Yellowstone National Park offers limited opportunities for swimming and soaking due to the cold water in high-elevation lakes and rivers, as well as the boiling temperatures in park hot springs. However, there are some specific areas and facilities that provide bathing and showering options for visitors.
Yellowstone Hot Springs, Gardiner, Montana
Located just outside the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone Hot Springs in Gardiner, Montana, provides a unique soaking experience. The facility features three different pools with varying water temperatures:
- Hot Pool: 103-105°F
- Main Pool: 98-100°F
- Cold Plunge: 60-65°F
The hot springs are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and reservations are not necessary. The site also offers RV camping with full-service and electric hookups.
Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa, Pray, Montana
Situated just outside the north entrance of Yellowstone, the Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa in Pray, Montana, features two open-air mineral pools. The resort also offers fine dining and a well-stocked wine list, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking a relaxing and indulgent experience.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Fairmont, Montana
The Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, located approximately 2.5 hours from the west entrance of Yellowstone, boasts two Olympic-size hot springs pools, both indoor and outdoor. The resort also features a 350-foot, five-story enclosed waterslide, providing a unique and thrilling bathing experience.
Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, Wyoming
Just a few hours south of Yellowstone, the Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming, offers a large mineral hot springs with turquoise and green, mineral-laden waters.
Bathing Opportunities within Yellowstone National Park
While Yellowstone National Park itself has limited options for swimming and soaking, there are a few specific areas that provide bathing and showering facilities:
Firehole Swim Area
The Firehole Swim Area is located on the Firehole River and typically features two vault toilets. However, the river is often closed until mid-summer due to high water and strong currents, so visitors should check current conditions before planning a visit.
Bath Lake
Bath Lake is a historic hot spring located in the Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone. The lake was once used for bathing in the late 1800s and early 1900s, but it has been dry since 1984.
Accommodations with Private Bathrooms and Shower Facilities
Yellowstone National Park lodging options typically have shared bathrooms, and details on accommodations with private bathrooms are not widely available. Similarly, while some lodging options may offer shared shower facilities, information on private shower facilities is limited.
Cost and Timings
The cost for bathing and showering facilities in and around Yellowstone National Park varies by location and is not consistently reported. Timings for these facilities also vary, with some open year-round and others operating on a seasonal schedule.
Directory and Hours
Here is a directory of the bathing and showering facilities mentioned, along with their contact information and hours of operation:
- Yellowstone Hot Springs: 406-589-7350, Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa: www.chicohotsprings.com
- Fairmont Hot Springs Resort: www.fairmontmontana.com
- Hot Springs State Park: No contact information provided
- Yellowstone National Park (Firehole Swim Area): https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/swimming-soaking.htm
- Bath Lake: https://www.nps.gov/places/bath-lake.htm
Value and Unique Experiences
The bathing and showering facilities in and around Yellowstone National Park offer a range of unique experiences for visitors:
- Yellowstone Hot Springs: Provides a natural hot springs soaking experience just outside the park.
- Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa: Known for its fine dining and wine list, offering a more indulgent bathing experience.
- Fairmont Hot Springs Resort: Features a thrilling 350-foot waterslide, adding an element of adventure to the bathing experience.
- Hot Springs State Park: Offers a large, mineral-rich hot springs for a more traditional soaking experience.
- Yellowstone National Park: While limited, the Firehole Swim Area and historic Bath Lake provide a chance to bathe in the natural surroundings of the park.
By understanding the various bathing and showering options available, visitors to Yellowstone National Park can plan their trip to include the unique experiences that best suit their preferences and needs.
Reference:
- https://yellowstonehotspringsmt.com
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60999-i481-k14156960-Full_Bathroom_Shower_Question-Yellowstone_National_Park_Wyoming.html
- https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/rafting-water-activities/swim/