Both the Boiling River Swim Area and the Firehole River Swim Area are closed until further noticeYellowstone offers very limited opportunities to swim or soak. High-elevation lakes and rivers swollen with snowmelt make for cold water where hypothermia always presents a risk. On the other end of the temperature spectrum, the water in park hot springs often reaches the boiling point. For this reason, and to protect the park’s unusual thermal environments, soaking in hot springs is prohibited. In addition, swimming is not allowed in the Bridge Bay Marina Channel. WarningsIf you choose to swim in Yellowstone’s lakes or rivers, you do so at your own risk. Lifeguards are not present, even at the popular swimming areas listed below. All thermal waters contain organisms that may cause illness, including skin rash, gastrointestinal illness (vomiting and diarrhea), or other infections that can be life-threatening. The risk of contracting these infections in Yellowstone is not known to be higher than any other natural body of thermal water. To minimize the risk of illness from swimming and soaking in Yellowstone:
Boiling RiverThe Boiling River flows into the Gardner River near Mammoth Hot Springs. From a parking lot along the road between the North Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs, a half-mile walk along the Gardner River leads to a designated soaking/swimming area where the waters from these two rivers mix. The only facility is a vault toilet at the parking lot. Use caution: the current in the Gardner River can be swift and the footing slippery and dangerous. Seasonal Hours
Regulations
Boiling River Parking Lots
44.992569, -110.691518
SPACES
32 Total 0 Oversized
The Boiling River Swim Area has two parking lots: the east and west lots. The east lot is smaller and has direct access to the trail to Boiling River. The west lot is across the road and is slightly larger. A vault toilet is located near the trailhead to the Boiling River.
Boiling River parking
No fee for Boiling River parking
Cost: $0.00
Standard HoursSun:
From 6:00 AM
to 8:00 PM
Mon:
From 6:00 AM
to sunset
Tue:
From 6:00 AM
to 8:00 PM
Wed:
From 6:00 AM
to 8:00 PM
Thu:
From 6:00 AM
to 8:00 PM
Fri:
From 6:00 AM
to 8:00 PM
Sat:
From 6:00 AM
to 8:00 PM
Amenities:
Firehole Swim AreaThe Firehole Swim Area is located on the Firehole River, two miles south of Madison Junction on Firehole Canyon Drive. Two vault toilets are the only facilities in the area. The river is usually closed to swimming until mid-summer due to high water and strong currents. During years with significant snowpack and runoff, the swim area may remain closed for the entire season. Check our current conditions page for status. Water wings are allowed and life jackets are recommended. Regulations
SafetySafety tips to avoid danger and have a great trip. 
Current ConditionsLearn about things that could affect your visit before you arrive. |
Last updated: June 8, 2021