West Thumb Geyser Basin - Hike near Grant Visitor's Center, Yellowstone National Park
Grant Visitor's Center,Wyoming
44.41579400361, -110.573499589
GPS: 44°24'56.9"N 110°34'24.6"W
Maps | Directions
State: Wyoming
Trails/Routes: 0.4 mi

National Park

Hike

West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the smaller geyser basins in Yellowstone, yet its location along the shore of Yellowstone Lake and is ranked as the most scenic. This area was formed by volcanic explosion that took place more than 150,000 years ago. After the volcano exploded, the area collapsed and filled with water over time. It gets its thermal abilities from the enclosed magma trapped in the ring fractures that developed over time.In the 1990's several underwater geysers were discovered. These geysers can be seen as bulges underground, especially during the summer months. The basin is also special because of its location in Yellowstone. The West Thumb Geyser Basin is located on the edge of Yellowstone Lake.

This area features many other springs in the area. As surprising as it is, this area is also one of the least visited areas within Yellowstone. There are boardwalks all along the basin, making it an easy walk to see the beautiful hydrothermal springs in the area. West Thumb's name is derived from the thumb-like projection of Yellowstone Lake and the name was given by the 1870 Washburn Expedition. It was also known as Hot Spring Camp. West Thumb has less geyser activity than other basins. However, amazingly for its size it has all — hot springs, pools, mud pots, fumaroles and lake shore geysers.

947 Edited by jamiegarrard
737 Edited by gnau

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Grant Visitor's Center, Yellowstone National Park

  1. Head east toward Grant Village Rd (233 ft)
  2. Turn left onto Grant Village Rd (1.1 mi)
  3. Turn right onto US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N
    Toll road
    Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
    (1.8 mi)
  4. Turn right onto US-20 E
    Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
    (0.2 mi)
  5. Turn right (361 ft)
  6. Turn left
    Destination will be on the left
    (0.1 mi)
or

Bus service from Bozeman, MT to West Yellowstone, MT via Highway 191 is available all year. 

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Guest Review/Comments

/5
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kwhitfield

5/7/20 1:42 pm
I went there with some friends two years ago. This was my first time going here and it was pretty cool. There are many springs and some geysers around; attractive tourist place to be.
Reply

gnau

4/27/20 12:01 pm 8/10/19
This geyser was beautiful!
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West Thumb Geyser courtesy of florador West Thumb Geyser courtesy of florador↗
West Thumb Geyser courtesy of Mattia Panciroli West Thumb Geyser courtesy of Mattia Panciroli↗ West Thumb Geyser courtesy of Mattia Panciroli West Thumb Geyser courtesy of Mattia Panciroli↗ Yellowstone West Thumb Geyser Short by Wayne Dupre West Thumb Geyser Basin at Yellowstone National Pa by Amit Singh West Thumb Geyser Basin - Yellowstone National Par by Ems -Dollart Media

Trails

Distance ?

0.4 miles

Real Ascent ?

21 feet

Real Descent ?

29 feet

Grade (-5° to 7°)

-8% to 13%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

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