Things to do in West Thumb

Activities, attractions and tours

West Thumb showing tranquil scenes, a hot spring and a lake or waterhole
West Thumb which includes a beach, a bay or harbor and general coastal views
West Thumb featuring kayaking or canoeing and a lake or waterhole as well as a small group of people
West Thumb showing general coastal views and rocky coastline
West Thumb showing general coastal views and rugged coastline

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Top places to visit

1. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a colossal wilderness of diverse landscapes and ecosystems, a natural playground of mountains, roaring waterfalls, volcanic phenomena, bears and bison.
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Yellowstone National Park which includes a cascade, landscape views and rapids

2. Old Faithful

Visit Old Faithful to see why it has earned its name. It has been consistently erupting for as long as people have known about it. The geyser’s reliability is a main reason why Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, was created in 1872. Stay in the vicinity of the geyser for an hour or more and it’s almost certain to come to life. In fact, it’s so reliable that the park service provides time predictions for the 20 daily eruptions.
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Its iconic stature and reliability attract visitors from around the world. View this geyser, which always satisfies with its regular dramatic shows.

3. Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park is a marvel just by its location at such a high altitude. At 7,733 feet (2,357 meters) above sea level and with a surface area of 132 square miles (342 square kilometers), this is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Although it’s located in a park with many hydrothermal features, don’t assume the water is warm. When you visit Yellowstone Lake dip a toe in, if you like, to discover the chill. The water may approach 70 F (21 C), but the average temperature is 41 F (5 C). The lake freezes over in winter.
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In an area with many unique natural attractions, this large lake appears next to tall mountains. Visit for beautiful views and interesting walks.

4. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is an awe-inspiring gorge with rock formations of pink and yellow hues and several immense waterfalls. The canyon, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) long, is a major highlight of Yellowstone National Park. Hike trails surrounding this spectacular gorge and enjoy exceptional vistas.
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Grand Canyon of Yellowstone showing a waterfall, rapids and a gorge or canyon

5. Fishing Bridge

Fishing Bridge is a vehicle and pedestrian bridge that crosses the Yellowstone River at the point where it empties into Yellowstone Lake. Join other visitors on the bridge to spot schools of cutthroat trout and admire the landscapes of the national park. Fishing Bridge began its existence as a log crossing in 1902 and was rebuilt in its present form in 1937.
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Fishing Bridge featuring a lake or waterhole

What to do in West Thumb

Popular places to visit

Yellowstone National Park which includes a cascade, landscape views and rapids

Yellowstone National Park

Embark on a thrilling outdoor adventure at the oldest and largest national park in the United States. You’ll come across one magnificent view after another.

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park East Entrance

Yellowstone National Park East Entrance

Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Yellowstone National Park East Entrance, a popular green space in Yellowstone National Park. Discover the area's mountain views and restaurants.

Yellowstone National Park East Entrance
Yellowstone National Park South Entrance

Yellowstone National Park South Entrance

Explore the great outdoors with a trip to Yellowstone National Park South Entrance, a popular green space in Yellowstone National Park. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Yellowstone National Park South Entrance
Old Faithful

Old Faithful

Its iconic stature and reliability attract visitors from around the world. View this geyser, which always satisfies with its regular dramatic shows.

Old Faithful
Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake

In an area with many unique natural attractions, this large lake appears next to tall mountains. Visit for beautiful views and interesting walks.

Yellowstone Lake
Mammoth Hot Springs showing tranquil scenes and a hot spring

Mammoth Hot Springs

Near the northern edge of Yellowstone National Park, drive around colorful travertine terraces or walk among steaming thermal features in this otherworldly area.

Mammoth Hot Springs
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone showing a waterfall, rapids and a gorge or canyon

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Enjoy the mesmerizing views of waterfalls, a river and a variety of brightly colored rock formations in this iconic canyon, a national treasure.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley

View wildlife wandering through this large area. While some animals saunter across the roadway, you may need binoculars to see them farther away.

Lamar Valley
Fishing Bridge featuring a lake or waterhole

Fishing Bridge

Watch fish swim along the Yellowstone River, enjoy views of emerald green forests and see the mountains of Yellowstone National Park.

Fishing Bridge
Yellowstone National Park showing a river or creek and forests

Yellowstone National Park