Mammoth Hot Springs
Mason O'Donnell
| 09-02-2026
· Travel team
Are you ready to see the breathtaking Mammoth Hot Spring terraces set against snow‑covered mountains in Yellowstone National Park?
This guide gives you everything you’ll need for planning — including entrance fees, opening hours, transportation costs, lodging prices, dining options, best times to visit, and must‑know tips. Let’s make this adventure smooth, budget‑friendly, and unforgettable!
Yellowstone Park Entrance Fees
To enter Yellowstone National Park and visit Mammoth Hot Springs, you must buy a park entrance pass:
• Private Vehicle: approximately $35 per vehicle (valid 1–7 days, covers all passengers in the car).
• Motorcycle: approximately $30 per motorcycle (valid 1–7 days).
• Walk‑in/Bicycle: approximately $20 per person (valid 1–7 days).
• Annual National Parks Pass: around $80, valid one year at all U.S. national parks (great if planning multiple trips).
These passes allow repeated entries through any entrance during the valid period — ideal if you plan to explore other Yellowstone attractions too.
Yellowstone Opening Hours & Road Access
Yellowstone operates year‑round, but road access changes by season:
• Spring to Fall (April–November): Most major roads, including those to Mammoth Hot Springs, open to private vehicles around mid‑April to mid‑November, weather permitting.
• Winter (mid‑December–mid‑March): Roads are closed to regular cars; access requires guided snowcoach or snowmobile tours.
Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the first areas to open in spring because it is close to the North Entrance. Even in winter, this area often remains partially accessible, making it one of the best winter destinations in Yellowstone.
Transportation Costs & Tips
- By Plane: The nearest major airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Round‑trip flights from international or major U.S. cities typically range from $300 to $1,000+ depending on season, demand, and how early you book.
- Car Rental: Most visitors rent a car for flexibility. Daily car rental averages around $50–$150 per day depending on vehicle size and season (SUVs cost more).
- Gas Costs: Gas is more expensive inside the park, so fill up before entering. Expect $100–$200 total gas costs for a 4‑7 day Yellowstone trip depending on routes and distance traveled.
- Winter Transport: If visiting winter, guided snowcoach or snowmobile trips cost extra but include safe travel through snowy roads that private cars cannot use.
Accommodation Near Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone offers a few options inside the park near Mammoth and many more outside the park in nearby towns like Gardiner, Montana.
Inside the Park:
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins — Classic in‑park lodging right near the terraces; deluxe rooms often run about $267–$523+ per night, while cabins start around $193–$330+ per night.
• Standard Cabins: Around $130–$270+ per night for basic cabin stays without meals.
Outside the Park (Nearby Towns):
• In Gardiner, Montana, hotels and motels often range from $80 to $160+ per night, usually cheaper and with more dining options nearby.
Booking Tip: Yellowstone lodges often sell out months in advance, especially June through August, so reserve early!
Dining Options & Typical Prices
In and near Mammoth Hot Springs, you’ll find a few main dining choices:
• Mammoth Hotel Dining Room: Full‑service restaurant with varied menu options — dinner is typically $20–$35+ per person.
• Mammoth Hotel Terrace Grill: Casual counter service, sandwiches, salads, priced around $10–$18+ per meal.
• Local Cafes & Snacks: Nearby towns offer meals from $10–$25 for lunch or dinner.
Dining Tip: Food service inside the park can have limited hours and sometimes long waits during peak season, so packing a small picnic can be convenient.
Best Time to Visit Mammoth Hot Springs
- Summer (June–August): Most roads open, easier weather, full services — busiest season.
- Fall (September–October): Cooler weather, fewer visitors, early snow may appear on mountains, creating strong visual contrast.
- Winter (December–March): Snow blankets terraces and mountains, creating magical scenery. Requires winter tours and appropriate gear.
- Spring (April–May): Roads gradually open; dramatic thaw and snowmelt add unique contrast to steam and snow.
How Long We Should Stay
For Mammoth Hot Springs alone, 1.5–2 hours is enough to walk through both terrace areas at a relaxed pace.
If Mammoth is part of a larger Yellowstone trip, staying 1–2 nights nearby is ideal to enjoy early morning views, fewer crowds, and wildlife.
Best Time of Day for Photos
• Early morning: Soft light, fewer people, more visible steam.
• Late afternoon: Warm tones and long shadows on terraces.
In winter, contrast between snow, dark mountains, and rising steam looks especially stunning under low sunlight.
Practical Tips & Safety
• Clothing: Weather changes quickly — bring layers and waterproof shoes, especially in winter or early spring.
• Boardwalk Safety: Terrace boardwalks can be slippery — wear good‑traction footwear.
• Wildlife Distance: Elk, deer, and other animals are common — keep a safe distance and never approach.
• Gas & Supplies: Fill up gas before long drives inside the park and bring snacks and water.
• Sun & Camera Gear: Snow and steam reflect sunlight — sunglasses and lens wipes help for clearer photos.
Why Mammoth Hot Springs Is Worth the Trip
Mammoth Hot Springs is a living landscape that keeps changing. Terraces grow, dry, shift, and reform over time. Combined with snow-covered mountains, the view feels like nature is slowly sculpting a massive, dynamic stone artwork.
Unforgettable Yellowstone Moments
Lykkers, visiting the Mammoth Hot Spring terraces against snow-covered mountains is one of Yellowstone’s most memorable experiences. With full details on park fees, transportation, lodging, dining, best times to visit, and travel tips, we are ready to plan this adventure confidently. Standing between snow, steam, and stone, we witness the power and creativity of our planet — and the memories will last a lifetime.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces in Yellowstone National Park
Video by Bob Nisbet