West Thumb Geyser Basin

Our favorite part of Yellowstone National Park! So many cool geysers to see and they all look so beautiful situated alongside the larger lake. The trail is easy to walk through and so much to see! We saw a few elk while walking along as well. So amazing!

West Thumb Geyser Basin at Yellowstone is an amazing spot that blends two of the park’s most iconic features—geothermal activity and lake views—into one unforgettable place. Walking the boardwalk through this area gives you incredible views of Yellowstone Lake, especially looking out across the west thumb section of the lake. The combination of steam rising from the ground with the shimmering blue water in the background is something you really have to see in person. The geothermal features here are super interesting. You’ll see hot springs, mud pots, fumaroles, and painted pools right along the shoreline. A few of the geysers are actually under the lake itself, which is wild to think about. The colors in the pools are beautiful, and the whole place has this quiet, surreal feel to it. I also appreciated that the boardwalk is easy to walk and doesn’t take too long, making it great for a short stop that still delivers incredible scenery. It’s not as crowded as some other parts of the park, so it felt peaceful even with a steady flow of visitors. If you want great photo opportunities and a chance to see how Yellowstone’s geothermal activity interacts with one of its most famous lakes, West Thumb is a must-visit. It’s not as massive as some of the other geyser basins, but the views of the lake and the variety of features make it a really special part of the park. Highly recommended.

One of my favourite geyser areas in Yellowstone! An easy trail of boardwalks with amazing lake views. Seemed less busy than some of the other areas too. The geysers coming right out of the lake were a highlight.