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Updated April 29, 2023
You may say to yourself, I’ve seen enough geysers, but these are not to be missed! Contrasted against the turquoise waters of Lake Yellowstone with the backdrop of the snowcapped mountains makes these geothermal features more stunning. Especially today in the brilliant sunshine. I wish we had been here for sunrise or sunset; I think the changing light would make them quite impressive.
The West Thumb Geyser Basin is located just off of the Grand Loop Road, which is the main road that runs through the park. Visitors can enter the park from any of its five entrances and follow the signs to the West Thumb Geyser Basin. The closest entrance to the West Thumb area is the South Entrance, which is located just 3 miles from the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
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Getting to the West Thumb Geyser Basin
We accessed the West Thumb from Lake Village; and today we learned an interesting fact about this area of Yellowstone National Park. The West Thumb gets its name from the distinct shape of the lake. From the air, the lake looks like a human hand with the basin representing the thumb. The truth is that the basin was formed by the collapse of the thermal features many years ago. You can easily access most of these geothermal features and steam vents from the boardwalk. The boardwalk makes a figure 8 of sorts.
There are several tour operators that offer guided tours of Yellowstone National Park, including the West Thumb Geyser Basin. These tours typically include transportation to and from the park, as well as a guided tour of the area. Visitors can book these tours online or through their hotel or lodging provider.
Highlights of the West Thumb Geysers
The West Thumb basin is less crowded than the other areas of the park, such as Midway Geyser Basin or the Norris Geyser Basin. The geysers here do not erupt like those at Old Faithful in the Yellowstone National Park. However, the intense azure colors make them unique and just as beautiful. There has been a dramatic decrease in eruption activity since the early 1970s in this basin. The parking lot is quite large, but filled by early afternoon. You can buy and keep a trail guide for $1 or return it to the box when done. The walking is easily accessible for people with wheelchair or mobility issues. The 0.6-mile boardwalk is two loops, the larger loop borders Yellowstone Lake. Some geysers are in the lake. The trail will take you 30-60 minutes.
The West Thumb area used to be the site of a large campground, cabins, a photo shop, a cafeteria, and a gas station. In the late 1960s, they moved these to Grant Village.
What Geysers are at the West Thumb Basin?
This geyser basin is home to several captivating geysers and hydrothermal features that are worth exploring on a visit to Yellowstone National Park. The larger loop (lakeshore basin geysers) that borders the lakeshore walks you passed: Twin Geyser, Abyss Pool, Black Pool, Fishing Cone, Big Cone, Lakeside Geyser and Beach Geyser.
Abyss Geyser is simply spectacular, the deep blue colored waters make it appear bottomless. Abyss Pool is a deep blue pool that is approximately 53 feet deep and 86 feet wide. The pool is not a geyser but is known for its beautiful blue color and the steam rising from its surface. The water in Abyss Pool is extremely hot, with temperatures ranging from 200°F to 250°F.
Black Pool is a deep, circular pool that is approximately 30 feet in diameter and over 100 feet deep. The pool is named for its dark blue-black color, which is caused by the depth of the water and the reflection of the sky.- This azure pool was originally a darker color, appearing black. When a new vent opened, warmer water infiltrated the pool, killing the many microbes, leaving the pool a clear blue. The water in Black Pool is extremely hot, with temperatures ranging from 181°F to 192°F. A series of underground geological processes formed a black Pool. The Yellowstone Caldera, a massive volcanic system that lies beneath the park, heated the hot water that fills the pool.
Here are some other notable geysers at the West Thumb Basin:
- Twin Geyser -This geyser has two vents that would erupt simultaneously up to 70 ft. However, it has not erupted since 1999.
- Fishing Cone – they named the cone for the many anglers who fished here. Those in boats noted that the warm waters attracted fish. After catching the fish, they could cook the fish with the cone. Today the area is off-limits for boaters and anglers. Surrounded by clear, cold waters of Lake Yellowstone, which creates an interesting contrast to the hot, bubbling water of the geyser. The geyser erupts sporadically and can be difficult to predict, but visitors who are lucky enough to witness an eruption are treated to a spectacular display of nature’s power and beauty.
- Lakeside Geyser – a smaller geyser, submerged by water, has occasionally erupted with small spurts of scalding water.
- Thumb Paint Pots-This group of hot springs and mud pots near the boardwalks of the West Thumb Geyser Basin. The hot springs are known for their colorful bacterial mats, which give the pools a painted appearance.
The lower loop goes right along to the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake. The inner portion (lower geysers) of the trail covers blue funnel spring, Ephydra Spring, Thumb Geyser, Percolating Pool, and a few paint pots. The paint pots resemble little mud volcanoes. In the summer, these pools and springs may show low volume and seem not as impressive as the lakeshore geysers.
Kayaking the Shoreline-Geysers of the West Thumb Basin
To gain a unique perspective of the geysers of the West Thumb Basin, schedule a kayak tour in Grant Village Marina. For us this, was a unique and rewarding way to experience the area’s thermal features and stunning natural beauty. The tour will get you up close to geysers that cannot be observed from the boardwalk. You can view underwater geysers like Lakeshore Geyser on a clear day when the wind is calm. Vendors that offer tours approved by the National Park Service include Geyser Kayak Yellowstone, Shurr Adventures, Inc, and OARS West, Inc. The West Thumb is only a one mile paddle from Grant Village. Paddling along the shoreline, you may see moose, bear, and waterfowl in the early morning. The tours are with a naturalist guide who provides a narrative along the way. This is an extraordinary adventure that can only be experienced in Yellowstone.
Another option is you can rent kayaks at Bridge Bay Marina on the north side of Yellowstone Lake, which is about 15 miles from the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Reserve a kayak in advance, especially during peak season.
Kayaking in Yellowstone National Park can be unpredictable, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and warm clothing, as temperatures can change quickly. You should also bring a map or GPS device and know the basics of kayaking and boating safety.
Hiking Trails near the West Thumb Geyser Basin
When visiting the geysers of the West Thumb Basin, be sure to have good hiking shoes to traverse the trails with a quality trekking stick. Bring a refillable water bottle with plenty of water to quench your thirst. Most of the Visitor Centers in the park have bottle refill stations. As always, be prepared for changing weather conditions,, and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty of the park. If you’re looking for hiking trails near the West Thumb area, there are a few options.
NOTE: Always be bear aware-attacks have happened-carry bear spray. You can purchase bear Spray at the stores in the park or you can rent it.
Short & Sweet-Duck Lake Trail
This is a 0.8-mile trail (1.3 miles) out and back is an easy walk (30min). The best times to visit this trail are May through October. The trail takes you up a short hill (154 feet elevation gain) to where you will see spectacular views of Lake Yellowstone, the snow-capped Absaroka mountains and Duck Lake. We got an early morning start accessing the trailhead at the West Thumb parking lot. The trail took us through dense pine forest. Be sure to make noise so wildlife knows you are coming. Traveling in groups is good for deterring bears. The lake is at the top of the hill. Duck Lake is good for brook or brown trout fishing, as detailed in the park website, however, today we did not have time for fishing.
West Thumb Yellowstone Overlook Trail
This is a short 1.7-mile lollipop trail that starts at the southern corner parking lot at West Thumb. Sometimes referred to as the Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail, the overall elevation gain of 200 feet leads to a magnificent view of Yellowstone Lake. They consider the hike moderate, though the elevation was a little tough on this girl from sea-level. The trailhead for the West Thumb Yellowstone Overlook Trail is located near the West Thumb Geyser Basin parking lot, just off of Grand Loop Road. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with a slight incline as it climbs up to the overlook.
The trail through the forest eventually crosses the Grand Loop Road. Watch for heavy traffic. After crossing the road, the trail gradually opens into a meadow and gains elevation moving up the hill towards away from the lake. Please be aware that wildlife constantly uses the trails. We saw elk in the meadow, and bear tracks along the trail. They posted a warning of bear activity in the area on a trail sign. Luckily, we did not see any bears today, probably because we made plenty of noise.
At the crest of the trail, there is a bench to rest and take in the panorama. From the rocky outcropping, the view is simply overwhelming with the backdrop of the Absaroka Mountains. From this vantage point, you can clearly see why they refer to this area as the thumb of the lake. If you have time to complete the loop, you will be rewarded with plenty of wildlife viewing. We saw plenty of wildlife. This trail provides wonderful photo opportunities.
Planning Resources for Yellowstone National Park
- Alternatives for lodging are available within Yellowstone National Park; check out this webpage to view your alternatives. Always make reservations at least a year in advance.
- Renting an RV is a fantastic way to explore the park.
- Information on campgrounds can be found on the official Park website.
- A map of Yellowstone National Park is an excellent tool for trip planning and distance calculation.
- Official Website of Yellowstone National Park -Make travel plans and obtain basic information and updates on the state of the roads.
- There is a digital version of the free trip planning handbook Yellowstone National Park Planner accessible.
- Dining Options: searching for decent restaurants. Check out the available possibilities by visiting the website. The park contains fifty-two picnic areas.
- Get the Yellowstone GyPSy Guide Tour App before you arrive in the park.
Final Thoughts on the West Thumb Geyser Basin
West Thumb Geyser Basin is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Yellowstone National Park. The geysers are enchanting and beautiful hydrothermal areas. It offers a special perspective on the geological forces that shape the landscape of the park. It provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the power and beauty of nature up close.
The West Thumb can be a quiet reprieve in the early morning, so be sure to arrive early and enjoy the boardwalk and take one or both of the hikes. The geysers are worth the short stop-my hoping is you enjoy the basin as much as we did!
Have you had a chance to see the West Thumb Geyser Basin? If so, what did you think, share a comment below with your favorite geyser or story!
