This celebrated complex of hot springs is located on a hill of travertine in Yellowstone National Park and is the main attraction of the Mammoth District. It was created over thousands of years as hot water from the spring cooled and deposited calcium carbonate (more than two tons flow into Mammoth each day in a solution). These thermal areas are different from any others in the park because travertine formations grow much more rapidly than sinter formations due to the softer nature of limestone. As hot water rises through limestone, large quantities of rock are dissolved by the hot water and a white chalky mineral is deposited on the surface. Thermal activity is extensive in this area which encompasses Terrace Mountain, northwest of Golden Gate, the Parade Ground and Boiling River. Just adjacent to the hot springs is Fort Yellowstone, which is built upon an old terrace formation known as Hotel Terrace.
Its construction which began in 1891 was worrisome, with builders concerned that the hollow ground beneath the buildings would not support them. Yet it still stands today and serves as the park’s headquarters, with fenced off sink holes nearby, on the Parade Ground that has been thermally active for several thousand years. From its earliest days, the hot springs were a popular tourist destination for those seeking relief from ailments in the mineral waters. Two historic events which took place here were the Nez Perce flight in 1877 and President Teddy Roosevelt’s visit in 1903. To help put these hot springs in perspective, there’s the Visitor’s Center which has an introductory film, a history exhibit, and an upstairs wildlife museum. Be sure to look for ever-present elk grazing on the green lawns of the center and the many hiking trails surrounding it. Once your day of hot geyser inspecting ends, Choice hotels near Mammoth Hot Springs make it easy for you to cool down and enjoy relaxing accommodations. Book a room with us today.