In 2016, researchers from Montana State University warned that even small changes in Yellowstone’s hot springs—like a shift in pH or the introduction of foreign substances—could wipe out entire microbial communities that have survived for millennia. It might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s all too real.
Yet every year, visitors risk their lives and the park’s fragile ecosystems by engaging in a reckless trend known as hot potting—attempting to soak in Yellowstone’s geothermal features. It’s not just dangerous. It’s deadly.
These pools aren’t your average hot tubs. They can be hotter than boiling water, acidic enough to dissolve flesh, and surrounded by thin crusts that collapse without warning. More than 20 people have died here trying to get closer than they should.
So before you even think about stepping off the boardwalk, read this guide. Your safety—and Yellowstone’s survival—depend on it.
What Is Hot Potting, and Why Is It So Dangerous?
“Hot potting” is the term used when someone attempts to soak in a natural hot spring. While there are legal and safe hot springs across the American West, Yellowstone is not one of them. The park’s thermal features are not just hot—they’re unpredictable, acidic, and often deadly.
At first glance, Yellowstone’s thermal pools might look like serene, inviting spots to relax. The vibrant colors and steaming waters can be mesmerizing. But beneath that beauty lies a volatile and dangerous environment. The park sits atop a supervolcano, which fuels over 10,000 geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. Some of these waters can reach temperatures exceeding 200°F (93°C), hot enough to cause severe burns in seconds. Moreover, many pools are acidic due to sulfur-consuming bacteria that produce sulfuric acid, making the water capable of dissolving human tissue.
The ground around these features is often thin and fragile. Stepping off designated paths can lead to breaking through the crust and falling into boiling water. This has led to numerous tragic incidents over the years.
In 2016, Colin Scott and his sister ventured off the boardwalk near Porkchop Geyser in search of a place to soak. Colin slipped and fell into a thermal pool. The water was so acidic and hot that his body dissolved before rescuers could retrieve it.
Another incident occurred in 1981 when David Kirwan jumped into Celestine Pool to save his friend’s dog. He suffered severe burns over most of his body and died the following day.
Since 1872, over 20 people have died from hot spring-related incidents in Yellowstone, and hundreds more have sustained injuries. These numbers surpass fatalities from wildlife encounters in the park.
The dangers aren’t limited to the water. According to a report by The U.S Sun In July 2024, a hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin sent water and debris flying, damaging boardwalks and sending tourists scrambling. Such explosions, while rare, highlight the unpredictable nature of Yellowstone’s geothermal areas.
Engaging in hot potting within Yellowstone is illegal and punishable by fines or imprisonment. Beyond personal risk, such actions can cause irreversible damage to the park’s delicate ecosystems. The thermal features are home to unique microbial life that thrives in extreme conditions, and human interference can disrupt these habitats.
Park authorities emphasize the importance of staying on designated boardwalks and trails to ensure both visitor safety and the preservation of these natural wonders.
Legal Ramifications: Heavy Fines, Jail Time, and Public Shaming
Hot potting in Yellowstone isn’t just dangerous—it’s illegal, and the consequences are severe. Stepping off designated paths into thermal areas can lead to up to six months in jail and fines reaching $5,000. Damaging park features, such as fragile geothermal formations, can result in additional charges and higher penalties. For instance, in 2023, the National Park Service reported that actor Pierce Brosnan was fined $500 and ordered to pay $1,000 to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund after posting photos of himself standing on a thermal feature.
Social media has become a tool for enforcement. Many violators are identified through platforms like Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram, where users report illegal activities. In 2023, a video posted by @touronsofyellowstone showed a tourist stepping off the boardwalk and dipping her fingers into Silex Spring. The video quickly went viral on Instagram, sparking public outrage. The widespread backlash prompted park authorities to investigate the incident.
More recently, in March 2025, a 44-year-old woman from Seattle was sentenced to seven days in jail for walking onto the cone of Old Faithful geyser, while a 25-year-old man from Georgia received the same sentence and a five-year ban from the park for driving off-road into a thermal area.
Environmental Impact: How Hot Potting Harms Yellowstone’s Ecosystem
Yellowstone’s hot springs harbor microbial communities that have evolved over millennia to survive in extreme conditions lethal to most life forms. Scientists from Montana State University, alongside organizations like Yellowstone Forever, have spent decades studying these resilient microorganisms to better understand how they adapt to the park’s unique geothermal environments.
Research published in Frontiers reveals that even subtle shifts in pH and the introduction of foreign substances can dramatically reduce microbial diversity, particularly in sediment samples. This loss doesn’t just affect the microbes themselves—it threatens the entire ecosystem, as these organisms play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and energy flow.
Unfortunately, human activities like “hot potting” pose a serious threat to these delicate systems. When people enter the pools, they introduce contaminants such as sunscreens, lotions, and body oils, disrupting the water’s chemistry and harming the microbial life. Studies show that even minimal human contact can cause lasting changes in these finely tuned communities.
In addition, foot traffic off designated trails can damage the fragile crust surrounding geothermal features, leading to erosion, habitat destruction, and even accidents. The ground in these areas is often unstable and can collapse under weight, endangering both the unique microbial ecosystems and visitor safety.
Protecting Yellowstone’s geothermal features is crucial for preserving its unique biodiversity and ensuring the safety of all who visit. By staying on designated paths and refraining from entering thermal areas, we can help safeguard these natural wonders for future generations.
Better Alternatives: Legal and Safe Hot Springs Near Yellowstone
1. Chico Hot Springs (Pray, Montana)
Located about 30 miles north of Yellowstone’s north entrance, Chico Hot Springs is a historic resort that has been welcoming guests since 1900. The resort features two open-air pools fed by natural geothermal waters, with temperatures ranging from 96°F to 103°F. Beyond soaking, Chico offers a full-service spa, horseback riding, and fine dining, making it a comprehensive retreat for relaxation and recreation.
2. Yellowstone Hot Springs (Gardiner, Montana)
Just eight miles from Yellowstone’s north entrance, Yellowstone Hot Springs provides a serene soaking experience with stunning mountain views. The facility includes a hot pool (103–105°F), a main pool (98–100°F), and a cold plunge (60–65°F), all filled with mineral-rich water. The pools are designed for continual flow-through circulation, ensuring clean and fresh water without chemicals.
3. Granite Hot Springs (Sublette County, Wyoming)
Situated approximately 30 miles southeast of Jackson, Wyoming, Granite Hot Springs offers a more rustic and remote soaking experience. The main pool, maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, is nestled among spruce, fir, and pine forests. In the summer, the pool is accessible by car, while in winter, visitors can reach it via snowmobile, skis, or dog sled. The water temperature varies seasonally, reaching up to 112°F in winter.
4. Boiling River (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming)
Historically, the Boiling River was one of the few places within Yellowstone where soaking was permitted, thanks to the mixing of hot spring water with the cooler Gardiner River. However, it’s important to note that the Boiling River has been closed since the 2022 floods, and visitors should check the National Park Service website for current status updates before planning a visit.
Expert Advice: How to Stay Safe and Respect the Park
1. Stay on Designated Paths
The boardwalks and marked trails in Yellowstone are not just for convenience—they’re essential for your safety. The ground in thermal areas can be thin and unstable, with scalding water just beneath the surface. Stepping off the path can lead to severe injuries or worse.
In September 2024, a 60-year-old woman from New Hampshire suffered second- and third-degree burns after breaking through a thin crust near Old Faithful. She was walking off-trail when she fell into scalding water, requiring emergency medical evacuation.
2. Leave No Trace
Everything you bring into the park should leave with you. This includes trash, food scraps, and even biodegradable items like fruit peels. Litter—even small pieces—can harm wildlife and introduce foreign substances into sensitive thermal areas. Stick to the principle: take only photos, leave only footprints (on the boardwalks!).
3. Learn Before You Go
Before visiting thermal areas, take time to learn about Yellowstone’s geothermal features and why they’re so unique—and dangerous. Visitor centers and official park websites offer resources that can help you appreciate the science, history, and fragility of these environments, making your visit safer and more meaningful.
Report Violations
If you witness someone engaging in unsafe or illegal behavior, such as leaving the boardwalk or approaching wildlife, report it to a park ranger. Your vigilance helps protect both visitors and the delicate ecosystems within the park.
In June 2024, a 21-year-old man from Washington was sentenced to seven days in jail and fined $1,500 for walking off the boardwalk near Steamboat Geyser.
Learn More: Eco-Tourism Vs. Over-Tourism: The Balance for National Parks
Conclusion:
Hot potting in Yellowstone is more than just a bad idea—it’s a serious threat to life, law, and legacy. The park is a living laboratory, a sacred space for wildlife, and a geological treasure. It is not a backdrop for social media stunts.
By understanding the risks, respecting the rules, and spreading awareness, we can ensure Yellowstone remains wild and wonderful for future generations.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Never leave the boardwalk or trails in thermal areas.
- Do not touch, enter, or throw objects into hot springs.
- Share this guide to raise awareness.
- Visit and support legal hot spring locations instead.
- Respect the land, the science, and the people working to protect it.
