Gardiner travertine deposits are located in southern Montana, about 3 miles north of Gardiner near Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance.

Travertine formed thousands of years ago from mineral-rich spring water that flowed through the area long before today’s landscape took shape. Layers of calcium carbonate slowly built up as the water cooled and released carbon dioxide, creating travertine.

Over long periods of time, these mineral-rich waters deposited thick, layered, and often porous (vuggy) limestone. This material is closely related to the travertine still forming today at Mammoth Hot Springs, just south of Gardiner.

Travertine was historically an important building stone in the area. Several deposits were quarried, and the material was shipped to factories where it was cut and shaped into blocks and pieces for buildings, patios, and other decorative uses.

Today, the active quarry area is gated and closed. However, roadcuts along the access road just before the gate still expose travertine and can yield smaller, less colorful pieces for personal collecting. Do not trespass into any active or posted areas.

Gardiner Travertine Rockhounding

Travertine is a type of limestone often showing beautiful colors and banding. Collectible pieces from the Gardiner area tend to be white, red, orange, and pink banded, sometimes with attractive pockets or “vugs” lined with small calcite crystals. The stone cuts nicely with a rock saw, and attractive bookends and display pieces can be made that showcase these crystal-filled cavities.

This stone may also preserve plant shapes, root traces, and natural textures, as mineral layers formed around vegetation and microorganisms.

Because travertine is softer than many other stones, it cuts and shapes easily. It is often used for decorative slabs, cabochons, bookends, and display pieces, where its layered patterns, banding, and porous texture stand out.

Per U.S. Forest Service regulations, you may obtain a few small pieces for personal use. If you are looking for anything larger or more than a few pieces, you will need a mineral material permit, which you can get from the Gardiner Ranger District office.

Gardiner isn’t just a base for exploring travertine deposits — it’s the northern gateway to Yellowstone National Park, where you can explore the iconic Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, Porcelain Basin, West Thumb Geyser Basin, abundant wildlife, scenic drives, and other natural attractions.

Outdoor activities nearby include hiking, rafting on the Yellowstone River, fishing, and wildlife watching. Several hot spring resorts nearby provide relaxing soaking opportunities and comfortable accommodations, including Yellowstone Hot Springs, Bozeman Hot Springs, and Chico Hot Springs.

Gardiner has restaurants, shops, and local outfitters.

Eagle Rock Campground, just 0.5 miles from Gardiner, offers sites for tents and small RVs, complete with picnic tables and fire rings.

For more comfortable lodging, options are available in Gardiner or inside Yellowstone National Park. One of the area’s most notable places to stay is the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins.

Built in 1936, it features classic Art Moderne design, with both rooms and cabins, and provides easy access to the park’s famous thermal features and scenic attractions.

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins