Yellowstone Water and Thermal Features

Other then animals another great feature of Yellowstone is the thermal features. As you may or may not know, Yellowstone is situated on top of a large super volcano that provides the heat for all the thermal features located throughout the park. One thing that makes a difference when you attend the park regarding thermal features is water level. In the spring some of the features will have a higher water flow for springs and fountains or longer displays for some geysers.

There are also some other water formations that are not geothermal that are worth looking at as well. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is carved out of sandstone making a long canyon with a couple of large waterfalls with in it with view posts to be able to see them from. This is one of those sights you just have to take the time to see when you are there. Like with other water features this to is affected by water levels and in the spring the winter runoff brings the flow of the Yellowstone river up making the falls a spectacular display.

Here is a few pictures of a couple of geysers and the "brink of the upper falls"

Here is a shot of Tower Falls. This is located on the north east end of the park on the grand loop road. It is worth stopping for a look.

This is what the boardwalk around Old Faithful Looks like about 20 min prior to an eruption in late spring. Come mid July that will look empty as peak visitation season really starts to hit.

Beehive Geyser, Not as predictable as others. Erupts about once a day with 15-20 min warning located in the upper geyser basin near Old Faithful Geyser. Easily visible from the boardwalk

 

Old Faithful Geyser, Located in the Upper Geyser Basin. Viewed from boardwalk along the geyser Most building bordering the boardwalk has estimated time of next eruption. Lots of seating, but go out as early as possible for best viewing area.

View of the upper falls from "Brink of the Upper Falls" viewing platform. Just follow signs off the grand loop road on the east side of the park for viewing area. Easy 1/8 mile hike, it has really pretty stone stairs leading down to the viewing area.













If you have the opportunity to go to Yellowstone remember to keep in mind safety is the most important thing to make a memorable trip. Stay on boardwalks and marked trails because danger lurks just beyond and just under the earth crust in the geyser basins and hillsides are not always stable beyond the trail near the canyon. So go out, have fun, be safe and bring back some great memories.