Yellowstone National Park has many special places but the travertine
terraces found at Mammoth Hot Springs are one of my favorite areas in
the Park. This post features the Lower Terraces and is a
continuation from my previous post on the Upper Terraces. A
boardwalk trail (about 1.75 miles with 300 feet of elevation change)
goes around the Upper and Lower Terraces.
Mammoth Hot Springs Trail Guide Map
Mammoth Hot Springs is always
changing and sometimes the change can occur overnight. That’s
because the rapid build up of travertine can create obstacles for the
water’s flow. Water takes the path of least resistance. That
means a once dry and chalky-white terrace may spring to life in a
colorful display while another terrace may become dry and dormant.
Such is the exciting cycle at Mammoth Hot Springs.
To demonstrate this constant
state of change, I am including some photos we took in 1989 as a
comparison. Since our cameras weren’t as good in 1989, the
photo quality reflects the camera quality.
We park the car at the largest
parking area in front of the boardwalk
trail to Minerva
Terrace. From here, we walk the handicap accessible trail to see the
iconic symbol of Mammoth - Liberty Cap. This 37’ tall extinct hot
spring cone of travertine is estimated to be 2,500 years old. It
was given its name in 1871 because of its resemblance to the conical
caps (sometimes referred to as Liberty Caps) worn by the French
revolutionary army as part of their uniform.
Liberty Cap
Hymen Terrace near Liberty Cap
Opposite Liberty Cap, on the
east side of the road, is Opal Terrace. It was named in 1871 by the
Hayden expedition. It was probably named for its opalescent blue
color. I’m not sure why but we have never stopped to go see it. A
photo of it will have to wait for a future visit.
We walk back to the
parking lot. From
here, we climb the
hillside stairs to continue our tour of the Lower Terraces. For no
particular reason, we walk the loop trail around Minerva Terrace in a
counter-clockwise direction.
Minerva Terrace (2018)
Minerva Terrace (2010)
Minerva Terrace (1989)
In Roman mythology, Minerva
was the goddess of artists and sculptors. It’s a fitting name for
a place that is
constantly being sculpted and shaped.
During active periods, water cascades over a series of step-like
travertine terraces creating
a colorful hillside.
During
inactive periods,
the travertine is exposed. When travertine is new, it is bright
white in color.
It turns
gray as
it ages and weathers.
On our right, we pass a lovely
blue-colored pool called Palette Spring.
Palette Spring (2014)
Nearby is another extinct travertine cone called Devil’s Thumb.
Devil's Thumb
Along the “backside” of Minerva Terrace is Cleopatra Terrace (to
our right). Unfortunately, we didn’t stop to photograph it during
our last Yellowstone visit. I’m curious to see what it looks like
today.
Cleopatra Terrace (1989)
Celopatra Terrace (2018)
We arrive at an intersection to the boardwalk trail. A right turn
would take us up the hillside to an overlook at the Upper Terraces.
Since we have already been there, we turn left (back toward the
parking lot).
In 2018, we didn't see a lot of color at Mammoth Hot Springs until we reached Mound Spring. Here, we find a rainbow of pastel colors dripping down the limestotne ledges into a beautiful pool rimmed with white edging.
In 2018, we didn't see a lot of color at Mammoth Hot Springs until we reached Mound Spring. Here, we find a rainbow of pastel colors dripping down the limestotne ledges into a beautiful pool rimmed with white edging.
Mound Spring (2018)
Mound Spring
The trail to the parking lot takes us by Mound Terrace and
Jupiter Terrace.
Boardwalk Trail
If Mound Terrace were in a cave, these icicle
looking features would be called Cave Draperies.
Mound Terrace (2010)
Mound Terrace (2018)
Jupiter Terrace is attached to Mound Terrace. In 1871, the Hayden
expedition named it for the Roman god Jupiter. During our 1980’s
visit, Jupiter Terrace was active.
Jupiter Terrace (1989)
Jupiter Terrace (2010)
Jupiter Terrace (2018)
Here are my final thoughts about touring the terraces. If it is
sunny and warm, you need to know there aren’t any shade trees along
the boardwalk trail. It’s always a good idea to bring some water
to drink but please pack out what you bring in. Oh, and don’t
forget your camera and an extra battery!
No matter how many times 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: Mud Volcano - Stop and Smell the...Sulfur?
Hiking Yellowstone: NW Corner - More Space; Less Crowded
Hiking Yellowstone: NW Corner - More Space; Less Crowded
Planning a visit to Yellowstone? Food and lodging options are
available inside the park and in towns just outside the park (West
Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cooke City/Silver Gate – all located in
Montana). I highly recommend 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 suggest 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.
Family vacations created some of my favorite memories. To start
planning your memorable trip to Yellowstone, please click on the
following link:
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