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.
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Tours to West Thumb Geyser Basin
West Thumb Geyser Basin reviews
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This part of Yellowstone was particularly interesting because the West Thumb Geyser basin is right next to the lake and it one of the first thermal areas you come to if travelling into the park from..... more
This part of Yellowstone was particularly interesting because the West Thumb Geyser basin is right next to the lake and it one of the first thermal areas you come to if travelling into the park from..... more »
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We skipped the geyser basin but walked the overlook trail. It's a nice loop trail with a very steep hike at the end to to the top. But the view is amazing! And there are several small thermal...
We skipped the geyser basin but walked the overlook trail. It's a nice loop trail with a very steep hike at the end to to the top. But the view is amazing! And there are several small thermal... more »
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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.
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I went in the evening and almost had the place to myself. Would highly recommend going early in the morning, or after 8pm. It smells like sulfur and looks like an alien planet. There is a nice boardwalk, and unfortunately you aren't allowed to explore or interact with the hot springs.
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