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 P18,554 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P18,554
P21,425 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (1,253 reviews)
"It was just good. We were able to visit other villages like the Lake, Mammoth, and Old Faithful which all looked superior than ours. It's just a decent stay and purpose served."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 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 P15,774 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
P15,774
P18,052 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
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! (1,978 reviews)
Great place!
"Location is absolutely astonishing. But we’re here to feedback the hotel and not nature. The rooms are very clean and my two queen was generously spacious. There were no parking issues and checking in, despite a short wait time (largest accommodations in YS). Moreover, the counter person was informative, ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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
Fully refundable
The price is P16,809 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
P16,809
P19,410 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
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! (1,185 reviews)
"beautiful place to rest and look at the lake"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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! (263 reviews)
"Great place to stay for Yellowstone and Teton parks. We stayed 6 nights and will stay again if we revisit."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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! (498 reviews)
Wish we could have stayed longer!
"We had dinner at the check in area and we thought the food was great. The hosts were lovely people. I think I had the best nights sleep I’ve had in a long time. We enjoyed a relaxing evening watching the sunset outside of our Yurt. Loved staying here!"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Wander Camp Yellowstone Island Park
The Preserve

The Preserve

3 out of 5
4128 Quakie Ln, Island Park, ID
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Island Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Island Park Golf Course and Mack's Inn ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (166 reviews)
Nice and Quiet
"Awesome place, no hotel room. No sharing walls. Quiet. Had many amenities. Easy check in and out. Great location. Very comfortable."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

The Preserve
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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