Introduction:
What? :
West Thumb Geyser Basin may be one of the park's smaller basins, but its location right on Yellowstone Lake shore makes it one of the most scenic and unique stops on the Grand Loop Road. The basin with its relatively short boardwalk, turquoise geothermal pools and lake shoreline is an absolute must-see location.
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Where? :
West Thumb Geyser Basin is situated right on the western shore of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake.
It is an easy to access location, right off the Grand Loop Road, near the park's southern entrance and the Grant Village area.
From West Thumb Geyser Basin there are three roads:
A road leading to the park south entrance (22 miles) and to Grand Teton National Park (28 miles to the boundary).
Road leading to Old Faithfull (17 miles).
Road leading north along the lake to Fishing Bridge (21 miles) and that continues north, passing through Hayden Valley and reaching Canyon Village (37 miles total distance from West Thumb).
When? :
The park is open year round, but the journey to get here and the surrounding scenery change dramatically between summer and winter.
For most people, late May to September is the ideal time to visit here.
My personal recommendations are to visit Yellowstone National Park during the month of September.
The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.
Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.
Summer:
This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)
All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive right to any destination within the park.
It is very crowded here during the summer months. Traffic jams, slow drive and challenges with finding parking spots.
Days are usually warm (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
All hotels, lodges and campgrounds are open, high price and reservation need many months in advance.
Fall:
Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.
Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.
Winter:
Winter (Mid-December to Mid-March) transforms the park into a quiet, magical, snow-covered land.
The geyser's steam plumes are enormous.
Crowds are minimal.
Most interior park roads are closed to regular cars. You must travel into the park by a guided snowcoach or on a permitted snowmobile tour.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone in the winter, you will need to book a tour from one of the gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs (which is accessible by private vehicle year-round via the North Entrance).
The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.
You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.
Spring:
Spring is a very short season in Yellowstone, practically in May and early June.
Some roads start to get open during end of April
Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.
Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
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Tips and inputs:
Due note 1:
A large parking lot is available at the trailhead, though it can fill up quickly during mid-days of the busy summer months. The visit here is not so long so wait patiently for people to finish their visit and free parking spots.
Due note 2:
You can find here a historic cabin structure that serves as a small information station where you can speak with a park ranger, gather information, and often attend ranger programs. It may also have a small sales outlet for souvenirs and a bookstore.
Public restrooms are available in the main parking area.
A picnic area with tables is available nearby.
Due note 3:
Nearby Services is located at Grant Village, just a short drive south. Grant Village offers extensive services, including a Visitor Center, lodging, a campground, restaurants, general stores, and a gas station.
Due note 4:
Arrive early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or later in the afternoon/early evening to avoid the peak crowds, over the boardwalk or finding parking spots. Visiting at sunrise or when the sun is low provides the best light for photography, as the steam tends to hang beautifully over the colorful pools.
Due note 5:
For your own safety and to protect the fragile, thin crust of the geothermal area, always stay on the designated boardwalks and trails. The ground around these features is extremely hot and hazardous.
Due note 6:
Dress in Layers: Yellowstone's weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cool temperatures.
Due note 7:
All sections of the trail along the boardwalk are exposed to the sun so bring a hat, use sunscreen and use sunglasses. This is a one hour walk so bring water with you.
Food is not allowed on the boardwalk.
Due note 8:
The boardwalks can be slippery due rain and moisture good shoes are recommended.
My thoughts:
I came from Grand Teton and entered the park's south entrance.
This was the first geyser basin I visited on this trip. It was a fun walk, relatively short visit here but the colorful pools and the combination with the lake shore are indeed beautiful.
Highly recommended stop on your visit to Yellowstone.
The Visit:
The West Thumb itself is a large bay and is actually a small active caldera within the much larger Yellowstone Caldera.
The visit here is relatively short and easy walking.
West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail is an easy, mostly flat loop trail on a wooden boardwalk.
The boardwalk loop is less than a mile long and you should plan for 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
The boardwalk has two loops, the upper loop (short) and the lower loop that descend to the lake shore level.
I recommend the following walk:
From the parking area turn right and stay on the upper loop and walk to Thumb Geyser. Here you can see a collection of mud pots, which are thermal features where steam and gases rise through acid-sulfate water and mix with local clay and rock to create bubbling, pastel-colored mud.
Keep walking and in the next trail junction turn right, start the lower loop section, and walk down to see Abyss Pool.
This is one of the most famous and deepest hot springs in the park.
Its deep, clear, beautiful blue color gives it its name, creating the illusion of a bottomless pit.
Soon after you will see Black Pool that despite its name it is actually blue. The red colored strips where the hot water flows to the lake are nice.
You will reach the lake shore, where the boardwalk follows the lake and pass near a few interesting hot pools located in the lake water.
Fishing Cone is a unique, cone-shaped hot spring situated right on the edge of Yellowstone Lake.
Depending on the lake's water level, this feature can sometimes be partially or completely submerged.
Another attraction here is Lakeshore Geyser.
The trail now leaves the lake and climbs back to the upper level. You will see a few other pools and soon you will reach the upper loop and from here walk back to the parking lot.
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