Quick FactsOverview
About Yellowstone Hot Springs
Yellowstone Hot Springs, Montana is a paid outdoor mineral spring facility on the bank of the Yellowstone River, eight miles north of the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park near the town of Gardiner. The site offers five flow-through mineral pools with no chemical additives, fed by geothermal water from the historic La Duke spring source. Pool temperatures vary across the site, including a main soaking pool, a hot plunge, a cold plunge, and a Kneipp walk for alternating hot and cold water therapy.
The property previously operated as Corwin Hot Springs in the early twentieth century, when a sanitarium and hotel occupied the site. The original lodge burned in 1916, and the property remained largely undeveloped for decades before reopening in its current form. Today the facility is one of the few developed hot spring operations directly adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, making it a natural pairing with a visit to the park's northern range.
Accommodations include cabins with bathrooms and kitchenettes, full-hookup and electric-only RV sites, and walk-in tent sites. Campers receive a discounted pool entry rate. The location at the south end of Paradise Valley, with mountain ranges on both sides and the river alongside, gives the pools a setting hard to match among hot springs in Montana near the park.
Location & Access
Getting to Yellowstone Hot Springs
Yellowstone Hot Springs is reached via East Gate Road off US Highway 89, approximately eight miles north of the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and about eight miles south of Gardiner. From Gardiner, take US-89 South for roughly seven miles, turn left onto Cinnabar Basin Road, and then right onto East Gate Road before the river crossing. The property is on the left side of East Gate Road. From Bozeman, take Interstate 90 East for 23 miles to the Livingston exit, then follow US-89 South for approximately 45 miles to Cinnabar Basin Road, and right onto East Gate Road. The total drive from Bozeman is around 70 miles and takes about 90 minutes.
The facility is accessible by any vehicle and parking is available on site. No hiking is required and the walk between parking and the pools is short and level. The property is confirmed as wheelchair accessible. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should call ahead to confirm pool entry and changing room details. No reservations are required for day use. For those seeking hot springs near Gardiner, Montana, this is the closest developed soaking option to both the town and the Yellowstone North Entrance, making it a practical stop at either end of a park visit.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Yellowstone Hot Springs
Yellowstone Hot Springs suits a wide range of visitors including families, couples, solo travelers, and anyone pairing a Yellowstone National Park visit with a nearby soak. The facility is family friendly, with children welcome and pool temperatures spread across a comfortable range for different ages. Swimsuits are required at all times. The entry fee covers all-day access, so visitors can soak, leave for the park, and return to soak again in the evening.
The five outdoor pools allow movement between warmer and cooler water, suited to longer visits. The Kneipp walk is a distinctive feature not common at other Montana hot springs and appeals to those interested in hydrotherapy or simply wanting variety beyond conventional pool soaking. The cold plunge at around 60 to 65 degrees provides a sharp contrast to the warmer pools and is popular for the effect of alternating temperatures.
The property is wheelchair accessible and designed for ease of entry. Those traveling with mobility equipment should call ahead to confirm specific pool entry and changing room details. For those seeking a hot spring resort in Montana that combines natural soaking with proximity to Yellowstone National Park, this property sits in a position that few others in Montana can match, offering a genuine geothermal soak within eight miles of the North Entrance.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Yellowstone Hot Springs
Yellowstone Hot Springs is generally safe for visitors of all ages, with managed, chemical-free flow-through pools and on-site staff during operating hours. Standard hot spring precautions apply: take regular breaks, drink fluids between sessions, and exit the pool if you feel dizzy or overheated. Visitors new to mineral soaking should start in the main pool before spending extended time in the hotter plunge.
Children require close supervision near all pool areas. Younger children should stay in the shallower areas of the main pool rather than the hot plunge. Adults accompanying children should not leave them unattended near any water surface. Waist floats are permitted for young children; diving, jumping, and pool toys are not allowed. Swimsuits are required at all times without exception.
The outdoor pools sit on the bank of the Yellowstone River, a fast-moving glacial waterway. The river is not part of the facility and guests should not enter it from the property. Pool decks can be wet and slippery, so wearing footwear with grip between the changing area and the pools is advisable. In cooler weather, the transition from hot water to cold outdoor air can be abrupt: allowing time to dry and warm up before leaving the pool area is sensible.
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and pets are not permitted at the facility. Glass containers are banned poolside. The pools have no lifeguards, so visitors are responsible for their own safety in the water. Visitors with cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy, or other health concerns should consult a doctor before soaking. The all-day entry fee removes any pressure to rush: a measured pace with breaks between sessions is the most comfortable and safest approach for a full-day visit.
