If you enter Yellowstone National Park through the Roosevelt Arch at the North Entrance, the first area of development you will come to is Mammoth Hot Springs.
There are three major areas of Mammoth Hot Springs: the Historic District, the Upper Terrace, and the Lower Terrace.
The Historic District
The Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District is home to the administrative headquarters of Yellowstone National Park. The park was established in 1872 but was quickly threatened by poachers, souvenir hunters, and others who did not have the park’s best interest in mind. In 1886 the United States Army was called in to help protect the land and Mammoth Hot Springs soon became home to Fort Yellowstone. Today, 35 of the original structures remain.
The Mammoth Hot Springs is also home to Mammoth Campground, a hotel, a general store, and the Albright Visitor Center. But perhaps the most popular attraction is the elk. There are elk everywhere in Mammoth.
We enjoyed a picnic lunch at a table where we could watch the elk. But please remember that these are wild animals and always maintain a safe distance. We repeatedly saw people get dangerously close to elk. Rangers patrol this area constantly and remind visitors to keep back.
Upper Terrace
Upper Terrace Drive is located (unsurprisingly) at the top of the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. This 1.5 mile includes pull-offs and is home to geothermal features such as the Orange Spring Mound.
This area of Mammoth Hot Springs can get congested, but we found it much less crowded than the more easily recognizable Lower Terrace.
Lower Terrace
The travertine steps of Mammoth Hot Springs formed over thousands of years when geothermal vents heat the cool spring water. This leaves behind calcite from the calcium carbonate dissolved out of the surrounding limestone and creates yet another alien landscape unique to Yellowstone National Park.
In the Lower Terrace area you will find a maze of boardwalks to safely take provide you with close up views of these amazing, beautiful, and somewhat smelly living pieces of art.
Go
Let me know in the comments which area of Mammoth Hot Springs is your favorite or that you most want to explore. Pin or share the image below to let everyone know you are headed to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park.
Learn More
Check out these posts for more information about visiting Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park Overview
Camping in Yellowstone National Park
Geysers in Yellowstone National Park
Secret Swimming Spots in Yellowstone National Park
Best Photo Spots in Yellowstone National Park
