Liberty Cap — Attraction in West Yellowstone

This is a dual review, one for the "Cone" and more importantly, Mammoth Hot Springs and Terraces behind it. The cone is interesting, it's pretty tall. It's apparently a dormant hot spring, which if it ever was not dormant it would look very different from the other hot springs offered at Yellowstone. Let's be frank, that giant cone spewing water would look pretty comical.

Now to the more important review. Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. Behind the giant cone, are areas to walk, boardwalks have been set up over the fragile ecological system that has been well preserved. They take you to a number of interesting spots. Total hiking was around 1 mile round with about 300 feet in elevation. Hardly a "get ready to hike" exhibit. It is hot in the summer, bring some water. More importantly, bring a camera and come at dawn or sunset. The lighting provides the best possible pictures in this area. There are several spots, upper and lower terrace. Both are great for pictures. The photo from Yellowstone is of the upper. It's a bit misleading that these pictures were evidently not taken from the boardwalk. That angle is simply not possible. I know, I tried for an hour with several different lenses. Regardless, the views are magnificent and some of the most interesting sites in...

Liberty Cap is an iconic feature at Yellowstone’s Mammoth Hot Springs. This impressive 37-foot (11 m) cone-shaped rock formation stands proudly near the main terrace, resembling an ancient sentinel overlooking the springs. Formed thousands of years ago by mineral-laden hot water, Liberty Cap is a relic of a once-active hot spring, which built up its shape through slow calcium carbonate deposits. It’s named for its resemblance to the peaked "Liberty Caps" worn during the French Revolution. Standing tall amidst the steaming terraces, Liberty Cap offers a glimpse into Yellowstone’s fascinating...

Liberty Cap is the single tall rock-like formation but it is not a common rock (Many reviews below do not talk about Liberty Cap, but about the whole area there)

From NPS: Liberty Cap is 37 feet (11 m) tall. It was created by a hot spring that was active in one location for a long time. Its internal pressure was sufficient to raise the water to a great height, allowing mineral deposits to build slowly and continuously for perhaps hundreds of years.

Liberty Cap was named in 1871 by the Hayden Survey because it resembled the peaked knit caps symbolizing freedom and liberty during the...