West Thumb Geyser Basin
West Thumb Geyser Basin Yellowstone National Park is popular for its unique geysers, some on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, others overlooking the lake and some right beneath the surface.
- See geysers, mud pots and hot springs all in one convenient location within Yellowstone Park.
- Enjoy the multi-colored West Thumb Paint Pots at West Thumb Geyser Basin.
- See geysers that are under the surface of Yellowstone Lake.
- Arrive at West Thumb Geyser Basin easily from the South Entrance to Yellowstone.
Overview
Take a stroll through West Thumb Yellowstone Geyser Basin to see the abundant evidence of hot springs, geysers and mud pots.
Location
The West Thumb Geyser Basin is located about 22 miles north from the South Entrance on the west shore of Yellowstone Lake.
Best Seasons to Visit Yellowstone West Thumb Geyser Basin
Yellowstone National Park is open all year. The best seasons to visit are spring, summer and fall. If visiting in the winter months check ahead for any road closures.
What You'll find at West Thumb Geyser Basin
Scenic West Thumb Geyser Basin Yellowstone may have a bit less geyser activity than others in the park, but you can see a wide selection of geothermal features here. Watch mud pots bubbling, hot springs steaming and geysers erupting.
The West Thumb Paint Pots are a fascinating biology lesson. The colors you see come from blue-green algae that love the hot water as their home. As the rocks dissolve from the acidic water, the colors and shapes constantly change.
Fishing Cone Geyser is a must-see at West Thumb. It’s right on the shore, but sometimes ends up completely marooned offshore when the level of the lake rises.
Lone Pine Geyser is a frequent geyser at this basin. Picturesque in its appearance, it can create traffic jams along the lake when it erupts.
