West Thumb Geyser Basin — Local services in West Yellowstone

While Yellowstone National Park boasts giants like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, West Thumb Geyser Basin offers a unique charm. Here's why this hidden gem should be included in your Yellowstone itinerary:

Tranquil Beauty: Unlike the hustle and bustle of some other basins, West Thumb offers a sense of serenity. Nestled along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, the basin exudes a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a relaxed exploration.

Thermal Delights: West Thumb might not have the towering geysers of other areas, but it offers a fascinating variety of geothermal features. Bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and Fishing Cone, a sporadically erupting geyser along the lake shore, will keep you engaged.

Lakeside Charm: The true star of West Thumb Geyser Basin is its location. Strolling along the boardwalk trail, you'll be treated to stunning views of Yellowstone Lake, the turquoise water contrasting beautifully with the vibrant geothermal features.

Family-Friendly Exploration: The short and well-maintained boardwalk loop makes West Thumb Geyser Basin easily accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. Kids will be captivated by the colorful hot springs and the bubbling mud pots, while adults can appreciate the scenic beauty and unique geothermal wonders.

A Breath of Fresh Air: West Thumb, due to its location and cooler thermal activity, boasts a unique ecosystem compared to other basins. Lush vegetation and colorful algae formations add a touch of green to the landscape, creating a refreshing contrast to the usual palette of Yellowstone thermals.

Bonus Tip: Combine your visit to West Thumb Geyser Basin with a scenic boat tour on Yellowstone Lake. This allows you to experience the basin from a different perspective and appreciate the vastness of the lake.

Overall: West Thumb Geyser Basin offers a unique Yellowstone experience. Its tranquil atmosphere, diverse geothermal features, stunning lake views, and easy accessibility make it a gem for all visitors. So take a break from the crowds, soak in the scenic beauty, and be surprised by the geothermal wonders...

I visited West Thumb Geyser Basin on a weekday and I was amazed by how the hot spring and Yellowstone Lake merge together. The views are stunning and this place feels so underrated. My favorite spots were the Abyss Pool, the Black Pool facing it, and the area where the hot spring water flows into the lake. I also enjoyed seeing the Fishing Cone and the Thumb Paint Pots which make this basin unique. The boardwalk loop is about 0.6 miles round trip which makes it an easy walk for everyone. It is wheelchair accessible and I noticed families with kids enjoying the walk so it is definitely kid friendly. If you are visiting with kids, be extra cautious and attentive because the thermal water is extremely hot and it can be scary.

Parking was full and it was quite challenging to find a spot so I recommend being early. The restrooms were pretty busy too and I had to wait almost five minutes. There are picnic areas available which make it a nice place to rest after walking around. Taking photos, pausing on benches, and enjoying the lake view are some of the best activities here. The area was clean and well maintained. Overall, I highly recommend stopping here to see it...

Welcome to West Thumb Geyser Basin, a caldera within a (larger) caldera. Here, there are roughly 20 geysers, springs, and hydrothermal pools. Most notable are the Seismograph and Bluebell, Lakeshore Geyser, Fishing Cone, Black Pool, Abyss Pool, Twin Geysers, and The Central Basin. Despite all these iconic features, there is joy much to view here. Several of them have beautiful shades of blue, green, and sometimes orange. You may also view the lake or learn some of the history from the Trail Guide! If you do plan on coming, the trail is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) around the outer boardwalk and 0.25 miles (0.4 km) around the inner loop.

If you come to visit in the winter, you can appreciate the frozen surfaces of the basin, extending for miles all around. Come visit in the summer to view the various colors of the pools and springs, as well as the...