Bridger Canyon Warm Spring

Gallatin County, Montana · Near Bozeman
45.7080°N, 110.9760°W · 4,891 ft
70°F 35°F air · Good soaking weather 4,891 ft Restricted Roadside US Fish and Wildlife Service Camping nearby (11.7 mi)

Bridger Canyon Warm Spring is on the grounds of the Bozeman Fish Technology Center, a US Fish and Wildlife Service facility four miles from Bozeman in Gallatin County, Montana. Access is restricted. The water is tepid, a few degrees warmer than a cool bath, and it carries iron and a moderate mineral load. There is a photo on file.

Location

Bridger Canyon Road passes within about eighty feet. The elevation is that of the Bozeman valley, with snowfall around six feet over the cold months and moderate moisture. The nearest listed camping is Trail Creek Cabin, which is not close. The property is a federal research station, and the access on record says restricted.

The spring is on federal fish-research property with restricted access, which settles most questions: do not plan a soak. the best months on record says winter, for what that is worth. The chemistry dates to 1977. If you want to see it, contact the Fish Technology Center first.

Terrain

Aircraft with laser scanners measured this ground to within inches. The scan strips out trees and buildings, leaving the bare shape of the land around Bridger Canyon Warm Spring.

Aerial view of the ground around Bridger Canyon Warm Spring LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Bridger Canyon Warm Spring
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag the handle to compare the two views. The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Setting
Canyon floor
Steep ground climbs away on both sides of the spring.
Highest ground nearby
562 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the southeast
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from southwest to northeast, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Heat Below
70 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's close to the US average of 65. It's higher than at 5% of the springs on this site.

Heat flow measures the warmth working its way up through the ground from deep inside the earth. Where it runs high, rain and snowmelt that seep down through cracks in the rock come back up hot.

Heat flow estimate: Stanford Thermal Earth Model (Aljubran & Horne, 2024), CC BY 4.0.

Monthly Climate
22°
Jan
21°
Feb
30°
Mar
37°
Apr
48°
May
58°
Jun
67°
Jul
67°
Aug
56°
Sep
42°
Oct
28°
Nov
19°
Dec
Annual Precip: 24.1 in Annual Snow: 72.7 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 19°F · Water 70°F · +51° contrast
February Air 21°F · Water 70°F · +49° contrast
January Air 22°F · Water 70°F · +48° contrast
December offers 48°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
35°F
WSW 10.8 mph 88% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 65° Low 37° Sunny
Spring is +5° warmer
Wednesday 66° Low 39° Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +4° warmer
Thursday 71° Low 43° Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 43% precip
Friday 64° Low 49° Showers And Thunderstorms 76% precip
Spring is +6° warmer
Saturday 68° Low 46° Slight Chance Light Rain 23% precip
Spring is +2° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1977-06-25

The water at Bridger Canyon Warm Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8) with 230 mg/L total dissolved solids.

pH 7.8 Slightly Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 50 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 17 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 1 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 23 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 1 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 100 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Trail Creek Cabin 11.7 mi away

Overview Trail Creek Cabin, built in 1924, was the original ranger station for the Bozeman Ranger District. It is available year round, offering guests the chance to enjoy summer or winter recreation. The cabin is located in a remote area that is not accessible by car or truck. Guests must travel on foot, horseback, motorized vehicle (under 50”) or mountain bike. In winter, skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles may be used to reach the cabin. The best route for arriving on foot or horseback is about...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
70°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 70°F (21°C)
Avg Air Temp 41°F
Above Ambient +29°F
Mild soaking conditions September
Access
Restricted
Road Access Roadside
Nearest Road Bridger Canyon Road
Distance to Road 84 ft
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Fish and Wildlife Service
Designation FOTH
Unit Bozeman Fish Technology Center
Manager US Fish and Wildlife Service
Protection 4 - No known protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Bridger Canyon Warm Spring?
Bridger Canyon Warm Spring has a water temperature of 70°F (21°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Bridger Canyon Warm Spring located?
Bridger Canyon Warm Spring is located in Gallatin County, Montana at 4,891 feet elevation, near Bozeman. Coordinates: 45.7080°N, 110.9760°W.
How do I get to Bridger Canyon Warm Spring?
Bridger Canyon Warm Spring has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Bridger Canyon Road (84 ft from the road).
Is Bridger Canyon Warm Spring free to visit?
Bridger Canyon Warm Spring has Restricted access. It is managed by US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Can I camp near Bridger Canyon Warm Spring?
Yes, Trail Creek Cabin is located nearby (11.7 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Bridger Canyon Warm Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 7.8 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 230 mg/L.
Sources: USGS NWIS