Hot Springs Area. Yellowstone National Park

WELCOME to the Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces, one of Yellowstone’s fascinating natural features! There are several ways to enjoy the terraces—hike the boardwalks or drive the Upper Terrace Loop road, for example. You may wish to drive to the Upper Terrace Loop, drop off members of your party, let them hike down the boardwalk and pick them up at the lower parking area. The maps in this pamphlet will help you decide how you might best enjoy the terraces.

The Mammoth Terraces and Hot Springs were officially discovered by a U.S. Geological Survey party led by Dr. Ferdinand Hayden in 1871. However, some local knowledge of the Hot Spring Terraces and their activity had existed previous to that time.

The Mammoth Hot Springs have interested people since the establishment of Yellowstone National Park, not only for their striking beauty but also their changeability. These remarkable springs are noted for their rapid deposition, unpredictable shifts, and random rejuvenation. Here the active forces of geology often make measurable changes from one day to the next, and it is possible that significant changes have occurred since this booklet was printed.