West Thumb

Travel Guide

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

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 P10,788 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
P10,788
P12,457 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
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! (1,289 reviews)
Lake House restaurant here is a hidden gem
"Great place to rest when not exploring Yellowstone. Views of the lake are beautiful. Staff at the lodge was not the most friendly we encountered on this long trip. BUT, staff at the Lake House restaurant on site was AMAZING. The tacos, chips and margaritas were so good and perfect casual atmosphere ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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 P18,159 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
P18,159
P20,781 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
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! (2,008 reviews)
"Really nice welcoming at the check in. Best WiFi connection of all the three different hotels we stayed at in Yellowstone Park. The rooms were clean, shower had good power and you have a fridge. The lodge buildings have elevators which is great when you arrive with heavy luggage"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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 P17,021 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
P17,021
P19,654 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
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! (1,218 reviews)
"Food was very nice for Dinner, Breakfast not so much (system food)."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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! (302 reviews)
Nice resort in the middle of nowhere
"Cabin was squeaky clean.. It looks like brand new built building. Smells like woods! Would definitely stay here again if passing this area of Idaho!!! The free breakfast was horrible. There were lines just to make waffles. No eggs available. Would recommend people to just bought their breakfast and ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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! (513 reviews)
"Definitely a unique experience. It's a peaceful remote location the only downside is that it's very dusty and the dust is very fine so car's driving and wind kick up big clouds of dust."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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 WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Kirkwood Marina and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (690 reviews)
"5/5 for the location and the property is well maintained."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 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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