Swimming in a natural thermal hot springs is called hot potting. Unfortunately, not all hot springs are safe to jump into. In many, the water temperatures are far above one hundred degrees and will kill you.
Yellowstone National Park is famous for all of its hot springs, but hot potting is illegal in many places in the park for the reason stated above. A stream that feels warm to the touch at the surface may be much hotter in the deeper parts.
One factor that determines the temperature of the thermal springs is the temperature of the stream that flows into it. If the stream is cool or cold, the springs will be kept at a safer temperature.
Yellowstone has a few cool streams that have hot springs flowing into them that are legal to swim in. One is the Shoshone Creek. After a busy day in the park, it is quite relaxing to take a dip in a pool of warm water. Just be aware of where it is legal to hot pot and where it isn’t.
It might be wiser to enjoy the water facilities at the hotels and resorts in the park, than to take the chance of getting scalded at a hot springs.
If you are planning a trip to Yellowstone, contact the Park Rangers and get all the information they have on the park and its activities. And before you get into any hot springs, look for signs that tell you if it is safe.
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