Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
High water temperatures underground may cause rapid reactions in the plant or animal
debris in ancient underlying sediments. Alternatively, downward seepage of the surface
waters carrying dissolved plant matter and bacteria may be heated at depth, causing the
organic materials to react to form oily compounds. However it forms, steam carries this
material up to surface vents along the banks of the Yellowstone River.
The hot gases emitted here have the highest known concentration of hydrogen sulfide
gas of any of the park's thermal areas—a very lethal 5 percent. Also near Calcite Spring's
vents are deposits of gypsum (hydrous calcium sulfate) and pyrite (iron disulfide), and
crystals of calcite (calcium carbonate) and barite (barium sulfate), in addition to the nearly
pure sulfur.
1.1/17.2
The hill east of the road is
Bumpus Butte,
named for Dr. Hermon Carey Bumpus,
the naturalist and educator who set up the park's first museums and roadside exhibits. In ad-
dition, Bumpus wrote and illustrated small guides to the natural features in the 1930s.
Not far from here, President Theodore Roosevelt's entourage set up camp during his two-
week visit to the park in 1903.
1.7/16.6 Calcite Springs Overlook.
There's a short loop trail with interpretive signs here
and views into the colorful canyon and across it to the Lamar Valley. This part of Yellowstone's
canyon is called
he Narrows,
since it's the narrowest part of any of the four canyons of the
Yellowstone River.
Along the stretch of road between the overlook and Tower Fall, there is limited parking at
turnouts.
Special Caution:
Several people have slipped and fallen to their deaths while climbing on the
canyon side of the road between this overlook and Tower Creek bridge. Make sure you stand
in a safe place to look at the views and take photos.
