Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From West Thumb Junction to Fishing Bridge Junction
The Grand Loop Road going north from West Thumb follows the lakeshore closely most of the
way to Fishing Bridge Junction, almost 21 miles (33 km) away. You'll drive along America's
highest large freshwater lake and glimpse its surrounding mountains. The Absaroka Range is
beyond the lake to the east, and the Red Mountains are to the south. There are many places to
pull over by the lakeside to stroll, wade, take pictures, or fish.
Road Log
NOTE: There are several short side roads along this stretch of the Grand Loop Road. The mileage for
such roads is given at approximately the midpoint between the two ways to enter the loop.
0.0/20.6
From West Thumb Junction the road north goes toward Bridge Bay Marina, Lake
Village, and Fishing Bridge Junction. To the west is Old Faithful Village; to the south is the
South Entrance and Grand Teton National Park.
0.2/20.4
Entrance to parking for West Thumb Geyser Basin, an information and bookstore
building, and a picnic area.
West humb
West Thumb Geyser Basin—just east of the junction—is the most beautifully situated thermal
area in the park and is well worth visiting.
West Thumb history and facilities
NOTE: Consult the map of West Thumb Geyser Basin on
page 140
for West Thumb facilities.
The information and bookstore building, where the Yellowstone Association sells
books and pamphlets, is housed in the former ranger station dating from 1925, now used as a
warming hut in winter.
Reached from this parking lot are the West Thumb picnic area, two
hiking trails, and the West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalks. There is no running water.
The rather strange name of this spot, West Thumb, refers to the shape of this bay in Yellow-
stone Lake. Early explorers thought the lake resembled a hand with fingers protruding south-
