Artists' Paintpots

Pros & cons

PROS

Short, varied 1-mile loop with colorful springs and mudpots
Panoramic overlook on the upper loop
Often less crowded than nearby Norris, especially early

CONS

Small parking lot fills quickly
Sulfur smell can be strong
Stair climb near the end

Overview

A compact geothermal gem between Madison and Norris, Artists' Paintpots packs a lot into a quick loop: vivid hot springs, bubbling mudpots, small geysers, and a fumarole. It’s a sweet stop when you want classic Yellowstone thermal eye-candy without the crowds of the bigger basins.

What You'll See

Colorful pools and microbial mats in whites, blues, reds, and yellows.
Burbling, splattering mudpots whose consistency changes with season and precipitation, plus the classic rotten-egg whiff (that’s hydrogen sulfide).
Blood Geyser near the base of Paintpot Hill, and from the upper loop an overlook across the whole area—with distant views toward Mount Holmes on clear days.

The Loop & How to Do It

The trail is a mix of dirt path and boardwalk. From the trailhead, reach a junction around a third of a mile in—either direction works. Going left means you’ll climb stairs to the upper mudpots and descend on trail; going right flips that. Don’t skip the upper loop—the overlook is the payoff.

Facilities & Logistics

There’s a small paved parking lot that fills by mid-morning. Expect limited services: a vault toilet in the lot, no potable water, no food, and spotty cell signal. Trailers and large RVs can struggle to fit.

Safety Notes

Stay on boardwalks and designated trails—thermal water can cause severe burns, and flying mud near active pots is no joke. Supervise kids closely. Activity and appearances change with weather and season. This is bear country; be alert and consider carrying bear spray, especially if you go early when it’s quieter.

Wildlife

Not a wildlife-viewing hotspot, though you may spot squirrels. Treat it as a geothermal stop first and foremost.

Best Time to Visit

Sunrise to early morning is best for easy parking, thinner crowds, and softer light on the pools. Midday brings more traffic and heat shimmer; late afternoon can also be pleasant if you’re patient with parking. Rainy spells can knock down crowds and steam for moody photos.