This Wyoming Park Has Endless Boardwalks And You'll Want To Explore Them All
By Kim Magaraci|Published August 04, 2018
×
Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Plenty of parks around the world have Boardwalks, which makes hiking out to see incredible natural wonders easy for kids and adults alike. Nothing, however, compares to the boardwalks of Yellowstone National Park. The park’s boardwalks were designed so that visitors could get a close look at the unique thermal features that led to the park being protected in 1872.
Over 14 miles of boardwalks wind their way through the country's first National Park, showing off thousands of natural hydrothermal springs and geysers, along with stunning wildlife.
One of the most breathtaking sights is the Grand Prismatic Spring, which you can get close to via park boardwalk. Normally, the boiling hot water, steam, and thin-crusted earth would keep admirers far from these natural wonders.
The Excelsior Geyser group is so full of color that's it's hard to believe is real. The steam rises from the warm springs and you'll feel like you're walking through a cloud.
You could spend hours walking these boardwalks - and many people do. Every year, millions visit the Old Faithful Basin to see the world's most famous geyser eruption.
Of course, there's more to see than geysers and thermal springs. The Yellowstone boardwalks will take you to the surreal West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, where the water seems impossibly blue.
On certain days, the West Thumb Geyser Basin gets foggy and dark, and you'll feel like you might be walking overtop the gates of Hell as the heat rises from the dark below.
Whether you think of the hot springs as a portal to the underworld or just a testament to the creative power of mother nature, walking miles and miles of Yellowstone boardwalks is sure to have a lasting impact on your worldview.
While it's not as common to see bear and bison in the geyser basins, it's still absolutely possible. Carry bear spray, bring a camera, and most of all, be sure to stay on the boardwalks for your safety and for the safety of the springs.
For another boardwalk trail in Yellowstone National Park that’s often overlooked, head over to the Kepler Cascades. There, you’ll One Of Wyoming’s Most Majestic Waterfalls, With No Hiking Necessary, thanks to the boardwalk and overlook that takes you right to the cascades from the side-of-the-road parking lot.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
