You have 1 trip in progress. See all

Trip Planner: USA / Wyoming / Yellowstone National Park / West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park

4.7

#8 of 67 in Nature in Yellowstone National Park

Hot Spring · Hidden Gem · Nature / Park

Create an itinerary including West Thumb Geyser Basin

Located along the shore of Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the smallest but most scenic geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park. Aside from geysers, the basin also features hot springs, pools, mud pots, and fumaroles (openings in the earth's crust that emit steam and gases). The most popular feature of this basin is Fishing Cone, found on the shore of the lake. This geyser was named for the fact that fishermen used to stand on the cone to fish, and then they'd parboil their catches in the vent of the geyser. Abyss Pool--with a depth of 16 m (53 ft)--is the deepest pool in Yellowstone; its dark green waters give the impression that it's bottomless. Add West Thumb Geyser Basin and other attractions to your Yellowstone National Park trip itinerary using our Yellowstone National Park online visit planner.

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to West Thumb Geyser Basin

FROM $135 BOOK WITH VIATOR Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features

5.0

Duration: 4 hours

Tours from $135 ›

FROM $160 BOOK WITH VIATOR Yellowstone Lake Twilight Tour Yellowstone Lake Twilight Tour

4.9

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $160 ›

FROM $15 BOOK WITH VIATOR Yellowstone National Park Self Driving Audio Tour Yellowstone National Park Self Driving Audio Tour

4.3

Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Tours from $15 ›

FROM $205 BOOK WITH VIATOR 10 AM Picnic Paddle (Lunch included) 10 AM Picnic Paddle (Lunch included)

5.0

Duration: 5 hours

Tours from $205 ›

FROM $269 BOOK WITH VIATOR Lower Loop of Yellowstone Tours Lower Loop of Yellowstone Tours

5.0

Duration: 10 to 12 hours

Tours from $269 ›

FROM $425 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kayak Yellowstone Private Tour Kayak Yellowstone Private Tour

5.0

Duration: 1 to 6 hours

Tours from $425 ›

FROM $127 BOOK WITH VIATOR 4-Hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch 4-Hour Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch

4.5

Duration: 4 hours

Tours from $127 ›

FROM $239 BOOK WITH VIATOR Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour

5.0

Duration: 11 to 12 hours

Tours from $239 ›

FROM $15 BOOK WITH VIATOR Yellowstone and Grand Teton Audio Driving Tour Yellowstone and Grand Teton Audio Driving Tour

5.0

Duration: 8 to 24 hours

Tours from $15 ›

West Thumb Geyser Basin reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor traveler rating

904 reviews

Google

4.8

By Blekinfar

This was a nice large area, with geyser pools and interesting associated bits that go along with that. There was a shaded picnic area and bathroom area next to parking. Wife & I enjoyed walking...

This was a nice large area, with geyser pools and interesting associated bits that go along with that. There was a shaded picnic area and bathroom area next to parking. Wife & I enjoyed walking... more »
By AdvtrTrvlr

We were her October 24th , 2022 after the 1st snow of the season and when everything in the park was closed for summer season. Mid geyser basin and upper geyser basin I would say are much more...

We were her October 24th , 2022 after the 1st snow of the season and when everything in the park was closed for summer season. Mid geyser basin and upper geyser basin I would say are much more... more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Tierney Hopkins

Gorgeous stop. You can walk at your leisure through the thumb pots and enjoy a beautiful view of Yellowstone Lake. Friendly and informative park ranger shared facts and answered questions. Nice clearing with tables for a food stop (bring your own). Bathrooms are primitive, but there is a wash down service that makes them more bearable. Very cool place to see the variety of bubbling wonders up close.

more less
By Carolyn Neblett

Thumb Geyser Basin is, in my opinion, not the biggest or the best geyser basin in Yellowstone. But it is right next to Yellowstone Lake and has the best surrounding scenery. It also is never as crowded. No getsers shooting towers of water, but many different colors of hot pools and mud pots, too.

more less

See more on Google ›

Plan your trip to Yellowstone National Park

Get a personalized trip

A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences

Customize it

Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules

Book it

Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off

Manage it

Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.

Know more