There are dozens of minor geyser basins and hot springs in Yellowstone. Most people drive right by them; after all, how many hot springs do you really want to look into in a day? And with limited time, why go for much beyond the highlights? I did the same until I spent almost two weeks in Yellowstone National Park. Then, with a bit of extra time, I made an effort to enjoy and explore many of the lesser-known features. For the most part, I can see why the famous geyser basins are famous, and you’re probably best off prioritizing the places everyone goes. But I did have a very fun 20 minutes at Terrace Spring as the mist thought about lifting… but not quite.
Quick Stats
The wheelchair-accessible boardwalk begins at the end of the paved sidewalk and heads toward a big sign about how it’s unlawful to throw anything into the springs (and that the area is closed 10pm to 6am, and that dogs are not allowed).
After 140ft., the boardwalk splits beside a small hot spring. I went left here.
The boardwalk descends to a nice viewpoint of Terrace Spring. Because it was so misty, it was hard to see the entire spring.
My favorite part was as I continued to walk around the loop – there’s a prolific spring on the north side of Terrace Spring.
Just beyond Terrace Spring is another hot spring. The morning was so chilly that the heat from the spring made some pretty impenetrable water vapor.
Continue around the loop and then turn left to return to the parking lot. It’s not a long adventure, but it is wheelchair-friendly, and it tends to be quiet – two nice things in my book!
Round Trip Trail Length: 0.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 25ft. (6922ft. to 6,905ft.)
Facilities: None
Fees: $35/vehicle, valid 7 days. America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Public Lands Passes and Yellowstone Annual Passes are accepted.
Trail Notes: As I’ve already mentioned, the entire trail is a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. I imagine a stroller would be fine, too. This is not a long stop in any event; while the springs are interesting, they’re not stunning. There is parking for a few RVs or vehicles with trailers in the small parking lot. I would expect that the name “Terrace Spring” was given because the water flows under the road and creates some kind of “terrace” (or at least colorful drainage channels). Unfortunately, these are mostly out of sight of the trail.
Trail 
Road
Signs 
Scenery
Would I go 100 miles out of my way for this?
Overall Rating:
GPS Coordinates for the Terrace Spring Boardwalk
TH: 44.6500030°, -110.8454290° (44°39.00018′, -110°50.72574′ / 44°39’00.0108″, -110°50’43.5444″) (6,904ft.) (0.0)
Loop Junction: 44.6500500°, -110.8459290° (44°39.00300′, -110°50.75574′ / 44°39’00.1800″, -110°50’45.3444″) (6,906ft.) (138ft.)
End at TH: 44.6500160°, -110.8454260° (44°39.00096′, -110°50.72556′ / 44°39’00.0576″, -110°50’43.5336″) (6,904ft.) (0.21)
The gpx file for Terrace Spring can be downloaded – please note that this and the GPS Coordinates are for reference only and should not be used as a sole resource when hiking this trail.
Download GPX File size: 5.6 KB Downloaded 6 times
(Note: I do my best to ensure that all downloads, the webpage, etc. are virus-free and accurate; however, I cannot be held responsible for any damage that might result, including but not limited to loss of data, damages to hardware, harm to users, from use of files, information, etc. from this website. Thanks!)
Getting to the Terrace Spring Trailhead
From Madison Junction, drive north on the Grand Loop (toward Norris and Mammoth) for 0.8 miles. The turn into the parking area will be on the left.
From Norris Junction, drive south on the Grand Loop (toward Madison Junction) for 12.6 miles. The turn into the parking area will be on the right.
More Easy Hikes in Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park has some truly amazing scenery along its short trails. This book will help you find the very best of these easy hikes. Buy your copy here.
