Published January 11, 2010 06:16PM
Readers' Choice Mountain West: Mr. Bubbles, Yellowstone NP
Relax in an effervescent bath far from the dayhiking crowds.
'Mr. Bubbles Yellowstone NP (Scott Bischke)'
Santa Maria Spring, Grand Canyon NP | Mr. Bubbles, Yellowstone NP | West Maroon Pass, CO | Mills Lake, Rocky Mountain NP | The Colorado Trail | Gunsight Pass, Glacier NP
Countless hot springs gurgle up from within the Rockies, but Mr. Bubbles tops our team’s list. From the Bechler Ranger Station, hike 13.5 miles north, passing several waterfalls and views of the Tetons, to the Ferris Fork campsite (9D1). Sleep here, then follow signs north of the site to Mr. Bubbles, a quarter-mile away. Here, 110°F water burbles up from beneath the Ferris Fork to warm a pool 15 feet across and four feet deep. Permit required.
PLAN IT
Driving From Ashton, Idaho, follow Cave Falls Rd. 26 miles to its end at the Bechler Ranger Station.
Map and guideTrails IllustratedYellowstone National Park ($10; natgeomaps.com); Hiking Yellowstone National Park, by Bill Schneider ($16, falcon.com)
Contact (307) 344-2160, nps.gov/yell