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thermal · essential
West Thumb Geyser Basin
A compact boardwalk places geyser pools at the edge of Yellowstone Lake and opens the geology of the day.
Yellowstone fire danger is HIGH
The dedicated NPS fire page and July 14 release list HIGH fire danger. No fire restrictions were in place when checked; both danger and restrictions can change.
Checked Jul 26, 2026
Parkwide chip sealing can move without notice
NPS says chip sealing can cause delays up to 30 minutes at various Yellowstone locations in 2026. Slow down on loose gravel and increase following distance.
Checked Jul 26, 2026
Chapter
Hot water at a cold lake
35 minutes0.6-mile loop · up to 10% grade · partial wheelchair access
Narration
Hot water at a cold lake
What to notice
- Abyss and Black pools
- Fishing Cone
- Yellowstone Lake and Absaroka views
Field notes
- Boardwalk route
- 0.6-mile loop
- Maximum documented lower-loop grade
- 10%
- Abyss Pool depth
- About 53 feet