West Thumb Geyser Basin Yellowstone National Park

A trip to Yellowstone National Park is something that everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. We are blessed enough to live fairly close, so we are able to visit more often. If you are going to be in the area – do NOT miss the chance to explore this historic and unique park. There is so much to do and it is great for all ages. West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the stops you will want to spend some time at. There is a lot to see here.

West Thumb Geyser Basin
This is a beautiful place to stop, and with the walkway, you can see it from every angle. This was one of our family’s favorite spots. There are many pools with turquoise blue waters, a fun walkway down the lake, and make other beautiful features.

The West Thumb Geyser Basin, including Potts Basin to the north, is unique in that it is the largest geyser basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. The heat source of the thermal features in this location is thought to be relatively close to the surface, only 10,000 feet down! The West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake was formed by a large volcanic explosion that occurred approximately 150,000 years ago (125,000-200,000).
The resulting collapsed volcano, called a caldera (“boiling pot” or caldron), later filled with water forming an extension of Yellowstone Lake. The West Thumb is about the same size as another famous volcanic caldera, Crater Lake in Oregon, but much smaller than the great Yellowstone caldera which formed 600,000 years ago. It is interesting to note that West Thumb is a caldera within a caldera.
Information from https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/west-thumb-geyser-basin.htm

West Thumb Geyser Basin DBD- Top must-see attractions in Yellowstone National Park

You will very much enjoy walking around this beautiful area. There is a lot to see here between Yellowstone Lake with the hot spots, and the amazing different colored pools. It is a longer walk but on boardwalks and paved ways. Make sure to walk the whole thing. We also often see elk or deer here walking around eating by the parking area.

There are restrooms by the parking lot as well.

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