Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin Closed This Summer

Above, one of many geothermal pools in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those planning to visit Yellowstone National Park this summer, it has been announced that the park is closing Biscuit Basin geothermal area to visitors this summer.

This was due to an explosion last July that could have injured (or killed) visitors.

RV Travel reported:

If you’re planning an RV trip to Yellowstone National Park this summer, it’s important to note that Biscuit Basin, a popular geothermal area, remains closed for the 2025 season.

This closure follows a significant hydrothermal explosion that occurred last July at the Black Diamond Pool. The explosion propelled boiling water, steam, and debris into the air, damaging the boardwalk and surrounding areas. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The National Park Service has decided to keep Biscuit Basin closed through the summer of 2025 due to ongoing safety concerns. The area remains geothermally active, and the risk of additional hydrothermal events persists.

To read more, go here. 

Pierce Brosnan Fined $500 For Yellowstone Violation

Above, Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan got a relatively light sentence for hiking off trail in Yellowstone National Park in November.

He could have received the maximum sentence of $5,000.

According to SweetwaterNOW:

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Pierce Brosnan, 70, of Malibu, California, was fined $500, and required to pay a $1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund, a $30 court processing fee, and a $10 special assessment. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on March 14, in Mammoth, Wyoming. 

Mr. Brosnan pleaded guilty to foot travel in a thermal area. According to court documents, on or about Nov. 1, 2023, Brosnan uploaded pictures to his Instagram page of himself standing on a Yellowstone National Park thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs. There are signs posted in the area that warn visitors of the dangers of thermal features and state that visitors must remain on the designated boardwalks and trails.

The United States Attorney’s Office asked the court to sentence Brosnan to 2 years’ probation and the maximum fine of $5,000.

 At least Brosnan owned up to it by pleading guilty.

To read more, go here.

Don't Be Afraid To Leave Old Faithful Behind

Above, one of over 500 geysers in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Right now, Yellowstone National Park is probably teeming with visitors. One of the most popular attractions is Old Faithful Geyser. 

Roughly every 90 minutes, crowds gather to witness its eruptions. But, as National Parks Traveler posts, one can leave Old Faithful and its crowds behind.

In fact, the title of their article is, "When Exploring Yellowstone, Don't Be Afraid To Leave Old Faithful Behind".

Why? Because there are other geysers to see without having to contend with crowds.

According to National Parks Traveler:

Really, that headline is no mistake. When visiting Yellowstone National Park in summer, you shouldn't be afraid to leave Old Faithful behind and go in search of geysers that allow you to enjoy them with a little more solitude.

After all, Yellowstone boasts the world's greatest concentration of geysers, with more than 500 counted among its more than 10,000 geothermal features, and most offer incredible settings for enjoying the park.

And really, you've possibly saved up for one vacation this year, and Yellowstone is your destination. You shouldn't have to enjoy Old Faithful with hundreds, if not thousands, of other park visitors who gather practically shoulder-to-shoulder to watch it fume, sputter, and spout for a very small handful of minutes.

Here are some other great geysers off the heavily beaten path to add to your to-do list when you visit the park:

To read more, go here.