Palette Spring via Mammoth Terraces Trail

Palette Spring via the Mammoth Terraces Trail is an easy trek to an incredible geothermal feature. This trail can get busy, especially at the height of tourist season. We suggest heading out on this hike early in the morning to beat the crowds. The trail to Palette Spring is both wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly. Palette Spring itself is a marvelous display. At Palette Spring, you will see scalding hot water cascading down shelves of travertine deposits. Colorful bacteria living in the extreme heat of these geothermal springs paint the travertine shelves shades of orange, yellow, green, and gold.

Beginning at the Northeast Parking Area, follow the boardwalk westward for a short distance to Palette Spring.

Enjoy your time at Palette Spring and bask in the beauty of this incredible natural feature. When you are ready to head home, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead where you began.
For a longer tour that features even more geothermal wonders, check out the Mammoth Terraces: Upper Terrace Loop Trail.