West Thumb Geyser Basin
Witness otherworldly hot springs and geysers meet the vast Yellowstone Lake on a stunning boardwalk loop. A unique geothermal spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness otherworldly hot springs and geysers meet the vast Yellowstone Lake on a stunning boardwalk loop. A unique geothermal spectacle.
"Amazing spot that blends geothermal activity and lake views into one unforgettable place."
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Be one of the few to witness West Thumb at sunrise for an unforgettable, crowd-free experience.
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Trail
The 0.6-mile loop is accessible and offers stunning views of both geysers and the lake.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abyss Pool
West Thumb Geyser Basin
A deep, mesmerizingly blue hot spring with a surreal, otherworldly appearance. Its depth and color are captivating.
Black Pool
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Known for its vibrant, almost electric blue color, this hot spring is a visual spectacle against the park's natural landscape.
Fishing Cone
West Thumb Geyser Basin
A unique cone-shaped hot spring where geyser eruptions can occur, famously used by Native Americans for cooking fish.
Yellowstone Lake Shoreline
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Witness geothermal activity directly meeting the vast, cold waters of Yellowstone Lake – a truly unique natural phenomenon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at West Thumb
Lake Views & Geyser Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Be one of the few to witness West Thumb at sunrise for an unforgettable, crowd-free experience.
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Trail
The 0.6-mile loop is accessible and offers stunning views of both geysers and the lake.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The vibrant colors and steam against the lake make for incredible, unique photos.
🦌 Wildlife Sightings
Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife that often frequent the area near the lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Be one of the few to witness West Thumb at sunrise for an unforgettable, crowd-free experience.
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Trail
The 0.6-mile loop is accessible and offers stunning views of both geysers and the lake.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The vibrant colors and steam against the lake make for incredible, unique photos.
🦌 Wildlife Sightings
Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife that often frequent the area near the lake.
💧 Unique Lakeside Features
Marvel at hot springs and pools that emerge directly from the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about West Thumb Geyser Basin, calling it a favorite part of Yellowstone for its stunning combination of geothermal features and Yellowstone Lake views. The easy boardwalk trail, vibrant colorful pools, and unique lakeside hot springs are consistently praised, offering a surreal and unforgettable experience. While some note it's not as vast as other basins, its unique beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a highly recommended stop.
"Our favorite part of Yellowstone National Park! So many cool geysers to see and they all look so beautiful situated alongside the larger lake. The trail is easy to walk through and so much to see! We saw a few elk while walking along as well. So amazing!"
Maham Boghani
"West Thumb Geyser Basin at Yellowstone is an amazing spot that blends two of the park’s most iconic features—geothermal activity and lake views—into one unforgettable place. Walking the boardwalk through this area gives you incredible views of Yellowstone Lake, especially looking out across the west thumb section of the lake. The combination of steam rising from the ground with the shimmering blue water in the background is something you really have to see in person.
The geothermal features here are super interesting. You’ll see hot springs, mud pots, fumaroles, and painted pools right along the shoreline. A few of the geysers are actually under the lake itself, which is wild to think about. The colors in the pools are beautiful, and the whole place has this quiet, surreal feel to it.
I also appreciated that the boardwalk is easy to walk and doesn’t take too long, making it great for a short stop that still delivers incredible scenery. It’s not as crowded as some other parts of the park, so it felt peaceful even with a steady flow of visitors.
If you want great photo opportunities and a chance to see how Yellowstone’s geothermal activity interacts with one of its most famous lakes, West Thumb is a must-visit. It’s not as massive as some of the other geyser basins, but the views of the lake and the variety of features make it a really special part of the park. Highly recommended."
Advantage Consulting (Dustin Kearl)
"One of my favourite geyser areas in Yellowstone! An easy trail of boardwalks with amazing lake views. Seemed less busy than some of the other areas too. The geysers coming right out of the lake were a highlight."
Tony Iuga
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From West Yellowstone, drive south on US-191 S towards Grand Teton National Park. West Thumb Geyser Basin is located on the western shore of Yellowstone Lake, about an hour's drive from West Yellowstone.
Yes, West Thumb Geyser Basin is a convenient first stop if you're entering Yellowstone from Grand Teton National Park, located just north of the park's southern entrance.
There is a dedicated parking area at West Thumb Geyser Basin, which can fill up during peak season. Arriving early or late can help secure a spot.
Yes, American Safaris offers kayaking tours that allow you to explore West Thumb Geyser Basin from the water, providing a unique perspective.
Currently, there is no direct public transportation to West Thumb Geyser Basin. A personal vehicle or a guided tour is the most common way to visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
West Thumb Geyser Basin is located within Yellowstone National Park, so you will need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass to visit.
West Thumb Geyser Basin is accessible year-round, but boardwalks may be closed due to snow or ice in winter. The park itself is generally open 24/7, but visitor services have specific hours.
No, there is no additional fee to enter West Thumb Geyser Basin beyond the standard Yellowstone National Park entrance fee.
Tickets are not required for West Thumb Geyser Basin itself, as it's part of the national park. You purchase a park entrance pass, which is valid for 7 days.
Visitors must stay on the designated boardwalks to protect the fragile thermal features and for their own safety. Do not throw anything into the pools.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way to explore is by walking the 0.6-mile boardwalk loop trail, which offers stunning views of the geothermal features and Yellowstone Lake.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours at West Thumb Geyser Basin to comfortably walk the boardwalk, take photos, and appreciate the unique scenery.
Yes, there are restrooms located near the parking area at West Thumb Geyser Basin.
The boardwalk is generally flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some sections might have slight inclines.
You can see hot springs, mud pots, fumaroles, and colorful pools like Abyss Pool and Black Pool. Some features are even underwater in Yellowstone Lake.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, with soft colors and steam creating a magical atmosphere. Early mornings are also great to avoid crowds.
The Abyss Pool, Black Pool, and the shoreline where hot springs meet Yellowstone Lake are particularly photogenic. The Fishing Cone is also a unique subject. +1
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and enhance colors. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions, especially at sunrise/sunset.
No, drone usage is prohibited in all national parks, including Yellowstone, for safety and wildlife protection reasons.
Shoot during cooler parts of the day (morning/evening) when the temperature difference is greater, creating more visible steam. A faster shutter speed can freeze the steam's movement.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep a close eye on children and ensure they stay on the boardwalk at all times, as the thermal features are extremely hot and dangerous. The proximity to Yellowstone Lake also provides opportunities for spotting wildlife like elk, which can be an added thrill for younger visitors. It's a relatively short visit, making it manageable for shorter attention spans.
📸 Photographers
Focus on capturing the vibrant blues and greens of pools like Abyss Pool and Black Pool, and the dramatic contrast of the hot springs meeting Yellowstone Lake. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the colors and reduce glare on the water. The Fishing Cone also provides a distinctive subject for your lens.
🚶♀️ Accessibility & Easy Strolls
This makes it a perfect spot for those who prefer a leisurely walk and want to experience Yellowstone's geothermal marvels without strenuous hiking. The stunning views of Yellowstone Lake are a constant companion along the path, offering a beautiful backdrop for a relaxed exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Lakeside Geothermal Activity
The boardwalk trail, a mere 0.6 miles, provides an accessible way to experience this phenomenon. As you stroll, you'll encounter a variety of hydrothermal features, including the deep, mesmerizing Abyss Pool and the vividly colored Black Pool. The Fishing Cone, a small cone-shaped hot spring, is another highlight, historically used by Native Americans for cooking. The combination of vibrant mineral deposits, bubbling mud pots, and the expansive lake views makes West Thumb a truly unforgettable stop.
This area is not only visually stunning but also offers a glimpse into the dynamic geological processes shaping Yellowstone. The interaction of superheated water with the lake's cold currents creates unique conditions for mineral deposition and thermal activity. For photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, West Thumb Geyser Basin provides unparalleled opportunities to capture the raw power and beauty of geothermal landscapes.
Experiencing West Thumb: Tips from Travelers
Several visitors mention the unique experience of seeing geothermal features right on the lake's edge, calling it a highlight of their Yellowstone trip. The vibrant colors of the pools, such as the Abyss Pool and Black Pool, are frequently mentioned as particularly striking. Some also note the possibility of spotting wildlife, like elk, in the vicinity.
While not as extensive as some other geyser basins, the concentrated beauty and the stunning lake backdrop make West Thumb a must-visit. It's often described as a peaceful and surreal place, offering a different kind of geothermal experience compared to the more active geyser areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit