Explore Northwest of Wyoming : Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

OLD FAITHFUL [ UPPER GEYSER BASIN

               Old Faithful is one of the most famous geysers in Yellowstone National Park, known for its regular eruptions of hot water and steam. Located in the park’s Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful erupts approximately every 60 to 90 minutes, reaching heights of 100 to 180 feet (30 to 55 meters). The eruption typically lasts between 1.5 to 5 minutes. The geyser’s predictable activity, which has been observed since the late 1800s, is a major attraction for visitors. It gets its name from the consistent intervals between eruptions, though its timing can vary slightly. The geyser is part of the larger Yellowstone supervolcano system, which is responsible for the geothermal features throughout the park.

GRAND CANYON OF YELLOWSTONE

        The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a striking geological feature located in Yellowstone National Park. It’s not a true canyon like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but rather a dramatic, colorful gorge carved by the Yellowstone River. The canyon stretches about 20 miles (32 km) long, up to 1,200 feet (365 meters) deep, and ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 feet (450 to 1,200 meters) wide. One of its most notable features is its vibrant, multi-colored canyon walls, which are the result of mineral deposits from geothermal activity in the area. These colors range from yellow and orange to red and brown, giving the canyon its name.

          The Yellowstone River flows through the canyon, creating two famous waterfalls: Upper Falls (308 feet or 94 meters) and Lower Falls (308 feet or 94 meters), which is the more iconic of the two. The Lower Falls is especially photogenic and is one of the most recognized natural features of the park. Visitors can access several viewpoints along the canyon, including the popular Artist Point, which offers a panoramic view of the canyon and Lower Falls. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a prime example of the park’s rich geological history, shaped by volcanic activity, erosion, and thermal features.

NORRIS GEYSER BASIN

         Norris Geyser Basin is one of the hottest and most active geothermal areas in Yellowstone National Park. Located in the park’s central region, it is known for its diverse and dynamic geothermal features, including hot springs, fumaroles (steam vents), and geysers. It’s the oldest and one of the most constantly changing geothermal areas in Yellowstone, with some of its features exhibiting unusual activity patterns. Norris is divided into two main areas: the Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin.

• Porcelain Basin is characterized by its striking, white silica deposits and steaming hot springs. It has a surreal, almost lunar landscape, with vivid blue pools of water and constant steam rising from the ground. The temperatures here can reach over 200°F (93°C), making it one of the hottest spots in Yellowstone.

• Back Basin features more geysers, including Echinus Geyser, known for its unpredictable and sometimes violent eruptions. The Back Basin also contains numerous hot springs and fumaroles, as well as the Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world. Steamboat can erupt to heights of over 300 feet (91 meters), though it is not as regular in its activity as Old Faithful.

       Norris is a particularly fascinating area due to its extreme thermal conditions and the unpredictability of many of its features. The area is constantly changing as geothermal activity alters the landscape over time. It’s also one of the few places in Yellowstone where you can see such a wide variety of geothermal phenomena in close proximity. Because of its unpredictable nature and the potential danger from its boiling water and hot ground, visitors are advised to stay on designated boardwalks and trails when exploring Norris Geyser Basin.

MOOSE FALLS

            Moose Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Yellowstone National Park, near the southern entrance, along the Lewis River. It’s a relatively small, yet picturesque waterfall, with a drop of about 30 feet (9 meters). Moose Falls is easily accessible from the road, and there is a parking area nearby, making it a popular spot for visitors traveling through the park.

            The waterfall gets its name because it is located in an area where moose are often spotted, though the animals are not guaranteed to appear. The falls are framed by a beautiful forested setting, and the surrounding landscape offers excellent views of the river and the surrounding terrain.

         While not as famous or large as some of Yellowstone’s other waterfalls, Moose Falls is a tranquil and beautiful spot to visit, especially for those looking for a quick stop or a peaceful setting to enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING [ MIDWAY GEYSER BASIN]

          Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most iconic and visually stunning features in Yellowstone National Park. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, it is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third-largest in the world. The spring measures about 370 feet (113 meters) in diameter and is over 121 feet (37 meters) deep.

               The vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring—ranging from deep blues at the center to brilliant oranges, reds, and yellows around the edges—are due to the presence of heat-loving bacteria that thrive in the varying temperatures of the water. The colors form a rainbow-like pattern, with the warmest temperatures at the center of the spring, which is typically blue, and cooler temperatures near the edges, where bacteria that tolerate lower temperatures create the vivid red, orange, and yellow hues.

          The spring’s water temperature can reach around 160°F (71°C), making it far too hot to approach. The deep blue color at the center of the spring comes from the water’s high temperature, which prevents most bacteria from surviving there. The colorful bands of bacteria thrive in the cooler, outer edges, where the water temperature is lower.

             For the best views, visitors can either take the boardwalk that winds around the spring or hike up to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook, which provides an aerial perspective of the spring and its vibrant colors. The overlook is located a short hike away from the boardwalk, offering one of the most famous photo opportunities in the park.

          Grand Prismatic Spring is not only a visual marvel but also a critical part of Yellowstone’s geothermal ecosystem, showcasing the complex interactions between temperature, microorganisms, and water chemistry in the park’s geothermal features.

WEST THUMB GEYSER BASIN

           West Thumb Geyser Basin is a smaller, yet highly scenic geothermal area located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. It’s known for its unique combination of geothermal features and beautiful lake views. The basin is particularly special because it includes geothermal pools, hot springs, fumaroles, and geysers right next to the water, creating a striking contrast between the hot geothermal activity and the cool lake.

Some highlights of West Thumb Geyser Basin include:

1. Fishing Cone – This is perhaps the most famous feature in the basin. Fishing Cone is a hot spring located right by the edge of Yellowstone Lake, and historically, anglers would drop fish into the hot spring to cook them. The spring has a water temperature of around 200°F (93°C), too hot for fishing today, but the name remains.

2. Black Pool – A stunning hot spring with dark, rich blue water. The color comes from the high concentration of sulfur and minerals. The water in Black Pool has fluctuated in temperature over time, sometimes cooling down and causing the colors to change.

3. Lake Overlook – From the boardwalk in the West Thumb Geyser Basin, visitors can enjoy incredible views of Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America. The contrast of the geothermal features with the vast expanse of the lake is visually striking.

4. Hot Springs and Fumaroles – The basin is dotted with various geothermal features like hot springs, which range in color from brilliant blues to milky whites, as well as fumaroles, which release steam into the air. These features are similar to those found in other parts of Yellowstone, but the location next to the lake adds a unique element to the experience.

            West Thumb is often less crowded than some of the park’s more famous geothermal areas, making it a peaceful place to explore. A short loop trail and boardwalk provide easy access to these geothermal features, making it an excellent stop for visitors seeking both natural beauty and geothermal wonders.

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS

            Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the most famous geothermal areas in Yellowstone National Park, known for its unique and stunning travertine terraces. Located near the park’s North Entrance, it is one of the first geothermal features visitors encounter when entering Yellowstone. The hot springs here are a striking contrast to the park’s other geothermal features due to the mineral-rich waters that flow over and build up terraces of white and yellow travertine (a type of limestone).

Key Highlights of Mammoth Hot Springs:

1. Terraces – The most visually dramatic feature of Mammoth Hot Springs is the travertine terraces, which are created by the deposition of minerals carried by the hot spring waters. The terraces range in color from white to orange, yellow, and brown, depending on the minerals in the water and the temperature. The terraces are still actively forming as the geothermal waters continue to flow and deposit minerals.

2. Upper and Lower Terraces – Mammoth Hot Springs is divided into two main areas: the Upper Terraces and the Lower Terraces. The Upper Terraces are the most accessible, and you can walk along boardwalks that provide stunning views of the mineral formations. The Lower Terraces are also accessible by a scenic drive or a longer hiking trail, offering another perspective of the formations and the surrounding landscape.

3. Minerva Terrace – One of the most famous formations in Mammoth Hot Springs is the Minerva Terrace, with its beautiful pale yellow color and intricate, tiered structure. The Minerva Terrace is a highlight for photographers and nature lovers alike. 4. Historic Buildings – The area around Mammoth Hot Springs includes a few historic buildings, such as the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and The Albright Visitor Center, where visitors can learn more about the park’s history, wildlife, and geology.

5. Active Geothermal Features – The hot springs at Mammoth are still active, meaning the terraces and features are continuously changing over time. This dynamic nature is a key part of the area’s appeal, as the landscape can look quite different depending on when you visit.

6. Wildlife Viewing – The area around Mammoth Hot Springs is also known for its abundant wildlife, including elk, which are commonly seen grazing in the meadows around the terraces, particularly in the spring and fall. Mammoth Hot Springs is a must-visit destination within Yellowstone due to its otherworldly beauty, accessible trails, and educational opportunities. It provides a fascinating contrast to the park’s other geothermal areas, showcasing a different form of geothermal activity and offering a serene environment for visitors to explore.