Exploring West Thumb Geyser Basin In Yellowstone National Park
West Thumb Geyser Basin is a geothermal area located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park.
It is one of the park’s smaller geyser basins but is notable for its stunning location along the lakeshore and the variety of hydrothermal features it offers.
The West Thumb area was given its name by the 1870 Washburn Expedition. It was named after a thumb-like projection of Yellowstone Lake that extends into the park.
Some of the notable features in the West Thumb Geyser Basin include:
Black Pool: A deep hot spring with dark blue waters, known for its eerie and mesmerizing appearance.
Abyss Pool: One of the deepest hot springs in Yellowstone, with a captivating shade of blue that gradually transitions to green at the edges.
Turquoise Pool: As the name suggests, this pool features vibrant turquoise waters that contrast beautifully with the surrounding thermal features.
Fishing Cone: A unique geothermal feature where historically, visitors used to fish in Yellowstone Lake and then boil their catch in the nearby hot spring known as the Fishing Cone.
Big Cone Geyser: This cone-shaped geyser erupts relatively infrequently but can reach impressive heights when it does.
Thumb Paint Pots: Bubbling mud pots that resemble the more well-known paint pots found in other areas of the park.
The West Thumb Geyser Basin offers visitors the chance to experience geothermal activity in a setting that’s quite different from other areas of Yellowstone due to its lakeside location.
The area is accessible via a one-mile loop boardwalk trail that allows visitors to explore the unique hydrothermal features while enjoying panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake.
Fun fact:
The West Thumb area was the first Yellowstone feature to be written about in a publication. A letter written by Daniel T. Potts appeared in the Philadelphia Gazette on September 27, 1827.
Safety reminder:
It is illegal to touch or throw objects into hot springs or other hydrothermal features at the park. Always stay on the walkway in thermal areas.
