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 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
The price is NZ$431 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
NZ$431
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! (1,233 reviews)
"Lovely property, fantastic location by the lake and inside the park. Would be nice to have a microwave in the room. Staff were very friendly."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 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
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$608 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$608
31 July - 1 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! (1,945 reviews)
"Close to attractions"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 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 NZ$406 per night from 24 July to 25 July
NZ$406
24 July - 25 July
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 center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,143 reviews)
"Liked that staff check in every day, to see if we needed anything."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 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 campground in Island Park. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Island Park Dam and Harriman State Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (215 reviews)
"Cutest little cabins! The property was so nice and the whole thing was above my expectations!! I wish we’d been able to be there more than 1 night."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 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 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! (484 reviews)
"Doing a cross country road trip and wanted to do some sort of camping like thing while near yellow stone! This place was great, off the grid but with amenities and a grill that’s open 7-9 for breakfast and serves dinner until 9 pm!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Wander Camp Yellowstone Island Park
Drift Lodge & Fly Shop

Drift Lodge & Fly Shop

3 out of 5
4771 N Highway 20, Island Park, ID
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Island Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (384 reviews)
"Like the view around the site. Close to Yellowstone park."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

Drift Lodge & Fly Shop
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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