West Thumb Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

West Thumb
West Thumb
West Thumb
West Thumb
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 Centre. The centre was named in honour 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 centre 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
The price is £215 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
£215
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7/10 Good! (1,282 reviews)
"I did not like that we didn’t have a fridge in the room and there were no WiFi. Not even at the check in building. No elevator in the lodge buildings The location is great with the Yellowstone lake nearby. The restaurant was good and the service at the restaurant was also good."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

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
The price is £229 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£229
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the WiFi and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,017 reviews)
"Excellent location within YNP, easy access to Lamar and Hayden valleys. Good dining options at lodge, rooms were clean and comfy and had what you needed."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

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
The price is £202 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
£202
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star historic hotel in Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,225 reviews)
Gorgeous views, pleasant staff, relaxing vacay!
"We stayed two nights. The front desk staff (Laura, Patricia & Mgr. Carol were outstanding! They helped us upgrade to a larger bed to ensure our 42 year marriage did not end on their grounds! 😜 The rest of the staff including the wait staff, concierge etc were also of highest caliber. We really enjoyed ..."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

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.
Blue Buffalo Resort

Blue Buffalo Resort

2 out of 5
3402 N Highway 20, Island Park, ID
Stay at this campsite in Island Park. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Island Park Dam and Harriman State Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (309 reviews)
"Internet was very spotty so tv was hit or miss, but tv is not why i go on vacation."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Blue Buffalo Resort
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 campsite in Island Park. Enjoy free parking, concierge services and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (517 reviews)
Outdoor Beauty
"Our trip was wonderful. Bed very comfortable, bathroom clean and the nightly fire pit entertaining. We will definitely recommend and use this property again"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Kirkwood Marina and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (693 reviews)
"5/5 for the location and the property is well maintained."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Terra Nova Cabins
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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