Yellowstone: A Section of the West Thumb Boardwalk Closed for Repairs
The path to Fishing Cone and Lakeshore Geyser is closed at West Thumb while crews repair the lakeshore support structures.
If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone, here's something to keep in mind about West Thumb Geyser Basin, the geothermal basin that sits right on the shore of Yellowstone Lake. One section of the wooden boardwalk, the stretch that leads out to Fishing Cone and Lakeshore Geyser, is currently closed to visitors. The reason is simple: park crews are replacing damaged support structures along the shoreline, where the wood takes a beating from the water and the changing seasons.
The good news is that this doesn't cancel your visit. The rest of the boardwalk loops stay open, and you can still walk out over the hot springs, colorful pools, and steam vents that made this area famous. It's really just the two spots we mentioned, Fishing Cone (the mineral cone that sits right at the water's edge) and Lakeshore Geyser, that are off-limits while the work is underway.
When it comes to timing, stay flexible. The work is expected to run through mid-October, but the park notes that dates can change without notice. In other words, don't build your whole day around the promise of seeing Fishing Cone. Treat this stretch as a bonus, not a must-see. Bring good shoes and plenty of water, and remember that stepping off the boardwalk is both illegal and dangerous in a geothermal basin.
Our advice is to use this as a chance to balance out your itinerary. West Thumb pairs nicely with the big basins on the west side of the park, and if you've got the full day, it's worth spreading out your stops. To place this area in the bigger picture and map out your route, lean on the Yellowstone park guide. And if you're putting together a longer trip, take a look at our road trip route that runs through the park to string together Yellowstone and Grand Teton without a hitch.