Mammoth Hot Springs

Description: Mammoth Hot Springs is the northernmost town in the park. It is home to the central administration of Yellowstone National Park. The tourist attraction in Mammoth Hot Springs are the colorful sinter terraces. These were discovered in 1871 during the Hayden Expedition.
The sinter terraces are formed by water up to 70 degrees, from hot springs above Mammoth. The water flows down the slopes. In the process, lime and minerals are deposited and form the terraces. The bright colors are formed by algae and bacteria found in the water.
Man kann auf mehreren, beplankten Wegen zwischen den Sinterterrassen umherlaufen. Wenn man nach oben auf den Berg möchte, muss man dabei einige Stufen und Treppen überwinden. Ansonsten ist der Weg sehr leicht zu laufen. Will man die ganzen Formationen erkunden, kann man sicher 2-3 Stunden einplanen.

Our rating: Since our first visit in August 1994, the terraces have changed a lot. Back then there were many pools and a lot of running water. Many of the terraces were water-filled and colorful. On our last visit in June 2017, most of the mountain was dried up and gray. Palette Spring alone still had some water-filled sinter terraces. This is how nature changes and makes you realize that this is a geothermal active area.