Update (February 2026): The Boiling River in Yellowstone National Park was permanently altered by the 2022 floods and is no longer open or safe for soaking. Below, we explain what happened, and share safe, scenic alternatives nearby.
Once one of Yellowstone National Park’s most magical (and legal!) hot spring soaking spots for humans, the Boiling River was once a favorite for locals and travelers alike.
Berty and I soaked here in the dead of winter (we’re kind of hot spring snobs!), with steam rising all around us, snow crunching underfoot, and ice crystals forming on the surrounding rocks. It truly felt like an otherworldly experience.
Unfortunately for all, the landscape changed dramatically and was never the same after the historic floods of 2022. Today, the area remains closed to the public for safety and environmental reasons. This blog post used to be a guide to visiting the Boiling River in Yellowstone, but now in good conscious, things had to change!
If you’re chasing that same hot-and-cold thrill of a winter soak, there are still lots of incredible hot spring alternatives nearby that capture the spirit of the Boiling River. We’re sharing our favorite alternative soaks here.
Berty and I came to the Boiling River in the winter of 2019 and it was a striking experience of extreme hot and cold. We loved the stark contrast and found it to be a super fun way to experience Yellowstone in the winter. In this post, we’re sharing other places to get the same experience, now that the Boiling River in Yellowstone is permanently closed.
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What Happened to the Boiling RIver?
The Boiling River was a natural hot spring in Wyoming, located in Yellowstone National Park. It’s where generations of families came to enjoy the hot water mixing with cold along the Gardiner River.
In 2022, a massive flooding event occurred in Yellowstone, one so big it occurs only every 500 years or so! (Lucky us…) See video footage here from KTVQ in Montana, this Instagram reel from the Yellowstone NPS account, and this photo below of the before and after of the area.
This even reshaped the entire river bed. Where the hot spring runoff used to mix perfectly with the chilly water from the Gardiner River, was heavily damaged. The trail getting there was washed out, the banks of the river eroded, and the geothermal vents shifted.
What once was a gentle entrance into the water, is now a rocky cliff, with extremely hot water flowing with no where to mix with cool water. This not only makes the area dangerous to walk, but soaking is not longer an option when the water is 140 degrees!
It’s officially deemed unsafe for soaking and closed in definitely by the National Park Service.
As of 2026, there are no official plans to reopen the Boiling River in Yellowstone to the public. Visitors can view the area from nearby roads, but for safety, getting close to the riverbanks is no longer an option.
What Was The Boling River Like Before?
This section of the Gardner River combines with the ultra-heated water of the underground geothermal features in North Yellowstone, making it one of the few safe soaking spots in the water.
Before cooling, the water reached about 140 degrees Farenheit before cooling as it merged with the river. Visitors built a chain of small, rock-lined pools that trapped the perfect balance of heat and river water.
Today, the pools have been swept away, but the geothermal system that powered it still exists.
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Can you Still visit the Boiling River In Yellowstone?
Sort of…and no.
Soaking? Out of the question. The site remains closed to the public due to safety hazards and unstable terrain. If you tried to get there yourself, the path is so unstable that it could crumble under your feet! Even if you did survive an up close encounter with the springs, you’d still probably get slapped with a hefty fine.
The National Park Service has removed signage and barriers may be in place to discourage entry.
Viewing? Yes, if you are able to locate the springs from the main road, you can find a safe place to pull off to the side, and view it from above.
Visitors can still enjoy the nearby Mammoth Hot Springs area and observe geothermal features safely from boardwalks and pullouts. Always check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current closures and safety notices.
Safe, Legal Alternative Hot Springs Near Yellowtone
Disappointed that the Boiling River is no longer available? Here are some safe hot spring alternatives nearby Yellowstone!
1. Bozeman Hot Springs (Bozeman, MT)
Bozeman Hot Springs is a modern, clean, relaxing commercial hot spring. It’s one of the best things to do in Bozeman in winter! It’s ideal if you want amenities, which are great for travelers and road-trippers. They have twelve pools, saunas, and regular live music nights.
2. Yellowstone Hot Springs (Gardiner, MT)
Located just north of the park entrance, Yellowstone Hot Springs is a developed facility offers sweeping mountain views, with water naturally heated by Yellowstone’s nearby geothermal energy. It’s open year-round, making it a great alternative if you liked visiting the Boiling River in the winter.
3. Chico Hot Springs (Pray, MT)
Chico Hot Springs has Montana classic since 1900. It’s got everything you’d want for a winter soaking experience. A Cozy lodge for an overnight stay, a restaurant on site, and outdoor pools to enjoy the crisp Montana air. It’s the perfect combination of rustic charm and comfort.
4. Norris Hot Spring (Bozeman, MT)
Norris Hot Springs is a understated favorite for Bozeman locals. Their unique fir-planked 40×40 pool creates an artesian feel, with a natural system that mixes the source water of 129 degrees Fahrenheit and fresh spring water to balance a perfect 106 degree pool temperature.
With live music, camping on-site, and a low-key atmosphere, this place is perfect for the unfussy traveler.
5. Quinn’s Hot Springs (Paradise, MT)
Quinn’s Hot Springs is a bit farther but worth the drive if you are coming or going from Spokane, Coeur d’Alene or Missoula. Surrounded by forested cliffs and a nearby river, this spot offers multiple pools at varying temperatures, and a cozy lodge on site for a perfect weekend getaway.
6. Heise Hot Springs (Idaho Falls, ID)
Heise Hot Springs is accessible through West Yellowstone, and a little farther in the winter season (you have to go around road closures!) Nevertheless, this place is a wonderful getaway for families with small kids who desire convenience, access, and clean amenities. In fact, it’s one of the best places to go with toddlers in Idaho Falls!
Love Hot Springs? Check out our giant list of Pacific Northwest hot springs!
Our Experience Before The Floods
When we visited in winter, we’ll never forget the mix of snow & steam. It was surreal AND intense, with the frigid below zero temps making everything from the ice to the water a little more extreme. It was beautiful, and it made the loss of this place even more bittersweet.
While you can no longer soak here, the memory of that experience continues to inspire our love of Yellowstone’s wild places, and have a greater respect for nature and her unpredictable choices.
No destination is permanent and it makes me want to enjoy every experience to the fullest – it may be the only time we get to experience it in that way!
Final Thoughts
The Boiling River may be gone, but its story is a reminder of how alive Yellowstone truly is. The same forces that made it such a special soaking spot are still shaping the landscape today.
If you’re planning a Yellowstone trip, respect current closures, and instead seek out nearby hot springs where you can safely enjoy the same geothermal magic.
The best adventures often happen when nature writes the next chapter—and Yellowstone is still one of the most awe-inspiring places to experience that in real time.
Have you ever been to the Boiling River in Yellowstone? We’d love to hear your story and any insights you may have! Leave them in the comments below!
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I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS POST! (and your grand teton post!) We are heading that way in March and I’m doing all the research!
Thank you for putting all this excellent information in one spot!
Hi Amy!
I’m so glad you liked our post! I hope you have a fun time planning your trip to Yellowstone and enjoy the Boiling River!!