Yellowstone Geothermal Features

All of the following sites are accessed using easy trails and boardwalk. There are sometimes steps and steeper sections of trail so not all of every attraction is easily accessible with a buggy but all are manageable with an active toddler. Please note that many features are unfenced and you will need to keep a good hold on young children as people have been killed falling into scalding water or mud – reins may be a good idea for toddlers. Never leave the trail or the boardwalk, even if the ground look solid as it may well be a thin crust with hot stuff underneath!

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is a fabulous edifice of terraces and cascades of calcium carbonate despotised by the 50-odd hot acidic springs in the area as they reach the surface and cool, releasing dissolved limestone. The springs stop and start over time so the deposits are always changing and you will see sections of boardwalk that have been subsumed by the springs causing the Park Service to build a new movable boardwalk.

All of this makes a wonderful visual spectacle. In addition, there is a herd of resident elk who hang out at the Springs ready for a photo opportunity.

Norris

Norris Geyser Basin is one of the most geologically active and hottest areas of the park. A 2 1/4 mile trail takes you around all the main activity. One of the most interesting things here are the steam vents known as fumaroles as well as the geysers and brightly coloured boiling pools. If you are fortunate, you may catch Steamboat Geyser in action. This unpredictable geyser is the world’s tallest and can shoot water 300 feet into the air.

Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin

Old Faithful with its spectacular regular eruptions, is probably the most famous feature at Yellowstone and ranks high on most ‘must see’ lists. It is pretty awesome but is does get very busy. Arriving early or late in the day helps to thin the crowds but otherwise you may just have to accept them! Eruption times will be prominently posted in the area so you will know when things are about to get exciting.

Don’t rush off after you have seen Old Faithful. There are lots more geysers to see in the Upper Geyser Basin which is easily accessible via the boardwalk from Old Faithful. Unpaved trails link up Biscuit Basin and Black Sand Basin, both of which are interesting , Black Sand Basin especially for its brilliantly coloured pools.

Midway Geyser Basin

This Basin is home to the Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone’s largest hot spring. The depth of the colours has to be seen to be believed – the deep blue of the centre ringed with the red and yellow edges is a fabulous sight. Go and have a look, it’s marvellous!

Fountain paint Pot

Fountain Paint Pot is found in the Lower Geyser Basin and accessed via boardwalk. There is something very satisfying about watching coloured boiling mud, I’m not sure why but I know I am not alone. There are also steaming fumaroles and geysers here along with the occasional blast of the smell of rotten eggs.