Mammoth Hot Spring

The scenic area has a hotel and a visitor center. The center offers information on the park's daily opening hours (some areas may be temporarily closed due to various circumstances), a history guide, exhibits, and decent restrooms. If needed, it's recommended to visit early, as most restrooms are quite basic and lack cleanliness. I was surprised to find that Mammoth Hot Springs was much busier than expected, with many more people and cars than expected. As this is the first attraction, all the parking spaces were completely occupied. Attraction rating: 3.5 stars (purely based on personal preference). Mammoth Hot Springs has a Lower Terraces area and an Upper Terraces area. The Lower Terraces area is steep and takes about 40 minutes to complete. If you're just checking in, it won't take long; 20 minutes back to the car is plenty.

Mammoth Spring is quite famous. It has white volcanic rocks that rise up in layers like steps. You can climb all the way to the top along the plank road and then turn down. It takes about 30 minutes. Maybe because this attraction is famous, it is a little difficult to find a parking space. When you see a car about to leave, you should quickly turn on the left turn signal to indicate that you have taken this spot, so the car behind will not be thinking about this spot.

Mammoth Hot Springs is divided into two terraces: the Upper Terrace and the Lower Terraces. If you walk clockwise, you'll first pass the Upper Terrace. The Upper Terrace is larger, with a hiking trail that leads all the way to the hot springs town below. Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs are the only two areas within Yellowstone Park where hotels are available. If you have a similar amount of time to explore, you can have lunch or a picnic in Mammoth Hot Springs.

Currently, only one spring remains outside. You can walk to the edge of the hot spring from the upper platform. From the parking lot on the lower platform, you can look up at the large expanse of colorful steps.

Mammoth Hot Springs' geology is similar to Huanglong, but each has its own unique characteristics. The main tour routes are divided into Lower Terraces and Upper Terraces.

We went from east to west along the upper part of Yellowstone's 8-shaped curve and arrived at the Mammoth Hot Springs area.

Personal opinion: When visiting Yellowstone National Park, in addition to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and West Thumb Lake, each of which has its own characteristics and must be visited, the Mammoth Hot Springs area is the most worth seeing.

No matter which gate you enter from, or how many days you spend in Yellowstone Park, you cannot miss Mammoth Hot Springs.



When driving in Yellowstone, you may get stuck in traffic for no apparent reason. When you ask around, you may find out that an animal has been encountered up ahead, and you may have to wait for half an hour to an hour.

On the way to Mammoth Hot Springs, I unexpectedly encountered a black bear. It was on the hillside not far from the car. Many cameras were pointed at it! I quickly pulled out my telephoto lens, but the photos were a bit blurry because of the glass.



Yellowstone National Park is rich in geothermal energy, with boiling magma 8 kilometers below the surface. Even wearing a windbreaker, we felt the surging heat beneath our feet as we walked along the boardwalk. If your hat or scarf blows off, don't try to pick it up; you could lose your life if you step on it and fall.



According to Baidu, "there are over 10,000 hot springs and more than 300 geysers." Yellowstone's abundant geothermal resources and high forest coverage contribute to its abundant wildlife. It's said that before the arrival of white people in 1870, there were 35 million bison. However, the population rapidly declined as Indians hunted for them and killed them en masse.

When driving through the woods, we often saw bark peeling off at a distance of about 1 meter. It turned out that this was the result of bison rubbing against the bark while soaking in the hot springs.



I remember Iceland also has a lot of geothermal energy. However, Iceland's geothermal energy is mostly used for power generation, while Yellowstone's geothermal energy is only for viewing, not for power generation.



Geothermal eruptions release various minerals, and the Mammoth Hot Springs area is characterized by its limestone steps. These white limestones, in turn, are transformed into brown, orange, and other colors by algae, creating a vibrant and spectacular scene.



This area is quite large, located in the northwest part of the park. You can drive up directly and then walk down the trail, saving a lot of effort. However, it would take about an hour to walk and take photos.

Lime terraces are a geological phenomenon formed by the continuous erosion of mineral-laden springs. Such geological landscapes abound in Yellowstone National Park. Today, we entered Yellowstone for the second time and saw a special attraction in the park: Mammoth Hot Springs. The landforms of Mammoth Hot Springs are somewhat similar to Huanglong in Sichuan, China. After visiting Mammoth Hot Springs, we felt that the landforms were indeed somewhat similar, but the colors were not as good as the Grand Prismatic Springs we saw yesterday.

We entered Yellowstone from the north gate and visited the Mammoth Hot Springs area. After seeing the Grand Prismatic, the Mammoth Hot Springs were not so attractive anymore. In addition, the weather was still cold and we had to drive back to Billings and then fly to San Francisco, so we just took a quick stroll and left.

Arriving at Mammoth Hot Springs, we found no gas station, and the fuel gauge was already at the bottom of the red zone. I was so worried about being stranded, I was terrified. But even though I was anxious, I still had to explore this major attraction. After parking, I grabbed lunch in the car, thanks to the generous amount of food I'd bought at Walmart the previous day. After a quick lunch, we set off to explore the scenic trails. The area is situated on a steep slope and is divided into the Upper and Lower Terraces. We parked in the parking lot at the entrance to the Upper Terrace, and the main part of our tour was the trail down. The Upper Terrace was dominated by expanses of sulfide soil, ranging from white to yellow. Numerous trees, eroded by the sulfur-laden soil, created a truly bizarre appearance. Curious, I couldn't wait to get closer to see what it was like. Suddenly, a horseback rider rushed in front of us from the other side, reined in his horse, pointed at a warning sign on the side of the road, and shouted, "Follow the Rule!" I felt so embarrassed. I was so focused on looking that I had strayed from the trail. This area is actually swampy and contains several flaming pits, posing a potentially dangerous hazard. It's safer to stay on the wooden plank road provided by the scenic area. Thank you to that horseback rider for his loud reminder and warning. After circling the upper terrace, we continued down the plank road to the lower terrace. The lower terrace is primarily composed of layers of sulfuric acid hot springs of various sizes. The sulfides in the hot springs cool at the edges and crystallize, creating a shimmering palace-like castle nestled against the mountainside. It's a beautiful and spectacular sight!

The terrain here is high, and the entire Mammoth Village is nestled in a valley. From afar, the Mammoth Hot Springs are awash in steam. Follow the wooden boardwalk at the foot of the mountain to the Lower Terraces observation deck. From there, continue up the path to the Upper Terraces observation deck at the summit. The ground at the summit is covered in deposits of lime and sulfur, giving it a snowy whiteness, tinged with sulphur and iron.

Arriving at Mammoth Hot Springs, the feeling is indeed different. Beneath the hazy steam are distinct layers of salt, and the feeling of them coming together is somewhat indescribable.

Mammoth Fountain is really the place in the park where you are most likely to encounter deer. Wild deer are leisurely eating grass. There are also private houses near Mammoth. I saw some people chatting on the grass or at the table. It was very pleasant.

The Mammoth area seems to have been quite bustling in the past, with numerous restaurants and accommodations. I've seen a description of Mammoth Hot Springs before the earthquake, and it's truly amazing. It's arguably a Yellowstone landmark. Although there aren't many springs now, it's still quite crowded. Even though Mammoth Hot Springs is nearly dry, its vibrant colors still evoke its former beauty. At the top, you can still see hot spring water gushing out, emitting bursts of steam. Further down, there are some still-active hot springs, which offer a glimpse into the former majesty of Mammoth Hot Springs.

After a few days of looking around, I'm a bit tired and feel it's just average. The Mammoth area is not very small if you want to walk through it all. The most streamlined way is to just visit one, and the others are all similar in shape.

Mammoth Hot Spring is very similar to China's Huanglong Hot Spring, but Huanglong is a cold spring and Mammoth is a hot spring.

After years of accumulation, the main colors of the hot spring are orange and yellow with some green, and there is a smell of sulfur around it. Its texture and color can be said to be an artist's palette.

Layers of golden-brown sediments lay like bird feathers, and shallow spring pools revealed the color of the water below. Some areas had dried up to gray, adding a touch of desolation, while the dark mountains and grasslands in the distance brought life to this silent land.

The bacteria and algae are full of vitality, with rich and ever-changing colors. A large number of dead bacteria have calcified and turned white. Some of the hot springs have dried up, while others are still surging.

Play time:

Shangtaidi: There are not many things to see, but you can drive through it. I heard that you can complete the tour in less than ten minutes.

Lower Terrace: Over 1.5 hours. From a visual perspective, Lower Terrace is quite spectacular, and many Chinese consider it to be similar to Huanglong in Sichuan. However, due to a crustal movement in 2002, most of the hot springs ceased activity, resulting in the death of a large number of microorganisms, which has lost its original vibrant color. Therefore, the colors are not as good as those of Huanglong, and those who have been to Huanglong may be a little disappointed.

However, Huanglong is a cold spring and Mammoth is a hot spring, so there are some differences!

In the distance, there is a desolate white, and in the near distance, there are layers of hot springs rushing down along the terraces, which makes people sigh at the life and vicissitudes of life.

The grayish white and orange-yellow colors alternate, giving it a unique flavor.

Divided into two areas, the upper and lower, you can explore them all in an afternoon. The scenery is stunning, with many stepped hot springs and the colorful hot springs you'll find elsewhere. In my opinion, it's right up there with the hot springs near Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic.

As the sun sets, the giant lava steps sparkle and mist rises, bringing you to the most tranquil moments of this ancient national park.

The texture is really beautiful.

Mammoth Hot Springs is actually quite large. The lower entrance requires climbing many steps, which can be a bit tiring, but the views are quite spectacular. There's a driveable loop at the upper entrance, and the views are also worth seeing. Below the viewpoint is the excellent Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, which has a restaurant and shop, but the food is average.

It's very special and amazing, it's a blockbuster no matter how you shoot it.

Multiple hot springs flow down the hillside, breeding a large number of bacteria and forming a colorful staircase. Even elk in their mating season are very fond of this place and can be seen from time to time.

The hot springs, formed by the accumulation of large amounts of carbonate deposits and hot spring activity, are crystal clear and have formed a series of beautiful colorful steps along the hillside. This is a very rare geological phenomenon and worth seeing.

The vibrant colors of the area are due to the various algae that live in the hot springs. The algae in the water have accumulated over the hillside as they flowed down the river, forming a series of colorful steps over millions of years.

Mammoth Hot Springs is divided into upper and lower areas. We went directly to the lower area. A large part of Mammoth Hot Springs died during a crustal movement, and the remaining active springs are in the lower area. The scenery is actually similar, so we only visited a small part.

It is a limestone terrace landscape formed by carbonate hot springs, similar to China's Huanglong. As someone who has always wanted to go to Jiuzhaigou but has never been able to, this trip was a real feast for the eyes.

It is said that this place experienced a major crustal movement in 2002, causing many hot springs to stop functioning. You can see gray-black steps remaining in many places at the foot of the mountain. I believe that before 2002, this place would have been a more spectacular and magnificent sight.

Mammoth Hot Springs looks a bit like China's Huanglong, but Huanglong is a cold spring and Mammoth is a hot spring.

While there is water in Lower Mammoth, it's small and vibrantly colored, predominantly orange-yellow, with hints of green, brown, and pink upon closer inspection. The most spectacular sight is Orange Spring Mound. At first glance, we mistook it for an "elephant," resembling a reclining elephant with an orange-yellow beard. I've heard it looks like two oranges from above. Against a backdrop resembling a snowy mountain, a massive agate sculpture emerges, its solid stone radiating the gentleness of water. There are extensive travertine terraces here, some grayish-white due to the dwindling water supply, others resembling "dead" pools. Without water, there's no life. The white in the orange is like jade. With a predominant ochre-red hue, it's interspersed with red, orange, yellow, white, and even inky black. Moistened by the flowing water, it shimmers, emitting the luster of agate.

You have to drive to Mammoth Hot Springs because after visiting the hot springs below, you can drive around to the top of the hot springs and overlook it.

The Mammoth Hot Springs we saw were not the same colorful ones we saw on the Internet. One reason was the reflection in the afternoon, and the other reason was that the water source was said to be blocked by the movement of the earth's crust. The microorganisms died due to lack of water, and the spring became dry and colorless.

I've seen Mammoth Hot Springs from below, and when I drove up to the top, I realized the puddles above, which provide water for the layers of hot springs, weren't that big, probably due to seasonal factors. Perhaps if there's more rain during spring and summer, the water will accumulate, and the microorganisms below will be revived, making the area colorful again.

From a distance, Mammoth Hot Springs resembles a glittering, crystal-clear mass of gold and jade. The hot springs form a series of beautiful, multicolored steps along the hillside. This area is the only tourist accommodation in Yellowstone National Park accessible by car in winter.

It's been steaming, but not erupting. It's been almost 10 minutes, and it's only erupted twice. The kid is getting impatient and has gone off to play in the snow.

Perhaps the mist effect adds to its charm in winter, but I still find it quite spectacular. The scalding hot water sprays into the air, quickly cooling and forming ice crystals that drift away.

Mammoth is a carbonate hot spring with lower and upper terraces. After a tectonic shift in 2002, the terraces ceased to function, killing off a significant number of microorganisms and causing the color to fade. Now, all that remains are the orange and off-white steps. The lower terrace is quite beautiful, with a wooden boardwalk. The upper terrace is quite ordinary and can be easily accessed by car; there's no need to leave the car. If you're short on time, skip the upper terrace.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Located northwest of Yellowstone National Park, this is the world's largest known carbonate hot spring. The Yellowstone National Park Service headquarters are located here, along with the Albright Visitor Center, which is open year-round. The landscape is dominated by limestone steps, also known as the thermal terraces, which can be divided into the Upper Terraces and the Lower Terraces. Mammoth Hot Springs originally had multiple hot springs cascading down the hillside, breeding a large number of bacteria and creating a colorful staircase. However, after a tectonic shift in 2002, most of the hot springs ceased activity, resulting in the death of numerous microorganisms and the loss of color at Mammoth Hot Springs. The dead bacteria also turned into an off-white powder, which remains on the dried-out steps.

The road leading to the Upper Terraces area is a one-way street and is closed during winter. During winter, self-driving tourists visiting the Upper Terraces area should detour via the Lower Terraces entrance, a 3-5 minute drive south. The Lower Terraces area, on the other hand, is often considered by many Chinese to resemble the Huanglong landscape in Sichuan. The Lower Terraces area is more spectacular and well worth a visit.

During their mating season (spring), giant deer also flock here, and you can see herds of deer on the lawn near the Mammoth Hotel. The nearby Boiling River, where the hot and cold streams meet, is a perfect temperature for swimming.



Tips

1. Main Terrace is considered the most beautiful of the Lower Terraces because it has several areas with brighter colors and a small amount of flowing water. Canary Spring is also considered quite beautiful.

2. Tour duration: Lower Terraces: more than 1.5 hours; Upper Terraces: not much to see, it is recommended to drive through, less than 10 minutes.

Mammoth Hot Springs, the world's largest known carbonate hot spring, boasts a landscape dominated by limestone steps, also known as the Hot Steps. Shaped like a cake, it's also known as the Cake Springs. Mammoth Hot Springs originally had multiple hot springs cascading down the mountain, breeding a large number of bacteria and creating a vibrant staircase. However, after a tectonic shift in 2002, most of the hot springs ceased activity, leading to the death of numerous microorganisms. This caused Mammoth Hot Springs to lose its color, and the dead bacteria turned to an off-white powder, remaining on the dried-up steps. The low-lying clouds cast a more pronounced shadow of death.

Our self-driving trip to the middle and west of the United States is the most precious memory of our lives. It also started our family's self-driving journey. After that, we drove all over China for 5 years. Now looking back at Yellowstone in the United States, it is so beautiful, so beautiful that it cannot be described in words.

You definitely have to go see Mammoth Spring, after all, you're already in Yellowstone Park, but it's really not that interesting.

The road leading to the Upper Terraces Area is a one-way street and is closed during the winter. To access the Upper Terraces Area during the winter, you will need to take a detour 3-5 minutes south of the Lower Terraces Area.

The Lower Terraces Area is considered by many Chinese to be very similar to the Huanglong landscape in Sichuan. From a viewing perspective, the Lower Terraces Area is even more spectacular and well worth a visit.

Boiling River is located on the road leading from the Mammoth Hot Springs area to the north gate. There's a small parking lot on the east side of the road. About 500 meters from the parking lot, you'll find the hot springs, though you'll need to bring your own swimsuit and flip-flops. The hot springs meet at the intersection of cold and hot water, creating a thrilling experience. It's a popular hot spring spot, perfect for families. However, due to time constraints, we didn't try it.

It is a colorful attraction with unique characteristics, and it is a must-see attraction.

I'm quite satisfied with Yellowstone National Park. I've also been to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong National Park in China. Many people say that after visiting Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, Yellowstone is just so-so. But when I actually arrived in Yellowstone, I was thrilled and amazed. Although it's all formed by volcanic eruptions, you suddenly feel so close to nature. How can nature's beauty be surpassed by humans? Yellowstone is definitely worth visiting; every attraction is worth seeing! Because I went in May, two attractions were closed, but I'll definitely make up for it when I get a chance! Highly recommended!

Every attraction in Yellowstone is very satisfying

For two nights in Yellowstone, thanks to my daily binging, I was able to book a cabin at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins. I was incredibly lucky. Although many friends recommend not staying in the same area for two nights, I didn't find it inconvenient. With a car, it was fine. After all, getting two nights in the park is incredibly difficult. Those who haven't tried binging don't understand how challenging it is.

Anyway, I didn't find the Old Faithful Cabin until before I set out on the trip.

This might be the last great natural attraction of our trip to Yellowstone National Park. Mammoth Hot Springs is the world's largest known carbonate hot spring, boasting water temperatures reaching 77°C and a diverse array of travertine formations, making it a popular destination for tourists. The Huanglong Five-Colored Pools, damaged by the earthquake on the evening of August 8, 2017, and its giant travertine formations offer a similar spectacle. Unfortunately, I haven't yet visited the more vibrant Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou Valleys, so I can only comfort myself by revisiting the sights I saw at Yellowstone National Park five years ago. Of course, Mammoth Hot Springs has its own unique qualities, such as its constant white smoke and the surrounding desolate vegetation, which add to its charm. Can the term "travertine occupants" be understood as "travertine formations"? Please read the travelogue experts for their critiques and corrections.



It's worth mentioning that, although I'm from Sichuan, I've never been to Jiuzhaigou in the province. As a Nanchong native, I haven't even been to Langzhong Ancient City. Yet, I've "gone far" and traveled to places on other continents. Perhaps this is how we are: we often overlook the people and things around us, assuming that poetry lies far away. But often, the things we long to find are just out there, at the end of the street lights when we suddenly look back.

The springs here resemble terraced fields, and beside the mud volcano, a large bison, seemingly dozing off or fainting from the stench of rotten eggs, stood beside it. The best part was seeing a grizzly bear walking near the geothermal field. I was impressed by its unfazed paws.

Tips: There is a one-way street from Lower Terrace to Upper Terrace. It is recommended to drive to Upper Terrace first and then go down for sightseeing. This way you can walk less and save a lot of energy.

When I first arrived here, it was dusk, with a storm looming. The dark clouds in the sky intertwined with the sunlight, and the colorful stone platforms and dead branches on the ground intertwined. It was truly an indescribable mood, as if a solemn and murderous atmosphere permeated the air all around.

Many hot springs in the Shangti Chi area stopped functioning after the crustal movement in 2002. Even if they managed to survive, the amount of water is very small, and some hot springs are dying. Between life and death, what we see is a slightly sad beauty.

Here you can witness the alternation of life and death. The dead are dead, frozen in silence, leaving behind memories of the past. The living remain alive, transforming into active forms, continuing their past glory. With the changing geothermal conditions, life and death are a perfectly normal part of nature.

Walking down the wooden plank road, you will come to the largest staircase area here. Before you know it, you will be greeted by layers of colorful orange, yellow, green, white, and pink stairs, one after another, covering the entire hillside. The scene is spectacular and majestic, just like the ruins of a palace, very luxurious and very desolate.

Some hot springs are crystal clear and sparkling, but others, diverted by earthquakes, have completely dried up, leaving only travertine terraces. Without the nourishment of water, they have long lost their former glory. In such desolate landscapes, withering is a cruel beauty.

It is very beautiful and unique, the stones are all yellow and white,

You must visit this attraction. The "Terraces" - Cake Hot Springs, also known as Mammoth Hot Springs, is located at the top of the figure 8. Originally, there were several hot springs flowing down the hillside one by one. The hillside was dyed colorful by the microorganisms in the spring water, forming a large colorful staircase. However, due to a crustal movement in 2002, most of the hot springs here are no longer active. After the microorganisms died, they turned into gray-white powder, which remained on the dry steps, reflecting the dazzling sunlight, turning this place into a desolate and barren land. The fall of Cake Hot Springs marks the existence of active volcanoes in Yellowstone Park. As the crust changes, places that were once very active may suddenly become quiet; places that were originally unknown may also become famous. It looks quite spectacular.

A highly recommended place, but it is most beautiful at a specific time, either early or late.

Mammoth Hot Spring is also known as "Mammoth Hot Spring." As you can see, it's hard to see the pure, flowing water trickling down the stepping stones anymore. Perhaps it still works during rainy seasons. Regardless, standing at its feet, I can imagine the gurgling stream of years ago, like a stairway to heaven, looming in the swirling mist... I really want to see it with my own eyes, not just imagine it. But the blend of light and dark colors before me is still quite spectacular. Well, beauty, like beauty, should not be indulged in too much.

Yellowstone + Grand Teton - the Holy Land for Wedding Photography in My Heart

Mammoth Hot Springs, located in northwest Yellowstone National Park, is the world's largest known carbonate hot spring. The Yellowstone Park Service headquarters is located here, along with the Albright Visitor Center, open year-round. The landscape is dominated by limestone steps, also known as the thermal steps, which are divided into the Upper Terraces and the Lower Terraces (the more spectacular). The Upper Terraces has a parking lot and an overlook, which also connects to the Lower Terraces. The Lower Terrace is a one-way street from the Upper Terrace to the Lower Terrace. The Lower Terrace has three parking lots. Mammoth Hot Springs originally had multiple hot springs flowing down the hillside, breeding a large number of bacteria and creating a colorful staircase. However, after a tectonic shift in 2002, most of the hot springs ceased activity, resulting in the death of a large number of microorganisms. This caused the Mammoth Hot Springs to lose its color, and the dead bacteria turned into a grayish-white powder that remains on the dried steps. The hot springs are almost dry. There are reindeer here, so keep your distance to avoid the males' antlers. It's much more beautiful when you go in the sun.

Mammoth Hot Springs is located in the northwest of Yellowstone National Park, close to the park's north entrance. It consists of two sections, the middle section, which houses the main scenic area. The scenic area is quite large, and the hot springs still erupt, but they are now smaller in size and height, giving the impression of being on the verge of exhaustion. However, the remaining scenery is still breathtaking, and one can imagine how spectacular the geothermal activity here was before 2002. It was the world's largest known carbonate hot spring. The landscape is dominated by limestone steps. Mammoth Hot Springs draws its water from the Norris Geyser Basin, reaching temperatures of up to 77°C. Back then, algae thrived in the hot springs, giving them a vibrant color palette of brown, orange, red, and green—a truly dazzling sight. However, after a tectonic shift in 2002, most of the hot springs ceased activity. The large number of microorganisms that died out caused the springs to lose their color, now predominantly brown and white.

The Mammoth Hotel is probably the most luxurious hotel in Yellowstone. It feels like a complete community with everything you need. Although the hot springs are average, I think staying at Mammoth is the most comfortable.

The scenery is pleasant, and there are a large group of ELKs living here all year round. There are many interesting animal specimens in the Visitor Center

The terraces, formed by hot springs and minerals, are mostly white, with occasional smears of brown. Most areas are devoid of water, supposedly due to damage caused by a previous earthquake. However, the wooden boardwalk is truly well-made. From the parking lot below, the path ascends gradually to a large hot spring halfway up the mountain, offering a glimpse of the town of Mammoth and the hills beyond. Once at the top, you'll find another parking lot, accessible via a winding path. Overall, this area is perfect for a short hike, and the town at the foot of the mountain boasts many gift shops featuring Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs, which are also worth a visit.

Mammoth Hot Springs is located at the northernmost part of Yellowstone Park, close to the north gate of the park. It is not only a famous scenic spot, but also relatively prosperous. There are visitor centers and hotels nearby, so there are also many vehicles.

There is no need to say much about the natural wonders. You can often see small animals that come here to supplement calcium.

It's a very unique place, and both the upper and lower areas are worth walking through. The hot springs are also very colorful and beautiful. The service area is also very good.

The water is already low, so go check it out while it's still there.

Mammoth Hot Springs is characterized by its "step-like" terrain; also known as Terrence in English.

Being here reminds me of the terraced fields in southwest China, the Longji Rice Terraces in Guangxi, and the fat terraced fields in the Dong village in Kaili, Guizhou?

Mammoth Hot Springs, the world's largest known carbonate hot spring, features limestone terraces. The water, drawn from the Norris Geyser Basin, reaches temperatures of up to 77°C. The algae that inhabit the hot springs give it a riot of brown, orange, red, and green. The cascading hot springs cascade down the terraces, each a vibrant color, creating a dazzling array of steps.



Ha, having said so much, I thought it was another wonder, but after a crustal movement in 2002, most of the hot springs in Mammoth Hot Spring stopped their activities, resulting in the death of a large number of microorganisms, causing the Mammoth Hot Spring to lose its color. The dead bacteria also turned into grayish-white powder, remaining on the dried-up large steps. We only saw this dead hot spring, although it was just travertine steps, we could still feel the grandeur of the year.

It's beautiful and unique. I brought back white lime sand, which is also a beautiful memory.

The Mammoth Hot Springs area is a scene of stark contrasts. On one side, pale limestone and withered trees, on the other, vibrant orange water and playful birds. Signs explain that the landscape is constantly changing due to the influence of underground hot springs. One line, "In this rapidly changing landscape, you can glimpse a moment in time," instantly imbues the rough rock with poetry.

This is my personal favorite attraction in Yellowstone, highly recommended~

It's a long journey, and the gray and white color here makes people feel very depressed. I don't like the scenery here very much. If you are short on time, I think you don't need to come here.

It’s a very special landform, and it may lose its color in the future.

Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone and Huanglong in Sichuan, my country, share similar geological structures to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale in Turkey, leading some to refer to Mammoth Hot Springs as "Pamukkale" or "Little Pamukkale." As the name suggests, the fortress-like structure is formed by the cotton-white rock formations. These limestone layers were deposited by the cooling of the calcareous hot spring waters. Besides the white rocks, the hot springs are also known for their steaming hot springs.



Mammoth Hot Springs, located in the northwest corner of Yellowstone, shares the same geological origins as Pamukkale in Turkey, though the Turkish one is whiter and more famous. The Yellowstone and Huanglong hot springs, perhaps because of the "yellow" in their names, have a yellowish tint (possibly due to the sulfur). The Turkish one is said to be truly white, like cotton. A must-see if you have the chance. Mammoth Hot Springs is also quite spectacular, and not smelly, likely due to the low concentration of hydrogen sulfide. The park has built a wooden walkway that circles the hot springs for visitors to enjoy from different angles, including a wheelchair-accessible section.



Mammoth Hot Springs is also a key area in Yellowstone, with hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. I highly recommend staying at the hot spring hotel there. It's amazing to soak in Yellowstone's hot springs, but unfortunately, it's incredibly difficult to book a hot spring hotel. We searched for three months but couldn't get one, which was a shame. For Yellowstone trips, please refer to my travelogue, "A Thousand Miles in the West Coast: A Complete Driving Guide to 8 National Parks and 3 of the Most Beautiful Highways on the West Coast of the United States," available at http://www.mafengwo.cn/i/5481099.html.

This is a great place for photography, especially portrait photography. The wooden bridge, the hills, and the sunlight are all just right. Compared to more famous places like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic, it's less crowded, and there's a section of the trail that requires hiking, allowing you to discover many different landscapes.

If you visit the Lower Eight Figures scenic spot in Yellowstone first and then go to Mammoth Hot Springs, you will be very disappointed. However, if you go to Mammoth Hot Springs at the beginning, don’t be too excited because the water is almost dry. And don’t spend more than half an hour climbing to the top to see it. It’s really nothing, it’s all the truth.

This is the only wild hot spring in Yellowstone National Park where you can actually touch the water. Opening hours are from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but this may change depending on the season. Most Yellowstone hot springs are for viewing only, as the water is highly sulfurous and moderately acidic. However, here, the confluence of the hot springs and the river makes the water safe for human contact. It's recommended to wear waterproof shoes, as there are many rocks underwater that can be very piercing.

The water from Mammoth Hot Springs, originating from the Norris Geyser Basin, reaches temperatures of up to 77°C. Algae inhabit the hot springs, giving them a range of brown, orange, red, and green colors. The cascading waters flow down terraces in a variety of colors, creating a magnificent, iridescent staircase. The hot springs resemble Pamukkale in Turkey.

The hot springs are very beautiful and spectacular, and the legendary living fossil trees are still there.

You have to climb to the top of Mammoth Hot Springs to see it. You can also drive up there.

The Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone is the largest carbonate hot spring in the world. Multiple hot springs flow down the hillside, forming a series of colorful terraces and mountains.

The most impressive attraction is so big that it takes a while to appreciate it.

The Mammoth Springs parking lot offers a close-up view of Mammoth Springs, perfect for taking photos. However, the climb to the summit takes about an hour. You can drive southwest for a few miles to the summit and enjoy the panoramic views. We also spotted a group of mule deer resting in the shade at the Mammoth Springs Visitor Center: one male and several females. Their distinctive white buttocks...

The Mammoth Hot Springs area is characterized by a series of travertine terraces. There are no erupting geysers here. Instead, hot springs slowly flow from the ground, depositing travertine and forming beautiful, colorful terraces. The colorful terraces are a bit of an understatement; they are the travertine mountains formed by the geyser deposits. This is the largest travertine deposit in the world.

There are whole forests, grasslands, wildflowers, and many animals. Elk, brown bears, bison, rabbits. There are beautiful scenery everywhere.

It seems that the active period has passed, and only large areas of white limestone remain.

But it's not as beautiful as Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. The beauty in China is still better.