Black Sand Basin

The basin contains multiple pools including Emerald Pool at 154°F, Rainbow Pool at 161°F, and Sunset Lake at 180°F, along with Cliff and Spouter geysers.

Originally named Emerald Group by A.C. Peale in 1878, the area received its current name from tourists due to the black obsidian sand covering the ground.

The thermal features of Black Sand Basin represent one of only five locations worldwide with substantial concentrations of active geothermal formations alongside Kamchatka, Chile, New Zealand, and Iceland.

Visitors can access Black Sand Basin through a one-mile walk from Daisy Geyser or drive northwest of Old Faithful, with marked ski trails available during winter months.

The former Handkerchief Pool attracted visitors who would drop handkerchiefs into its waters, which would return cleaned by the natural currents of the spring.

GPS coordinates: 44.46285,-110.85355

Latest update: March 4, 2025 19:11