Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA

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Photo ofMammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA

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mclivancouver

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Trail stats

Distance: 2.8 mi
Elevation gain: 335 ft
Technical difficulty: Easy
Elevation loss: 335 ft
Max elevation: 6,580 ft
TrailRank: 62
Min elevation: 6,235 ft
Trail type: Loop

Coordinates: 487
Uploaded: June 13, 2019

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near Mammoth, Wyoming (United States)

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Trail photos

Itinerary description

This is the first major thermal site after entering Yellowstone National Park from the North Gate. It is a good introduction to the volcanic and thermal character of the area. However, every thermal site has its own unique character, and so they never seem repetitive.

The area also has a social and exploration history. It was traversed by famous explorers and was a US cavalry base during the push westwards. There is much information on this in a small museum in the Visitor Center (along this track).

Recorded at the beginning of June 2019 using Wikilocs free offline Wyoming State Map download.

Waypoints

Parking

Parking here is more plentiful that at the springs. The walk is not too far and passes large washroom facilities on the way. The Visitor Center is also handy if parking here.

At Mammoth Visitor Center

Includes interpretive displays on park history and wildlife.

WC

There are two large modern toilet facilities in this area, along walk to springs. Elk were gathered beneath shade trees nearby.

Resistant fossil vent plug

Called the "Liberty Cap". This cone feature must be much harder than its surrounding carbonate deposits. Probably its a deeper hot spring vent with silica content that has later been exposed by erosion.

Palette Spring Terraces

The hot spring source is above these terraces and hot flowing water cascades down and deposits carbonate minerals. All the hot springs are extreme environments yet microbial life forms (thermophile communities) are abundant in the hot acidic pools, giving the carbonate deposits a varied coloration.

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

Large hot spring area with multicolored carbonate terraces and pools.

Minerva

A large bluff of dry carbonate in a less thermally active area. Bird activity is intense around here, and there appear to be nests in the cliff face. Killdeer were seen below the bluff and blend perfectly with the coloration in this part of the hot spring deposits.

Main Terrace Viewpoint

A flat extensive carbonate plateau caps the thermal area. New Blue Spring is here.

Upper Parking

Good drop off for those who would prefer to go down hill only.

Canary Springs

This spring is apparently named for its yellowish coloration, Vert interesting carbonate textures in the pools beside the boardwalk. In one place the boardwalks are being reclaimed by the growing hot spring deposits.