The Thermal Areas of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is world famous for its thermal areas. The majority of the world’s hydrothermal features are within its boundaries. They are scattered almost all over the park, with a heavy concentration in the southwest between Norris and Old Faithful. There are countless small areas and features everywhere, but there are also a number of areas that are well-developed and easy to visit.

The National Park Service has constructed excellent boardwalk systems in all of the major areas, and interpretive displays are frequent. Nowhere else in the National Park System are scenic areas so well presented. Each area shown below has its own page with descriptions and photos of the features within each area. Click on the photo to learn more about the area.

Firehole Spring in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming — Firehole Lake Drive

Fountain Paint Pots in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming — Fountain Paint Pots

Canary Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming — Mammoth Hot Springs

Excelsior Geyser Crater, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming — Midway Geyser Basin

Dragon's Mouth Spring in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming — Mud Volcano Area

Green Dragon Spring in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming — Norris Geyser Basin, Back Basin Section

Hurricane Vent in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming — Norris Geyser Basin, Porcelain Basin Area

Sapphire Pool in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming — Upper Geyser Basin, Biscuit Basin Area

Emerald Pool in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming — Upper Geyser Basin, Black Sand Basin Area

Chromatic Pool in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming — Upper Geyser Basin, Main North Area

Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming — Upper Geyser Basin, Main South Area