Geothermal Features

Nowhere else in the world has such an array - or number of geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles - as are found in Yellowstone. More than 75% of the world's geysers, including the world's largest, are here in 7 major basins. Steamboat, the world's tallest active geyser, is in the Norris Geyser Basin. Old Faithful, Grand, Castle, Giantess, Beehive, and Lion geysers may be frequently observed in the Upper Geyser Basin.

For other major geysers in the Old Faithful and Norris geyser basins, eruption frequencies, durations, and heights change fairly often, especially in response to seismic activity; park visitors will find the most current information about specific geyser behavior patterns available at the Old Faithful Visitor Center or the Norris Museum.

The hot springs and pools found in Yellowstone's thermal basins contain algae, bacteria and fungi that are unique throughout the world. Caution is advised anytime of the year. Following large animals tracks through geyser basins is no insurance of safety as many of these animals fall through the thin crust.

Many elk, deer and bison winter in geyser basins. Winterkilled animals provide an important food source for grizzly and black bears emerging from winter dens. Check at a ranger station before you go exploring as some areas may be restricted.

Don't approach or short cut through geyser basins after dark as there is a greater chance to accidentally slip or step into a hot spring.

For your safety and for the protection of thermal features in Yellowstone, it is illegal to swim, bathe or soak in any thermal spring or pool. Many springs and pools in Yellowstone are extremely hot, acidic or very alkaline; only a small number are neutral. The effects of some types of warm water bacteria and fungi, if swallowed or contracted through open cuts or the skin are not totally known. One type of organism is known to cause childhood meningitis.

Algae mats and living units on the sides and bottoms of a pool could be destroyed by those soaking or wading in it.

Stock can heavily impact a thermal area, therefore they are prohibited from entering any geyser basin.

Damming or altering the natural presence of any thermal features is prohibited. Do not put rocks, sticks or any other objects into thermal features.

     

  • BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS IN THERMAL AREAS DUE TO THIN AND FRAGILE CRUSTS OVERLYING BOILING WATER.
  • BE ALERT FOR BEARS IN GEYSER BASINS IN SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER.
  • DON'T TRAVEL THROUGH THERMAL AREAS AFTER DARK.
  • STOCK ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THERMAL AREAS.
  • ALTERING OR PUTTING OBJECTS IN THERMAL FEATURES IS PROHIBITED.
  • SWIMMING, SOAKING OR BATHING IN WATERS THAT ARE ENTIRELY OF THERMAL ORIGIN IS PROHIBITED.

Content Error? let us know OR write for us!