Posted in Wyoming Nature July 06, 2022 by

The Natural Sapphire Pool In Wyoming Is Devastatingly Gorgeous

The color blue has been known (okay, thought) to represent both the sea and the sky and is associated with wide open spaces, freedom, expansiveness and inspiration. Blue is also thought to have positive effects on the mind and body. That’s why Wyoming’s magical Sapphire Pool will cast a spell on you. Come see why this incredible, pristine pool in Wyoming is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring.

TripAdvisor/Gianluca B.
Sapphire Pool is located in an isolated group of thermal features known as Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park. Biscuit Basin, which is part of the Upper Geyser Basin, contains a very small number of thermal features. But the few that are there are spectacular.
TripAdvisor/Credaro
The basin is divided by the highway and the Firehole River. Sapphire Pool is in a group of thermal features located west of the river along with Shell Geyser and Jewel Geyser.
Flickr/James St. John
Biscuit Basin was named for the unique biscuit-like deposits surrounding Sapphire Pool. The basin received its name as far back as 1880.
TripAdvisor/urbanguy
This particular basin is known as being extremely unpredictable and volatile. In fact, in 1959, the area experienced an earthquake that recorded 7.5 on the Richter Scale.
TripAdvisor/Heiners
Four days later, Sapphire Pool began to violently erupt. When it did, it blew away the rock biscuits around the crater that the basin was named for.
TripAdvisor/VioletNickelspeed
Sapphire Pool is located on the right just before the loop portion of Biscuit Basin Loop Walkway. The walkways are there for your safety and for the preservation of the thermal areas. It's extremely important for visitors to stay on the walkways.
TripAdvisor/Denice S.
Throughout years of eruptions, Sapphire has doubled in size. The pool is currently 18x30 feet with water that ranges from 200º to 202º.
TripAdvisor/pedz55
The pool is very deep, which helps produce the amazing blue color. The pool is named for the color of its water and its resemblance to an Oriental sapphire.
TripAdvisor/Credaro
To get to Biscuit Basin and Sapphire Pool, drive two miles north of the Old Faithful Interchange, or 14 miles south of Madison Junction, on the Old Faithful to Madison section of Grand Loop Road.
Flickr/GPS
Sapphire last erupted in 1991. It still surges and boils today.
Flickr/katie wheeler
It's one of the most beautiful pools in Yellowstone.

Due to the geysers, hot springs, lakes, wildflowers, fall foliage, sunrises, and sunsets in Wyoming, it’s one of the most colorful states in the country. Which parts of this amazing state are your happy places? Tell us in the comments!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Sapphire Pool Yellowstone

July 11, 2022
Tori Jane

Where can I find natural sapphire pools in Wyoming?  

Well, first and foremost, did you know that tucked inside Yellowstone National Park is a pool so brilliantly blue that it’s literally named the Sapphire Pool? Yep! It’s true – and it’s a sight to behold. Of course, as gorgeous as this natural sapphire pool in Wyoming is, it’s absolutely NOT for swimming or even touching in any way. Seriously. You’ll die, because the water is just a little bit under boiling, with temperatures reaching up to 202 degrees in certain spots. And no, you won’t find spots cool enough for lounging anywhere – the coolest parts of Sapphire Pool are about 200 degrees! Of course, other sapphire pools in Wyoming exist, also within Yellowstone. Check out the Black Pool (which is actually deep blue), Bluebell Pool, and Morning Mist Springs.  

What are some of the most pristine natural pools in Wyoming?  

Wyoming is outrageously beautiful. It’s filled to the brim with amazing places, including some of the most amazing hiking trails in the United States, some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the United States, and so, SO much more. So, what’s a person to do if they want to take a swim in one of the pristine natural pools in Wyoming? Find them, of course! Some of our favorite places to go swimming in Wyoming include crystal-clear, pristine ponds like those found in hot springs; check out the Mr. Bubbles Hot Spring, Kelly Warm Springs (which might be our fave), the Firehole (which is way more relaxing than it sounds), and Hot Springs State Park.  

What makes sapphire pools blue?  

There are many factors that affect the color of water in sapphire pools, lakes, rivers, and more. Usually, lakes and oceans appear blue due to reflecting light from the sky above, but sometimes you’ll end up with literal blue water thanks to some natural conditions. Things like minerals, sediments, algae, bacterial blooms, and other factors all play a part; for example, in Yellowstone National Park, a lot of the sapphire pools look that way thanks to their mineral content. Calcium carbonate is typically the largest culprit. Another common cause of blue water is something a lot less pleasant, like blue-green algae, which is dangerous!