West Thumb Geyser Basin
A lakeside thermal area on the west shore of Yellowstone Lake, with deep-blue hot springs right at the water's edge and a sinter cone called Fishing Cone standing in the lake.
The boardwalk circles about 1.5 km along the shore and takes about 45 minutes. Abyss Pool, about 16 m deep, is gem-blue. Black Pool, once black, has turned deep blue. Fishing Cone stands in the lake water. In the 19th century, visitors fished here and cooked their catch by dropping it straight into the spring, a practice now prohibited. In summer, free ranger talks are offered. In winter, you can see the lake partly frozen while the hot springs steam. It lies between Old Faithful and Lake Village, about 30 minutes by car.
Opening hours
Open all day (winter access by snowcat only)
Nearby sights
- Yellowstone Lake
- Lone Star Geyser
- Mud Volcano & Dragon's Mouth Spring
- Hayden Valley
- Old Faithful
- Old Faithful Inn
- Fountain Paint Pot
- Upper Geyser Basin & Morning Glory Pool