West Thumb Geyser Basin
add photosOne of the smallest geyser basins in Yellowstone, but it's location on the shores of Yellowstone Lake makes it particularly scenic. Unusual features are colorful hot springs, a symmetrical cone used for boiling trout long ago, the Thumb Paint Pots. Occasional geyser at 2--40 min intervals. Trails and boardwalks are handicapped accessible with assistance.
2 Reviews for West Thumb Geyser Basin
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"Worth it."
The West Thumb Geyser Basin is not as popular as the the geysers by Old Faithful, but they are cool. Some of the paint pots are pretty gnarly smelling, which your kids will either love or hate. The boardwalk runs right next to the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake (hence the name West Thumb Basin) and as the previous review said, people used to catch fish in the lake and cook them over one of the geysers! Very, very cool. This geyser basin doesn't have as many of the amazing colors that some of the others to, but it's neat. Want lots of color? Check out Grand Prismatic Spring - unbelievable.
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"Neat Geyser Basin with great views"
My family and I visited the West Thumb Geyser Basin last spring and really enjoyed it! The boardwalk not only kept us safe from the boiling geysers but it also allowed us to get some great shots of elk and buffalo in the area. At one point the boardwalk follows the shore of Yellowstone Lake allowing for some breathtaking views. A ranger was also there during our visit to answer questions and tell us little tidbits about the geysers. He told us that back in the day people used to fish right off the shore there and as soon as they caught a fish they would plunge it into one of the geyser pools next to them and cook their lunch! Sadly they don't allow that now!!! My boys loved that story!
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