West Thumb

Travel Guide
West Thumb
Discover geothermal activity, a geyser basin, the small Grant Village and more natural attractions from the western inlet of Yellowstone Lake.

Even among Yellowstone National Park’s myriad natural wonders, West Thumb stands out. The extension of Yellowstone Lake is a caldera within a caldera it was created by a large volcanic eruption about 150,000 years ago. To understand how it earned its name, look at a map of Yellowstone Lake. The body of water is shaped like a human hand and West Thumb serves as its first digit.

Stop at the West Thumb Information Station, a historic ranger station built in 1925. Before exploring the adjacent geyser basin, learn more about the area through informative displays.

Investigate the distinctive Fishing Cone. Early visitors discovered they could stand next to this shore-side geyser, hook a fish in the chilly lake and then cook it in the hot spring. Although fishing is now prohibited, it remains a remarkable sight.

Stop at the brilliantly blue Abyss Pool and Black Pool. Don’t be fooled by the serene appearances of the hot springs they’ve both erupted fairly recently.

Take a break at Grant Visitor Center. The center was named in honor of President Ulysses S. Grant, who signed the bill to create Yellowstone National Park in 1872. Learn about the park's historic fires of 1988 and the West Thumb area through a series of exhibits. Grant Village offers a large lodge and campsites for overnight visitors.

Use West Thumb as a jumping-off point to explore Yellowstone Lake, the largest body of water within Yellowstone National Park. From the lake’s shores, admire stunning views of West Thumb and the Absaroka Mountains. Hike along the Scenic Lake Overlook or embark on an overnight backpacking excursion at one of the many wilderness trailheads.

Although geothermal activity takes center stage here, the West Thumb area is also home to a variety of wildlife. In the spring, watch for grizzly and black bears. Elk and their newborn calves are a common sight in May and June. Look for bald eagles and osprey diving into Yellowstone Lake to catch fish.

Grant Village - Inside the Park
Grant Village - Inside the Park
2.5 out of 5
24 Rainbow Loop, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Stay at this hotel in Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the WiFi and the helpful staff ...
6.8/10 (1,062 reviews)
"Beautiful rooms in a relaxed setting. Being in the Yellowstone Park was a huge advantage for travel time."

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Grant Village - Inside the Park
Canyon Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park
Canyon Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park
3 out of 5
41 Clover Ln, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly lodge in Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,717 reviews)
"The living area is very quiet, and you can see small animals in the morning and evening. It is also close to tourist attractions."

Reviewed on Nov. 3, 2024

Canyon Lodge & Cabins - Inside the Park
Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins - Inside the Park
Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins - Inside the Park
3 out of 5
235 Yellowstone Lake Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Stay at this 3-star historic hotel in Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Felt like stepping back in time! Romantic and lovely!"

Reviewed on Oct. 29, 2024

Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins - Inside the Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wander Camp Yellowstone Island Park
Wander Camp Yellowstone Island Park
2 out of 5
Old U.S. Hwy 191, Island Park, ID
Stay at this campground in Island Park. Enjoy free parking, concierge services, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (423 reviews)
"Quiet, beautiful spot, good breakfast"

Reviewed on Sep. 20, 2024

Wander Camp Yellowstone Island Park
Terra Nova Cabins
Terra Nova Cabins
3 out of 5
35 Kirkwood Creek Road, West Yellowstone, MT
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cabin in West Yellowstone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Kirkwood Trailhead ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (656 reviews)
"The views outside and geography are spectacular! Check-in was a breeze - very friendly and helpful folks. The room furnishings looked better in the photos - are were of the IKEA variety, pretty straightforward. Unfortunately, our room smelled STRONGLY of lemon disinfectant - which caused allergies ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 19, 2024

Terra Nova Cabins
Blue Buffalo Resort
Blue Buffalo Resort
2 out of 5
3402 N Highway 20, Island Park, ID
Stay at this campground in Island Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Island Park Dam and Harriman State Park are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (89 reviews)
"Highly recommend this place. Close to Yellowstone. Much better than a hotel. You get your own little (or big) cabin. Loved this place!"

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Blue Buffalo Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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