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.
West Thumb Geyser Basin reviews
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West Thumb has great boardwalks allowing you an easy view of the many hot pools with Yellowstone lake as a backdrop. Parking capacity is limited so better to come early or late in the day to avoid...
West Thumb has great boardwalks allowing you an easy view of the many hot pools with Yellowstone lake as a backdrop. Parking capacity is limited so better to come early or late in the day to avoid... more »
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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 »
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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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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.
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