The One Place In Wyoming That Must Be Seen To Be Believed

Mammoth Hot Springs has been described as a cave that looks like "it has been turned inside out." It's a feature of Yellowstone National Park that has some of the most intriguing and unusual rock formations in the country. This is an active area which means the rock formations are constantly growing and changing.

Formation

The unusual features are formed when the rain and snow seeps into the earth and interacts with the heat from the remnant of an ancient volcano.

The water boils and rises to the surface. As the water cools, it deposits calcium carbonate in layers that build up over time in otherworldly formations.

Liberty Cap

Liberty Cap is a 37' dormant hot spring cone located in the northern section of Mammoth Hot Springs. The Hayden Survey Party gave it that name in 1871 because it resembled the peaked caps worn during the American Revolution.

Orange Mound Spring

Orange Spring is named for its color which is a result of the algae and bacteria. The mound shape is the result of a very slow water flow along with the deposition of minerals.

Jupiter Terrace

The boardwalk passes right by Mound and Jupiter Terraces.

Yes, this does look like something you would find on another planet.

It's interesting that some of the formations look just like steps.

Canary Springs

Canary Terrace is made up of circular white and orange terraces. Water flows down this terrace which is a visible indication that this terrace is still growing.

Some of the terraces are formed with a 20' drop.

Minerva Terrace

Minerva Spring features a wide range of colors and intricate formations. The spring ceased to flow in the early 1900s and was completely dry but in 1951 it started to flow again.

Palette Spring

Palette Spring is one of the most striking features in the park. This formation consists of smooth white, orange and brown features created by the flow of water crisscrossing.

Map

Here's a handy map of all the different rock formations in Mammoth Hot Springs.

Mammoth Hot Springs is south of the North Entrance to Yellowstone. The area is open year round and is accessible by car and boardwalks that wind through the Upper and Lower Terraces.