Yellowstone Attractions & Travel Tips

Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone is home to the majority of the world's active geysers. Every visitor stops for a glimpse of the Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world. The geothermal features are a treat for geologists and travelers alike. Attractions are connected with an elaborate system of boardwalks which lead visitors near colorful pools and geysers at a safe distance. Continue on the boardwalk across Firehole River up Geyser Hill where you can admire Anemone, Beehive, Lion Group and the Heart Spring. Afterwards, the path leads through the Castle-Grand Area which received its name after two prominent geysers: Castle and Grand. The boardwalk continues to the Giant-Grotto Area, Morning Glory-Riverside Area and ends up at Biscuit Basin.

Biscuit Basin was originally named for biscuit-like deposits around the Sapphire Pool, which were blown away by the pool's eruption in 1959. This is one of the hottest pools in Yellowstone, featuring a bright blue color and a large diameter. It's one of the prettiest sights in the park and well worth a stop. The basin features attractions such as Mustard Spring and Jewel Geyser which erupts every 7-10 minutes. The Old Faithful area is about one hour on foot or and a 10-minute drive. Along the way, you can admire numerous active and dormant geysers and pools, including Chromatic and Beauty Pools and Geyser Hill. Once you've explored the area, continue on towards Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the top attractions in the park.

Along the main park road from Madison to Norris, park visitors can admire scenic views of Gibbon River and Gibbon Falls. One can often spot bison and elk in this area. Sometimes a massive bison decides to walk on the main road, stopping traffic in both directions as excited tourists take pictures of the fabulous animal from the safety of their vehicles. Bald eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes and coyotes are also often seen in the area. If you have time, there are several hiking trails. Visit the visitor station at Madison Junction for more information. Gibbon River is a popular fishing spot, featuring wild rainbow trout and brown trout. The river below Gibbon Falls is restricted to fly fishing only.

West Thumb Geyser Basin is a beautiful place to explore in the afternoon.

Thumb Paint Pots look like a giant thumb print in the ground. Mudpots differ from hot springs in that their water is much more acidic and dissolves the underground into clay mud. They are constantly changing, passing through periods of activity and inactivity.

Lakeshore Geyser boils vigorously and almost continuously. The geyser frequently erupts, but only a few feet. The geyser is located next to Yellowstone Lake - follow the outer loop of the trail which passes right next to it. The Lakeside Spring features a palette of colors, ranging from blue to brown. A blue-green pool of thermal water runs off in a brown-yellow spring. Heat-loving microorganisms provide color to thermal features.

Seismograph and Bluebell Pools are located at the West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone. The two pools are blue in color. The Seismograph pool occasionally collects mud from nearby mudpots. Both can be viewed from the outer loop of the Trail. A steep grade connects the outer loop boardwalk with the inner loop. The two pools are located next to that grade. The bright blue color is due to extremely high temperatures, usually around 165 degrees F.

Fishing Cone is a hot spring that got its name because men would fish in Yellowstone Lake and then boil their fish in the hot spring on the lakeshore. It can be viewed from the outer loop of the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail which passes next to the lake. Clearly, fishing is no longer allowed here in order to protect the hot spring from damage and ensure visitor safety. The Big Cone peaks out and can be observed from the outer loop.

Black Pool at the West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the most beautiful pools in Yellowstone National Park. It is bright blue in color with steam rising from its hot surface. It got its name when it was actually black. Until 1991 water temperature in this pool was lower so that it was inhabited by dark green and brown thermophiles, which gave the pool black appearance. Water temperature rose in 1991, followed by several eruptions, which made it too hot for thermophiles. Today, the feature is quiet and a popular attraction. The Abyss Pool is 53 feet deep and is one of the deepest hot springs in the park. It was named in 1935 by Chief Park Naturalist C.M. Bauer. It has sloping walls that vary in color from turquoise blue to green and brown. The attraction has gone through two active periods. It erupted in 1987 and several times in 1991/1992. Since that time, it has been quiet.

Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake in the park. It covers 136 square miles and is 20 miles long by 14 miles wide. For some of the best views of the lake, visit West Thumb Geyser Basin at sunset. There will be very few visitors at that time and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views, surrounded by geysers and colorful thermal pools. In the summer, look for bald eagles and osprey along the shoreline. Xanterra Parks & Resorts offers guided fishing and boat rentals at Bridge Bay Marina. Call 307-344-7311 for more information. The lake features 110 miles of shoreline, but it remains too cold for swimming year-round. It completely freezes over in the winter. This area is home to the largest population of wild cutthroat trout in North America. Several species, including the cutthroat trout, are subject to catch-and-release-only fishing rules in the park. For more information and fishing permits, visit www.nps.gov. From here, the drive to the Old Faithful Inn takes anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour in the summer, depending on the traffic and road repair work. There are a few picnic areas and scenic turnouts from which visitors can admire the park landscape. The road from West Thumb to Old Faithful crosses the Continental Divide two times: at 8,391 feet and at 8,262 feet. One the way, you can admire views of rivers, forests, lakes and waterfalls.

Located at an elevation of 6,886 feet (2,099 m), The South Entrance offers a dramatic entrance. You will drive along the scenic Lewis River canyon, Lewis Falls and Lewis Lake. There are several scenic turnouts where you can pull over and take in the view.