the right to reach Canary Springs.
At the end of the boardwalk, you will be greeted with spectacular views of Canary Springs. In fact, this is my favorite photography spot in the Mammoth area.
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Although I believe it is best to photograph this view of Canary Springs in the early morning hours, later in the morning to mid afternoon can be good at times.
After visiting and photographing Canary Springs begin walking back to the parking lot being sure to capture the following two features.
Continue to explore the entire Upper Terrace boardwalks before heading back to your car to finish the one way drive. A little farther on the drive you will come to Orange Mound Springs.
Orange Mound Springs:
Orange Mound Springs stands out due to its unique colors and height from other features in the area. Orange Mound’s water flows from several vents located both at its top and sides, not just from its top.
Full Disclosure: The road by Orange Mound Springs was recently moved to allow the spring to flow freely. Since I have not been in Mammoth since the road moved, I am not sure how it may have impacted views of the spring
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Other Upper Terrace Drive Features:
Mammoth Hot Springs Wildlife
If you love wildlife, Mammoth Hot Springs is for you. The village, terraces and nearby forest are home to elk, black bears, deer, pronghorn, and big horn sheep.
Yellowstone Elk
Elk are daily visitors to the small village of Mammoth Hot Spring and its travertine terraces year round. In September, however, visitors flock to Mammoth to observe and photograph the elk rut. There is nothing like seeing a bugling elk on a travertine terrace with steam rising from the ground.
The fall elk rut, however, can also be a very dangerous time at Mammoth Hot Springs as visitor cars get gored yearly along with careless people who get too close to the animals. Please observe the park safe distance rules!
Other Wildlife
Black Bears-The area around the Upper Terrace Drive is where I see black bears almost every time I make the drive, especially in the later afternoon hours. I have only seen one grizzly in this area of the park.
Pronghorn – They tend to hang out on the road between Mammoth and Gardiner, but can also be seen on lawns at Mammoth or in open fields by the Roosevelt Arch entrance.
Big Horn Sheep-The sheep could be seen along the road through the Gardiner River Canyon prior to the flood of 2022. The road no longer goes through the canyon although the sheep are likely still in the area.
Mammoth Hot Springs Village
The Village of Mammoth Hot Springs included a hotel, a couple restaurants, a post office, a gift shop that includes an ice cream shop and a limited assortment of food and camping supplies.
The Village also has a gas station although I don’t believe it has diesel fuel. You will need to check on that. In addition to the shops, the Albright Visitor Center at Mammoth is well worth visiting for up to date information about the Mammoth area.
The Roosevelt Arch
Although not technically in Mammoth Hot Springs, I can’t write about this area without including the famous entry to Yellowstone National Park, the Roosevelt Arch.
The arch was constructed under the guidance of the army at Fort Yellowstone in 1903 and became the first major entrance to Yellowstone. It was named for President Roosevelt who also laid the cornerstone for the arch during a visit.
This is a must see destination when visiting Mammoth Hot Springs. To learn more about the Arch’s history, I will refer you to Wikipedia.
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Yellowstone Forever
While visiting the Roosevelt Arch, I highly recommend a stop at the Yellowstone Forever park store just a minute away. The store has complete guides to all the park basins and areas along with gift items I have not found other places in the park.
Mammoth Hot Springs Area Lodging and Food
Hotels
In Mammoth Hot Springs there is only one place to stay: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins which is operated by the park service concessionaire, Xanterra. I have not stayed there but have seen the rooms and cabins when friends were there. Rustic is the right word to describe the accommodations, especially the cabins.
If you value the ability to be in the park without going through an entrance line, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins is the place to stay.
If you prefer a little more luxury, better internet access, and don’t mind waiting in line to enter the park, Gardiner is the place to stay. Here is a short list of possible lodging in Gardiner although there are a number of reasonable choices in the area.
Note: I stay in an RV and not in hotels currently so I can’t provide any first hand input.
Gardiner Hotels
Tip: When looking at lodging in Gardiner think about options that include walkability to the town. It is a very small but fun town with nice restaurants, shops, and galleries worth exploring.
Here is a clickable map of Gardiner, Montana. Zoom in to view all lodging locations.
To learn about all lodging options in Yellowstone as well as tips for making reservations, be sure to check out:
Camping at Mammoth
Mammoth Hot Springs Campground– This is one of my favorite places to stay in all of Yellowstone!
Other Campgrounds– The town of Gardiner also offers two RV parks along with other options for camping. The two RV parks are Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North and Yellowstone RV Park. Both are good options for RVers. FYI-Some of you may remember Rocky Mountain Campground which is now called Sun Outdoors.
Free Camping– Carbellas Recreation Area on Tom Miner Road is on the Yellowstone River and about 15 minutes north of Mammoth Hot Springs.
Food
To see all my Yellowstone resources, be sure to visit the related posts shown below. There you will find information on some of Yellowstone Geyser Basins, Best Photo Spots, and Trip Planning information.
Closing Thoughts on Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park is filled with breathtaking waterfalls, world class wildlife viewing, the largest collection of active geysers in the world. For many, Mammoth Hot Springs is only a quick stop on the way to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Falls and Old Faithful.
My hope is that this post inspires you, especially those interested in photography, to take stop for a minute and explore all the unique and amazing landscapes of Mammoth Hot Springs. I have photographed the park for over 20 years and have created some of my very best Yellowstone images at Mammoth and bet you can do the same.
As always, thanks for joining me at the amazing Yellowstone National Park destination and I hope you check back soon for my next photo road trips.
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