Scientists Just Discovered a New Natural Wonder at Yellowstone National Park—What to Know

Travel + Leisure

6 days ago

A brand-new discovery in a popular national park has 'explosive' beginnings.
Geologists in Yellowstone National Park recently discovered a new thermal pool, likely formed by a hydrothermal explosion, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The stunning crater, which has pale blue water and is surrounded by rocks covered in light-gray sandy mud, was discovered during routine maintenance of temperature logging stations in the area.
Scientists said the new feature appeared to have formed over the course of multiple small explosions and likely started to develop on Christmas Day 2024 with "further activity" continuing in mid-to-late January and early February. The pool sits at about 13 feet across with the water measured at a steamy 109 degrees Fahrenheit. A new thermal feature in Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park.
'The latest new thermal feature in Norris Geyser Basin—perhaps the most dynamic area in Yellowstone National Park—demonstrates the spectrum of ways in which hydrothermal features evolve," according to the USGS. "Some form during brief and violent episodes of change. Others may take shape far more gradually, like the new feature... that seems to have begun taking shape on Christmas 2024."
High-resolution satellite images show the development of the new thermal pool starting in December 2024 before growing into a small depression by early January and then finally revealing itself as fully-formed by Feb. 13.
'The rocks and white material (silica mud) surrounding the pool were probably ejected as the feature formed,' the report revealed.
Hydrothermal explosions are somewhat common throughout Yellowstone National Park, the USGS noted. In fact, the Biscuit Basin trail head is still closed following an explosion that occurred there in July 2024. The area sits near the popular tourist destination, Old Faithful.
This most recent hydrothermal explosion resulted in a new natural wonder, but in some cases, the explosions can be deadly. In El Salvador, an explosion in 1990 resulted in more than 20 combined deaths and injuries, according to a report from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
More than 4.74 million people visited Yellowstone National Park in 2024, according to the National Park Service, a 44% increase compared to the total number of visitors in 2022. There's no one good time to visit the park, but travelers who go in the warmer months (typically from mid-April to the end of October) will find amazing camping and hiking with most of the park's roads open. Travelers who head to the park in the winter will find fewer crowds and plenty of snowy adventures, including the chance to traverse the park on skis, snowshoes, or by snowmobile.