Yellowstone: Biscuit Basin Closed After Hydrothermal Explosion

At Yellowstone, one of the busiest spots is still closed to visitors, and this time the park's own geology is the reason. Biscuit Basin, just north of the famous Old Faithful geyser, has been off-limits since a hydrothermal explosion on July 23, 2024. The parking lot, the wooden boardwalk that winds between the pools, and access to the Firehole River are all affected.

If you were planning a stop at Biscuit Basin, drop it from your itinerary for now. The closure holds until further notice, with no reopening date announced. Park officials worry another event could hit the same spot, so caution is the rule across the whole area.

A hydrothermal explosion isn't a volcanic eruption. It's a sudden release of steam and boiling water when underground pressure crosses a threshold, throwing mud and rock debris hundreds of feet. It's rare but very real at Yellowstone, where the geothermal basins hold a huge amount of energy just below the surface.

The good news is that this closure stays local. The rest of the park runs normally, and the big highlights around Old Faithful are still open. If you're after hot springs and geysers, the neighboring basins give you more than enough to fill a full day without going anywhere near the closed zone.

Before you head out, always check the latest access conditions, because things change fast in a park this active. To plan your trip with confidence and work around this closure, lean on our Yellowstone national park guide, which breaks down the areas and drive times. And if you're dreaming of a bigger loop through the West, our road trip itinerary that runs through the park will help you connect Yellowstone to its neighbors without any surprises.