Yellowstone: Touring the Black Sand Basin

This blog post is taking you to where there is black sand and beautiful blue water. No, I’m not talking about Hawaii. I’m talking about the Black Sand Basin in Yellowstone National Park – the world’s first National Park. The Black Sand Basin is part of Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin which has the greatest concentration of geysers and thermal features in the world.    

Black Sand Basin is a small collection of colorful hot springs located on the south side of the road about half a mile from the Old Faithful Interchange. Since the 1890’s, it’s been called the Black Sand Basin because of the tiny obsidian fragments that make up the sand in this area.

What I like about the Black Sand Basin is its close proximity to Old Faithful, it isn’t as crowded, and it doesn’t take long to see it (about 10-15 minutes). We call places like this a “filler walk”. It’s near the end of the day and we want to do something but we don’t have a lot of time. Black Sand Basin is a perfect “filler walk”.

Map of Black Sand Basin

After we park the car, the first thing we see is Cliff Geyser. Cliff Geyser was named in 1872 for its location at the edge of Iron Creek and the cliff-like wall that separates it from the creek. During our visit, Cliff Geyser was actively splashing bursts of water into the air. It can erupt as high as 35-50 feet.

 Cliff Geyser

We continue our walk by crossing the footbridge over Iron Creek. The rusty-colored banks are caused by reddish-brown algae that thrive in this environment.

Iron Creek near the footbridge

We take a short spur trail to the left where we find Emerald Pool (27’x38’). Over the years, the water temperature in this hot spring has decreased. This caused changes of bacteria and algae growth which, in turn, resulted in a change of color. Today, the center of the pool still reflects a beautiful blue-green but the edges have turned orange and brown. Based on this past activity, it is possible if the water temperature continues to decrease, the pool may eventually lose its emerald color.   

Emerald Pool

Near Green Spring is a grassy area with a woods and mountain behind it. Here I find a beautiful blue bird perched on top of a broken branch. During a sunset walk, I watch a coyote run through this area.

Blue Bird near Green Spring

Rainbow Pool (100’x130’) got its name because the edges of the pool were colorful – like a rainbow.  

   Rainbow Pool

Sunset Lake (145’x191’) is a shallow pool of blue water with a colorful edge of yellow and orange bacteria and algae. In 1887, this hot spring was referred to as “Sunshine Lake”.

 Sunset Lake

Moonrise over Sunset Lake

Opalescent Pool (28’x55’) was once a boiling spring then it went dry. In the 1950’s, water flooded into the dry pool and surrounding area killing the lodgepole pine. Notice the white color around the base of the tree trunks. Over time, this silica compound may contribute to the creation of a petrified forest.

Opalescent Pool & Lodgepole Pine

Located near Opalescent Pool, Spouter Geyser is a fountain-type geyser with frequent eruptions shooting 5-7 feet high.   The sinter crater edges the pool.   

Spouter Geyser

Black Sand Basin isn’t like the black sand beaches found in Hawaii and its Caribbean-blue colored pools of water are too hot to go for a swim; but, this basin’s black sand and blue hot springs will offer visitors an experience that is uniquely Yellowstone.

No matter how many time I visit Yellowstone, I never get tired of seeing its ever-changing scenery. I invite you to view my other blog posts on Yellowstone National Park by clicking on the following links:

Yellowstone: A to Z

Introduction to Yellowstone: Basic Park Highlights

A Geyser Gazers Guide to the Upper Geyser Basin

Yellowstone: It's Cookin' in the BIscuit Basin

Backpacking Yellowstone: Quiet WIld Moments

Yellowstone: A Ton of Fun at the Canyon
Hiking Yellowstone: Fairy Falls & Imperial Geyser
Yellowstone Scenic Drive: Firehole Canyon

Yellowstone Scenic Drive: Firehole Lake

Yellowstone: Fountain Paint Pot Nature Trail
Yellowstone: Fountain Flat Drive & Beyond

Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs is Really Cool (Upper Terraces)

Yellowstone: Mammoth Hot Springs is Really Cool (Lower Terraces)

Yellowstone: Hell's Half Acre

Hiking Yellowstone: Monument Geyser Basin

Yellowstone: Mud Volcano - Stop and Smell the ... Sulfur?
Hiking Yellowstone: NW Corner - More Space; Less Crowded

Norris Geyser Basin: Back Basin - Some Like It Hot

Norris Geyser Basin: Porcelain Basin - Some Like It Hot
West Thumb Geyser Basin: Two Thumbs Up

Whatta Falls - Waterfalls in Yellowstone NP

Planning a visit to Yellowstone? Food and lodging options are available inside the park and in the towns just outside the park (West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City/Silver Gate – all in Montana).. I strongly suggest making lodging reservations in advance. Yellowstone is a popular destination and “No Vacancy” signs are common especially during the peak summer months. Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews.

My best advice is this - don’t just drive through Yellowstone – experience it!

The National Park Service has created a series of short videos titled “Inside Yellowstone”. It’s a fast and fun way to learn about the Park. Click on the following link to begin this Yellowstone experience:.

Inside Yellowstone - A Series of Short Videos

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories. To start planning your memorable trip to Yellowstone, please click on the following link:

Plan Your Visit - Yellowstone NP