Mud Volcano in Yellowstone National Park

When the Washburn Expedition explored the area in 1870, Nathaniel Langford described Mud Volcano as "greatest marvel we have yet met with."

Overview

The Mud Volcano in Yellowstone is an important stop while visiting the park, as you will view not only this active thermal feature but also an area full of boiling mud pots.

Directions

The Mud Volcano is located north of Yellowstone Lake on the way to Hayden Valley. From the Fishing Bridge, you would take the left fork of Grand Loop Road.

Seasons

The Yellowstone Mud Volcano is open all year. You might enjoy a visit in spring, summer or fall, as in winter many roads close. At times during winter months you can only access attractions via a snow vehicle such as a snow coach or snowmobile.

When Visiting the Mud Volcano Yellowstone National Park

The Mud Volcano in Yellowstone National Park is in an area of mud pots with dozens of geothermal features to enjoy. Right away you’ll smell the “rotten egg” odor and know you are close to the center of the crater that forms the park.

On the side of a hill in a cave you’ll see the Dragon’s Mouth Spring, where gases cause the water to splash back and forth, resembling a tongue lashing out from within the cave.

You can take a ranger-guided walk to see all there is to see. From the parking lot you can walk a short loop and view the Mud Volcano as well as Dragon’s Mouth. A steeper trail will take you by Sour Lake and Black Dragon’s Caldron.