On a spring vacation several years ago, we ventured into Yellowstone National Park for the first time. It was like stepping back into another century, or another world, seeing for ourselves these geysers and springs that had captivated the country for more than 100 years. As we were touring the area early in the year, the only entrance open in the beginning of our trip was the Mammoth Hot Springs entrance on the Northern end of the park. The entrance nearest Old Faithful would not open for several days.
Travertine Terraces
As it was our first visit to any part of the park, we took advantage of this time to explore the Mammoth Hot Springs area and learn a great deal about the various thermal features in the park. While Yellowstone boasts an estimated 10,000 thermal features, they are broken down into four main types: geysers, hot springs, fumaroles and mudpots. All are related and created due to the large amount of volcanic activity occurring underneath the surface of the park and each will be explored in this series of posts. Of course, the fact that these features are created by volcanic activity also means a volcanic eruption could occur at any time in the park, but other than geysers shooting off their mouths, that has not occurred in a very long time. However, that unpredictability is part of the mystery and magic of Yellowstone.
Mammoth Hot Springs
So, on our first visit to America’s very first national park, we were all about Hot springs. Different from geysers which release hot steam and water in a rather explosive fashion, these less showy thermal siblings let off enough heat by boiling or surface evaporation to avoid the kind of steam explosions common to geysers. Some hot springs take the form of quiet pools while others are flowing and a bit more active.
The waters at Mammoth Hot Springs are charged with carbon dioxide while underground, creating a mild carbonic acid that dissolves underground limestone rocks and carries the mixture to the surface of the earth. Once at the surface, the gas escapes; however, without the carbon dioxide, the water is less able to carry the dissolved limestone which escapes by virtue of precipitation, creating the beautiful travertine terraces you see in these pictures. They are quite lovely to behold, and in some areas, volcanic activity can turn a hot spring into a geyser.
Learning about these unique features fascinated our entire family and, after spending the afternoon snapping photos of the Mammoth Hot Springs and beautiful travertine terraces, we made plans to return several days later when roads to other areas of the park would be open. We wanted to see more. Even though this was, in effect, a science lesson while they were on vacation, the kids couldn’t wait to return!
For more information about things to do in Wyoming, read more about Wyoming camping.
Diane Berry
Its always worth another trip! Enjoy…and happy travels!
karen ho fatt
I can see why the children loved it. I first visited this park about 4 years ago, it is quite a gem to say the least. Even in April when some of the trails were shut we saw buffalo, white fox, eagles. Enjoyed it immensely. Now that photography is more than a hobby another trip may be due in the future!
Diane Berry
Thanks for the comment Jon. We missed Jackson Hole–will have to check it out on our next trip. Happy travels!
Jon
Yellow Stone should be on everyone’s bucket list. We took the kids there when they were young and they loved the visit . We went in July and the weather was still pretty cold even then. Take plenty of clothes for any kind of weather. We are looking forward to taking them with us soon in the motor home this time. Plan on spending at least 4 days to see everything in and around the area. Check out Jackson Hole while in the area.