Yellowstone - Mammoth

Introduction:

What? :

Yellowstone National Park is a place of endless geothermal wonder, but the Mammoth Hot Springs complex offers something truly unique. This area is not about geysers, bubbling water and mud pots, Mammoth is about unique landscapes, hillsides sculpted by water and minerals depositions.

If you’re coming from the north entrance or planning a trip to the northern part of the park, this unique stop is an absolute must-see.

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Where? :

Mammoth Hot Springs is situated in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, adjacent to the historic Fort Yellowstone and the park's North Entrance near Gardiner, Montana.

It is one of the few areas of the park accessible year-round by wheeled vehicle, as the road from Gardiner remains open throughout the winter.

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When? :

The park is open year round, but the journey to get here and the surrounding scenery change dramatically between summer and winter.

For most people, late May to September is the ideal time to visit here.

My personal recommendations are to visit Yellowstone National Park during the month of September.

The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.

Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.

Summer:

This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)

All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive right to any destination within the park.

It is very crowded here during the summer months. Traffic jams, slow drive and challenges with finding parking spots.

Days are usually warm (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

All hotels, lodges and campgrounds are open, high price and reservation need many months in advance.

Fall:

Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.

All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.

Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.

Winter:

Winter (Mid-December to Mid-March) transforms the park into a quiet, magical, snow-covered land.

The geyser's steam plumes are enormous.

Crowds are minimal.

Most interior park roads are closed to regular cars. You must travel into the park by a guided snowcoach or on a permitted snowmobile tour.

If you plan to visit Yellowstone in the winter, you will need to book a tour from one of the gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs (which is accessible by private vehicle year-round via the North Entrance).

The road between the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana, remains open to personal vehicles throughout the winter. Check up to date conditions for temporary closures.

Although open, the roads can be icy, snow-packed, or subject to drifting snow. Ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter travel.

The valley is one of the most popular and accessible spots for winter wildlife viewing in Yellowstone.

Expect to encounter bison, elk, and other wildlife right on the road, as they often move to the lower elevations during winter. Give them plenty of space and use pull-outs to stop.

The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.

You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.

Only the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and its cabins are open for overnight stays.

Spring:

Spring is a very short season in Yellowstone, practically in May and early June.

Some roads start to get open during end of April

Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.

Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.

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Tips and inputs:

Due note 1:

Visitor Center: The Albright Visitor Center and Museum is a great place to start your visit. Here you can find informational exhibits and inquire about ranger-led programs.

Due note 2:

There are many tourist facilities here.

Lodging and Dining: The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins offers accommodations year-round, including hotel rooms, suites, and cabins.

Dining options include the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room, the Map Room Bar, and the more casual Terrace Grill.

Other Services: The area includes a General Store, a service gas station, public restrooms, and a backcountry office for permits.

Due note 3:

Dress in Layers: Yellowstone's weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cool temperatures.

Due note 4:

Mammoth Hot Springs is an extremely busy location with many tourist buses and private cars.

To avoid the largest crowds, try to visit the terraces early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The early morning steam against the cool air also makes for a very dramatic viewing experience.

I came here at mid-day and all parking lots near the terrace were full. I eventually managed to find parking near the visitor center, from there I walked back to the hot spring area.

Due note 5:

Don't forget water, especially if you plan to hike the full length of lower and upper terraces boardwalk.

All sections of the trail along the boardwalk are exposed to the sun so bring a hat, use sunscreen and use sunglasses.

Food is not allowed on the boardwalk.

Due note 6:

The boardwalks can be slippery due rain and moisture good shoes are recommended.

Due note 7:

For your safety and the preservation of the fragile environment, you must remain on the designated boardwalks and trails at all times.

Due note 8:

Elk are very common in the Mammoth Hot Springs village and on the surrounding terraces. Always maintain a safe and legal distance from all wildlife.

Usually when Elks approach the village area park rangers prevent people from approaching them.

Due note 9:

In the winter, the Bear Den ski shop offers equipment rentals and tours for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed my time here, it was crowded in the lower terrace section when I came but in the late afternoon it was less busy.

The view of the terrace sediments is unique with its formation and colors.

The view of the elk, especially the large bull up close, was also an experience I will remember.

Visit Planning:

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces is a massive hill side complex of hot springs mineral-rich water that over the years deposited limestone that covers the landscape.

These terraces are constantly changing, with springs going dormant and new ones emerging.

If you plan to explore both lower and upper terraces, plan for about 2 to 3 hours.

Your visit can be broken down into two main parts:

Lower Terraces:

A network of boardwalks winds through the Lower Terraces, offering close-up views of features like Liberty Cap, a tall, dormant hot spring cone, and the vivid Palette Spring and Minerva Terrace.

You can enter the boardwalk from the parking lots along the main road.

The walk total length is approximately 1.5 miles loop trip and involves some amount of elevation change via boardwalks and stairs.

At the lower section you can see the Liberty Cap, a tall, dormant hot spring cone, and the vivid colors of Palette Spring and Devil's Thumb.

Look for Minerva Terrace, Mound Spring and Jupiter Terrace located on the hillside midway.

There is a connection between the lower and upper section via Mammoth Terrace Trail.

Upper Terrace:

From this high location you will have a nice open view of the valley below and the Mammoth area and Fort Yellowstone.

There is a trail parallel to the road with few viewing points.

Walk all the way to the direction of Dryad Spring and Canary Spring.

Here you can see a large surface covered with calcium carbonate where old forest dead trees are still there.

Canary Spring, known for its impressive white and orange formations. The colors you see (shades of red, orange, brown, yellow, and green) are created by colonies of heat-loving microorganisms called thermophiles.

Upper Terrace Drive:

The Drive: This is a one-way, 1.5-mile loop road that takes you to a higher elevation, offering panoramic views and access to the upper features. The drive entrance is located along Grand Loop road, about 2 miles away from the visitor center. You will see a large parking lot on the roadside.

Note: No buses, RVs, or trailers are allowed on this drive.

Along the drive, you can stop to view features such as Angel Terrace, White Elephant Back Terrace, and Orange Spring Mound. You can also park and walk short sections of boardwalk on the Upper Terraces.

Tip: If you already hiked to the upper terrace section this drive is not a must.

My Visit:

I came here in the afternoon after hiking to Osprey Falls. All parking lots along the road were full and I finally managed to find a parking spot down near the visitor center.

I went to a short visit in the new visitor center, there is a lower section with additional exhibitions.

The area near the hotel and restaurant was packed with people so I headed to the lower terrace area.

The boardwalk here was packed with tourist groups so I started with the climb up the hillside. As you climb up there are less people.

The view of the amazing terrace covered with calcium carbonate with a mix color of white, red and orange is thoroughly unique.

I especially liked Devils Thumb and Jupiter Terrace.

From here I walked to the far side of the lower section and climbed up the boardwalk that connects to the upper section.

In the upper terrace section the area of Dryad Spring with its dead trees is the most impressive one.

The weather changed and heavy clouds moved in and covered the sky. Light rain starts, this was my sign to hike down.

When I reached the lower section the light rain turned into a strong windy rain storm. I took cover under one of the buildings.

Around this time we saw a group of female elks and one impressive bull getting from the hill to the village. They find a resting place on the grass between the buildings.