Roaring Mountain
Photo: NPS / public domain- Jul–Aug
- best months
Is Roaring Mountain open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Yellowstone National Park. It doesn't name Roaring Mountain, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).
Most Park Roads Closed to All Vehicles
Park closure covering Yellowstone National Park · NPS · Yellowstone National Park
Biscuit Basin Closed Due to Hydrothermal Explosion
Park closure covering Yellowstone National Park · NPS · Yellowstone National Park
As of · Source: NPS · Yellowstone National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Roaring Mountain is a large, acidic thermal area (solfatara) that contains many steam vents (fumaroles). In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the number, size, and power of the fumaroles was much greater than today. Fumaroles (Steam Vents) Fumaroles or steam vents, are the hottest hydrothermal features in the park. The limited amount of water flashes into steam before reaching the surface. The result is a loud hissing of steam and gases. Norris Geyser Basin Norris Geyser Basin is one of the hottest and most acidic of Yellowstone's hydrothermal areas. It is outside of the most recent Yellowstone caldera, but inside the first and largest caldera. It sits on the intersection of three major faults and is a very active earthquake area. Even small earthquakes can trigger changes in hydrothermal behavior. This sudden activity is known as a "thermal disturbance" and can last a few days, or more than a week. Gradually, most features return to "normal." Norris has the greatest water chemistry diversity among Yellowstone's hydrothermal areas. The water chemistry changes as the water levels of underground hot water reservoirs fluctuates. Although Norris is known for its acid features, it also has alkaline hot springs and geysers. Accessibility Large parking pullout. Exhibit is wheelchair-accessible.
Best time to go · Jul–Aug
Best time to visit Roaring Mountain
Best months: July–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
28° / 1°
14 wet
Feb
31° / 2°
12 wet
Mar
39° / 10°
13 wet
Apr
46° / 19°
12 wet
May
55° / 29°
13 wet
Jun
65° / 35°
13 wet
Jul
76° / 39°
10 wet
Aug
75° / 37°
9 wet
Sep
65° / 30°
9 wet
Oct
50° / 22°
10 wet
Nov
35° / 10°
12 wet
Dec
27° / 1°
15 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Old Faithful, WY, 22.8 mi away at 7,351 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
Photo: Greg Willis from Denver, CO, usa, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)Solfatara Creek Trail
~3 min drive
Moderate out-and-back creek hike in Wyoming with geothermal interest.
HIKE
Obsidian Cliff
~5 min drive
Obsidian is found in volcanic areas where the magma is rich in silica and lava has cooled without forming crystals, creating a black glass that can be honed to an exceptionally thin edge. Unlike most obsidian, which occurs as small rocks strewn amid other formations…
Photo: R. Sieben, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)Norris Geyser Basin - Norris Campground Trail
~6 min drive
Easy out-and-back walk through Norris Geyser Basin's geothermal wonders.
Photo: Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)Howard Eaton Trail:Cascade Lake-Norris Campground
~13 min drive
Out-and-back trail linking Cascade Lake to Norris Campground in Yellowstone.
Photo: cchadek, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)Bunsen Peak Trail
~18 min drive
8.42-mile out-and-back trail to Bunsen Peak in Wyoming with 502 ft gain.
Photo: cchadek, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)Sportsman Lake Trail
~21 min drive
Challenging 17.57-mile out-and-back hike to a scenic alpine lake in Wyoming.
HIKE
Fumaroles in Porcelain Basin
~7 min drive
Hurricane Vent, nearby, was once a steamy, noisy fumarole. It has also been boiling and full of steam, with a small waterfall on the far side. Fumaroles Fumaroles or steam vents, are the hottest hydrothermal features in the park. The limited amount of water flashes into…
HIKE
Artists Paintpots Trail
~10 min drive
This is a one-mile (1.6 km) trail that enters a partially burned lodgepole pine forest, then winds across a wet meadow on a boardwalk. This trail is a short loop. The hydrothermal area has colorful hot springs, mudpots, and small geysers. Watch out for flying mud. Stay on th…
Photo: R. Sieben, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)Lava Creek Trail
~21 min drive
Accessible out-and-back hike through Wyoming's volcanic landscape and thermal features.
HIKE
Bunsen Peak Trailhead (1K4)
~18 min drive
Bunsen Peak prominently sits south of Mammoth Hot Springs. From this trailhead, you can embark on the following trails: Bunsen Peak Trail Bunsen Peak Road Trail Osprey Falls Trail Parking is limited. Winter trailhead access requires a snow coach drop-off, or skiing up from…
