Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Trails
A flexible boardwalk network through Yellowstone’s active travertine terraces, with route difficulty determined by the chosen stair and grade combination.
Route overview
Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Trails in Wyoming / Montana / Idaho.
Mammoth Hot Springs is explored through interconnected boardwalks, paved paths and road-access viewpoints. The living travertine landscape changes as hot water shifts through underground fractures. Visitors can choose a short accessible viewpoint or link lower and upper terraces through a much steeper stair-heavy route.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Wyoming / Montana / Idaho
- Distance
- Variable km
- Typical duration
- 30–90 minutes
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Variable; lower-to-upper connection includes steep grades and several hundred stairs m
- Best season
- Year-round, though most boardwalks are not maintained in winter
- Trail type
- Flexible boardwalk and paved-trail network
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No reservation; park entrance pass required
Safety context
Never leave the designated boardwalk or road. The crust can conceal superheated water, toxic gases may accumulate, and winter boardwalks are generally unmaintained. The lower-to-upper stair route is not suitable for some heart or lung conditions. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Never leave the designated boardwalk or road. The crust can conceal superheated water, toxic gases may accumulate, and winter boardwalks are generally unmaintained. The lower-to-upper stair route is not suitable for some heart or lung conditions.
Highlights
Travertine terraces; Canary Springs; Palette Springs; hydrothermal geology
Why find a buddy
Flexible buddy route for different abilities because the group can agree on a short viewpoint circuit or the full stair connection before starting.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.