Lower Terraces
Boardwalks.
Yellowstone National Park — Public domain · Yellowstone National Park — Public domain · Yellowstone National Park — Public domain · Yellowstone National Park — Public domain · Yellowstone National Park — Public domain
Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine in the north of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, about 7 km south of Gardiner, Montana, in a straight line. The old buildings of Fort Yellowstone stand next to it. The terraces are built of calcium carbonate deposited by hot water as it cools, and more than two tonnes of it flow into Mammoth in solution every day. The water comes from the Norris Geyser Basin along a fault through limestone and surfaces at about 80 °C. Terrace Mountain at Mammoth is the largest known carbonate-depositing spring in the world. The white rock steps down in terraces like a staircase, hot water runs over them and steam rises, and tiny algae tint the deposits brown, orange, red and green. Activity shifts from year to year, so some terraces dry out while others come alive; Minerva Terrace and Canary Spring are among the best known. Boardwalks and trails link the Lower and Upper Terraces, and a short drive loops past the Upper Terraces. Elk often graze around the area, so keep well back from them. Never leave the boardwalks, as the crust is thin and the water is hot.
Boardwalks.
White deposits.
A short drive.
Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
No, stay on the boardwalks.
Elk often graze here; keep your distance.