Clearwater Springs is a small geothermal site by the Obsidian Creek in Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park is one of our favorite national parks and the oldest one in North America. There are so many unique ecosystems and hydrothermal features to see. We have spent multiple days in the park doing short hikes and viewpoints, and I still feel like there’s so much more to see here. We’ve never done a long day hike, but have seen most of the stops along the Grand Loop Road.
Clearwater Springs Trail Basics
Under 1 Hour
0.5 Miles Round Trip
Out-And-Back
None
Duration: Under 1 Hour
The quick walk to the end of the boardwalk and back will take under an hour, likely closer to 15 minutes or so.
Distance: 0.5 Miles Roundtrip
The trail is a half mile boardwalk that goes from the parking lot to the spring and back. It’s about 300 feet roundtrip, so it’s a very short hike.
Type: Out-and-Back Trail
Clearwater Springs is a small out-and-back trail. Visitors follow the boardwalk until it ends at the spring, and then they walk back the same way.
Elevation Change: None
Many of the trails in the lower elevations don’t have much of an elevation change.
Season: Summer
This section of Grand Loop Road is closed from early November through mid-April due to the snow and ice. When it starts to melt, and the temperatures rise near early June through late July, seems to be the best time to view the hydrothermal areas in Yellowstone National Park. Unless you plan to do some cross-country skiing, the perfect time to visit is during the summer months.
Time of Day: Any
Clearwater Springs can be viewed at any time of the day but early mornings are typically the best to see the steam in the cool temperatures.
Amount of Shade: None
There’s no shade along the small boardwalk or at the end to see Clearwater Springs.
Difficulty: Easy
This is one of the easiest short trails in the Lower Geyser Basin and the park.
What Makes Clearwater Springs Trail a Great Hike?
Clearwater Springs is one of the only clear water hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. Even though this is a very short walk, it’s a neat site to see compared to the other geothermal features.
Clearwater Springs Trail is a great stop along the road when driving through Yellowstone Park. It’s a quick stop and a great way to get out and stretch your legs for a few minutes. There are so many things to see in Yellowstone National Park and so many different hikes to do, that you can end up spending a long time in the car over certain stretches of the park.
Scenery on the Clearwater Springs Trail
Start of the Trail
The trail starts as a wooden boardwalk at the edge of the parking area off the main road.
On the Trail
There is a game trail next to the boardwalk, so don’t be surprised to see bison in the area. Up along the trees and hillsides of the surrounding mountains look for grizzly bears, black bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, or moose. There have been some unique wildlife sightings reported in this area.
End of the Trail
At the end of the boardwalk, you will be looking at the hot spring. This is one of the best places to see the Obsidian Creek.
Clearwater Springs Trailhead Information
Finding the Trailhead
When you pull into the parking area, the trailhead is near the northwest corner of the pavement.
Markers Along the Trail
At the end of the boardwalk, there is a small sign that indicates this is Clearwater Spring.
Nearest Restrooms
The nearest restrooms are in the Norris Geyser Basin just south of the trailhead for Clearwater Springs.
Other Trails at this Trailhead
There are no other trailheads near here, but other attractions in the area include:
- Roaring Mountain
- Semi-Centennial Geyser
- Bijah Spring
- Nymph Lake
- Frying Pan Springs
- Porcelain Basin
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Norris Picnic Area
Tips for Clearwater Springs Trail
- Even on a short trail like this, make sure to carry bear spray. Know the best practices for safety when it comes to bears.
- Although this is a warm water hot spring, swimming is prohibited here. The only two places in the park where you can swim are the Boiling River and the Firehole Swim Area.
- Since this isn't on the park maps, it isn't a popular destination. Parking should be easy without the crowds.
Accessibility Information for Clearwater Springs Trail
Boardwalk
Paved
Trail Type: Boardwalk
The Clearwater Springs Trail is a short, mostly level boardwalk trail that is accessible to those in wheelchairs and strollers.
Parking: Paved
Parking for Clearwater Springs Trail is in a pullover area along Grand Loop Road. There aren’t designated spots, so there is no handicap-specific parking here.