Yellowstone West Thumb Closed: 5 Stunning Reasons to Avoid It

Yellowstone National Park’s West Thumb Geyser Basin is currently closed due to hazardous conditions and upcoming road improvements. This closure is a significant concern for visitors planning to explore the park, as the West Thumb area is a popular destination known for its stunning geothermal features. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of the closure, the reasons behind it, and what visitors can expect during this time.

Reasons for the Yellowstone West Thumb Closure

The primary reason for the closure of the West Thumb Geyser Basin is the presence of hazardous conditions, including smoke from a small building near the bookstore that houses a solar battery energy storage system. The battery fumes are corrosive and pose a significant health risk when inhaled, necessitating the closure to ensure the safety of visitors and employees.

Closure Dates and Reopening

The West Thumb Geyser Basin has experienced two separate closure periods:

Temporary Closure: The area closed on September 12, 2022, due to the hazardous conditions mentioned above. After the area was deemed safe, the West Thumb Geyser Basin reopened.
Planned Closure: From July 19, 2023, at 6 a.m. to July 20, 2023, at 6 p.m., the West Thumb Geyser Basin, including the parking lot, trails, boardwalks, restrooms, Duck Lake Trail, and Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail, will be closed for road improvements.

The area is expected to reopen after the road improvements are completed, which is scheduled for July 20, 2023, at 6 p.m.

Impact on Visitors

During the closure periods, visitors should anticipate delays of up to 30 minutes as they navigate through the construction zones. Visitors are advised to drive slowly, be cautious of workers, heavy equipment, wildlife, and other hazards, and plan their visits accordingly.

Staying Informed

To stay up-to-date on the latest information regarding road conditions and closures in Yellowstone National Park, visitors can:

Visit the Park Roads website: https://www.yellowstone.co/roads.htm
Call (307) 344-2117 for recorded information
Text “82190” to 888-777 to receive road alerts directly to their phone

Alternative Attractions in Yellowstone

While the West Thumb Geyser Basin is temporarily closed, there are many other stunning geothermal features and attractions within Yellowstone National Park that visitors can explore. Some alternative options include:

Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin: This iconic area is home to the famous Old Faithful geyser and a variety of other thermal features.
Norris Geyser Basin: Known for its diverse and dynamic geothermal activity, the Norris Geyser Basin is a must-visit destination.
Grand Prismatic Spring: The vibrant colors and sheer size of this hot spring make it a popular attraction in the park.
Yellowstone Lake: Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and its surrounding landscapes.

Conclusion

The temporary closure of the West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is a significant concern for visitors, but it is necessary to ensure their safety and the completion of important road improvements. By staying informed, planning their visits accordingly, and exploring alternative attractions within the park, visitors can still have an unforgettable experience in Yellowstone during this time.