Boiling River Pools via Boiling River(edit)

Overview

This is an easy out and back trail to Boiling River Pools in Yellowstone National Park. It is about one half mile from the parking lot over gently rolling terrain that follows the shore of the Gallatin River. Bring your towel and water shoes to take a dip in these natural hot springs! This is a beautiful, lovely walk with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities even if you don't go for a soak.

Getting Started

The Boiling River parking area is about a five minute drive from the Gardiner Yellowstone National Park entrance (so you will need to pay your entrance fee or have an annual pass). Though the parking lot is not labeled on the road, it is the only parking area between the entrance and Mammoth. There is a main parking area to the left (going south) and overflow parking to the right. Park, grab your towel, and hit the trail! Once at the river, hang your belongings on the sturdy fence posts and make your way into the river. The gates close at dusk, so plan accordingly.

Taking Children

This is a very easy hike for children. Nudity and alcohol is not allowed on the trail and at the river, so it would be a suitable experience for young ones, as long as they are ok with very hot and very cold water (sometimes unexpectedly). This is a beautiful, lovely walk with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities even if you don't go for a soak. On a scale of 1-10, this would be a 9 due to ease of trail and opportunities for engagement.