West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail is an easy boardwalk trail known for stunning views of Yellowstone Lake and geothermal features.
West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail Basics
Under 1 Hour
1 Mile Round Trip
Loop
62 Feet
Duration: Under 1 Hour
Walking at an average pace, doing both sections of the boardwalk should take under an hour to complete.
Distance: 1 Mile Roundtrip
Similar to the Norris Geyser Basin Trail, there are two loops in the West Thumb Geyser Basin. It is about a one-mile roundtrip to walk both the outer loop and inner loop.
Type: Loop Trail
West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail has two loops. The outer loop goes around the edge of the lake and all of the thermal features. The inner loop cuts through the middle of the outer loop. I suggest walking both areas of the loop trail to see everything here.
Elevation Change: 62 Feet
The boardwalk has gentle slopes throughout the short walk, but nothing too steep and there are no stairs.
Season: Summer, Fall
Due to snow and ice, the main road through many sections of the park is closed in the winter months. Even though it’s peak season, the best time to visit the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake is from late June through early October.
Time of Day: Any
You can visit the West Thumb Caldera any time of the day. But the best way to make sure you get parking is to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Amount of Shade: None
There is no shade along the boardwalk in West Thumb Geyser Basin. Make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
Difficulty: Easy
The trail is an easy one to navigate with gentle slopes and a boardwalk the entire way.
What Makes West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail a Great Hike?
Walking along the boardwalk in the West Thumb Geyser Basin is a great way to see a variety of the hydrothermal features that Yellowstone National Park is known for. There are views of hot springs, mud pots, and dormant lakeshore geysers along the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
We enjoyed the West Thumb area so much that we went on the trail both times we have been to Yellowstone. The boys really enjoy the famous fishing cone and underwater geysers.
At the information center, we read about the early explorers and the mountain men who first visited. Once Yellowstone became more popular, visitors would arrive to the area via stagecoach from the Old Faithful Inn and could then board a steamship to go to the Lake Hotel from the boat dock near the south end of the West Thumb basin.
Scenery on the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail
Start of the Trail
The trail starts out next to the information center to the side of the parking lot. There is a small paved path that leads back to the boardwalk trails.
On the Trail
You very quickly come to the boardwalk and can choose to walk clockwise or counter-clockwise around the path. Either one provides easy access to view all of the features throughout the area. You’ll get a close-up view of mud pots, mud puffs, and hot spring pools.
End of the Trail
Since this is a loop, it technically ends back where you started. But the furthest point on the outer loop brings you right up to the edge of Yellowstone Lake for a view of multiple underwater geysers in the shallow water and the small hill of Fishing Cone.
Notable Places on the Hike
There are a lot of fun features to check out along the trail:
- Fishing Cone
- Abyss Pool
- Black Pool
- Thumb Paint Pots
- Thumb Geyser
- Surging Spring
- Bluebell Pool
- Ledge Spring
- Percolating Spring
- Blue Funnel Spring
- Seismograph Pool
- Lakeside Spring
- Lakeshore Geyser
- Big Cone Geyser
- Hillside Geyser
- Twin Geysers
- Painted Pool
- King Geyser
West Thumb Geyser Basin Trailhead Information
Park Name: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of two national parks in Wyoming, near the northwest corner of the state. The best way to get to Yellowstone is to fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) and go through Grand Teton National Park on the way. Otherwise, if you want to start your journey on the north end of the park, fly into Bozeman or Billings in Montana. Just know that those entrances are the furthest away from the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail and will take some time to get to the area.
Finding the Trailhead
Once you park in the large parking lot, the trailhead will be near the southeast corner of the lot. Look for the information center and go on the trails behind the building to get to the boardwalk trails.
Markers Along the Trail
As you walk along the trail, there are signs indicating the different thermal areas and their names.
Nearest Restrooms
There are multiple restroom facilities available in the parking lot for West Thumb Geyser Basin.
Parking Area
The West Thumb parking lot is near the intersection of South Entrance Road and Grand Loop Road. From the South Entrance, turn right onto Grand Loop Road and the parking lot will be on your right. The only way to get to the South Entrance is through Grand Teton National Park. If you aren't doing both parks, you'll want to access this area from either the West Entrance or the East Entrance.
Other Trails at this Trailhead
- Duck Lake Trail
- West Thumb Overlook Loop Trail
- Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail
Tips for West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail
- Even though it looks peaceful, stay on the boardwalk to prevent scalding from the hot water in the area. Sometimes you may even see "solid" ground bubble up.
- Be sure to check out the West Thumb Information Station and Visitor Center.
Accessibility Information for West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail
Boardwalk
Paved
Trail Type: Boardwalk
The entirety of the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail is boardwalk except for the bit of paved path leading from the parking lot to the boardwalk. The trail has very gentle slopes and provides easy access for those in a wheelchair or with a stroller.
Parking: Paved
The parking lot for the West Thumb Basin is a large paved parking lot with many handicapped-accessible parking spots available.