Mammoth Hot Springs
Water heated far below the earth's surface flows through a limestone-rich fault at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Plan Around Mammoth Hot Springs
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Mammoth Hot Springs Details
Water heated far below the earth's surface by Yellowstone's magma chamber flows through a limestone-rich fault and emerges at Mammoth Hot Springs. This colorful, terraced formation -- known as a travertine-depositing hot spring -- is the result of the hot water and carbon dioxide forming a mild acid that dissolves calcium carbonite in the limestone. The calcium carbonite is then deposited on the surface, forming the travertine rock terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs. The water emerging from the hot springs is about 170 F and carries about two tons of calcium daily. Heat-loving microorganisms called thermophiles give the springs their yellow, orange, brown, and green colors. The springs are divided into upper and lower terraces. The lower terraces, accessible via boardwalks, include features like the Liberty Cap -- a mineral deposit left by a now inactive hot spring -- and the colorful Palette Spring. A 1.5-mile scenic drive leads to the upper terrace, with overlooks at the Main, Minerva, and Cleopatra terraces.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
North Entrance
Nearby Parks Around Mammoth Hot Springs
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Mammoth Hot Springs
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Mammoth Hot Springs while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
Lower Terrace
Includes the Opal Terrace, which grows by about a foot a year.
0.2 mi away
Upper Terrace Drive
A one-way, 1.5-mile scenic road through hot springs and travertine formations.
0.3 mi away
Upper and Lower Mammoth Terraces Trail
A self-guided tour of one of the many incredible natural phenonomea in Yellowstone National Park.
0.4 mi away
Sepulcher Mountain
Climb 3,400 feet through forest and meadows to the 9,652 foot summit.
