Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hot pools on your way up the moderately strenuous 400-foot (120 m) climb. On a clear day,
you'll be rewarded with a fantastic view of much of the lake and its surrounding mountains.
You can take the
Duck Lake Trail
northwest from the same West Thumb parking
area. Duck Lake Trailhead is shown by a painted pedestrian crosswalk that crosses the Grand
Loop Road north of West Thumb Junction. This hike is about one-half mile (0.8 km) through
burned forest to a view of Duck Lake and another one-third mile (0.5 km) to its shore. Since
Duck Lake is in an explosion crater, the last part of the trail goes steeply up and down over
the crater's edge.
West Thumb Geyser Basin Loop Walk*
The boardwalk around West Thumb Geyser Basin is about one-half mile (0.8 km) long. It
takes you to the main portion of this basin, which has few geysers but is outstanding for its
scenic setting and beautiful hot springs. Since there is less sulfur in the chemical mix brought
up from below, the rotten egg smell so common to other basins is less strong here.
In some seasons and some years, the colors in and around the hot springs are spectacular.
Thermal features are changeable, however, so if the colors you see are rather ordinary at the
time you're here, come back another time! Bison, deer, and waterfowl are often seen in the
area. A pamphlet describing the basin is available.
NOTE: The boardwalk through the basin is nearly level and accessible to wheelchairs, but on the hill
farthest from the parking lot, assistance may be required.
