AUTO TOUR OF THE UPPER TERRACE

The entrance to the Mammoth Terrace Drive is one and one-half miles south of the Mammoth Visitor Center on the road to Norris. This scenic auto tour winds for one and one-half miles among several active thermal springs and has convenient parking pull-outs along the route where you can stop and become better acquainted with the features. The drive is a one-way loop road and due to several sharp turns it is necessary to exclude towing units, buses and motor homes in excess of 25 feet in length. Remember that thin crust and very hot water make caution especially important when you are near thermal features.

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MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS AREA Lower Terraces

CANARY SPRING

MAIN TERRACE

NEW BLUE SPRING

JUPITER TERRACE

NAIAD SPRING

MINERVA TERRACE

RESERVOIR SPRING

CAVERN SPRING

DEVIL’S THUMB

LIBERTY CAP

OPAL TERRACE

UPPER TERRACE DRIVE

NORRIS AND UPPER TERRACE DRIVE

MAMMOTH VILLAGE

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LOWER TERRACE OVERLOOK

This viewpoint offers an excellent overview of the springs and pools of the Lower Terraces. The large blue pool ahead and to the right is Canary Spring. The pools visible to the left are the New Blue Springs complex. The names of these features suggest colors which are inconsistent with what we see today. The color of both features has changed from when they were originally named. Changes in environmental conditions may account for this: perhaps a change in water temperature.

The trail to the left goes around New Blue Spring and on down over the terraces to Minerva Spring. Near that point the trail branches to the right to Jupiter Spring and past Minerva itself, or left to Liberty Cap. Both routes lead to parking areas along the lower road.

Beyond the terraces the red-roofed buildings on the right are those of historic Fort Yellowstone, built and occupied by the U.S. Cavalry during their tour of duty here from 1886 to 1918.

The ecological community in this section of the upper terraces is worth noting. The high content of decayed travertine produces a porous soil which dries out quickly. Consequently, vegetation is sparse and is limited to those species which are tolerant of such conditions. Several variations may be seen in the plant communities at other points along the tour road. What environmental conditions can you detect that might be influencing these differences?

NEW HIGHLAND SPRING

Activity began at New Highland Spring in 1952. The continuous heavy flow of mineral laden water has caused a very rapid development of this beautiful terrace. Prior to that time a luxuriant growth of trees, shrubs and flowers covered this hillside. The tree skeletons being engulfed by travertine stand as monuments to the former conditions.

To the right of New Highland still stands a portion of dense vegetative cover growing on a north facing slope. Most noticeable upon close inspection is the amount of undergrowth, which includes a heavy growth of mosses. What soil and moisture conditions are reflected here? Why would this area be so different?

ORANGE MOUND SPRING

The bright orange of this formation is a clue to the temperature of its water. Also, the rate of flow and the rate of deposition are very slow. It could follow then that since we have no record of this spring ever being very active, this small mound could be considerably older than those that are much larger.

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BATH LAKE

Just ahead of you is a short but very steep hill. At the bottom of this hill on the right is Bath Lake, named by some of the local residents in the 1880’s. Being a quiet pool, deposition of travertine is at a slow rate and the water remains highly mineralized with limestone. According to the old records Bath Lake was entirely dry in 1926 and remained that way until the 1959 earthquake. Although the name of this feature derives from the soldiers’ habit of swimming in it, we now know that this activity damages the bacteria and algae which are part of what the park exists to preserve. Bathing in thermal features is also unsafe and unlawful.

WHITE ELEPHANT BACK TERRACE

This long white ridge is unusual for a hot spring terrace and adds a touch of fantasy to the area. Someone has said that it resembles a string of circus elephants marching over the Mammoth Terraces. Take the time to view it from different angles to see what you think!

The final section of the Upper Terrace Drive goes through a wooded area. Mule deer are frequently seen here, especially during the late afternoon and evening.

Forest vegetation along this section is dense even though it a south-facing slope. The thermal features in this vicinity are old and have been inactive for many years. This has allowed for a more complete decomposition of the travertine and an accumulation of a heavier, richer soil. Its moisture-holding properties far exceed those of the soil found at the Lower Terrace Overlook.

ANGEL TERRACE

At the bottom of the hill on the left are the ruins of Angel Terrace. Visitors during the 1920’s and 30’s saw it as a beautiful algae-tinted feature. Today it is beginning to crumble and young pioneer plants are taking root in the thin soil over its surface.

Alteration and change are constantly occurring in the thermal basins and add to the mystery of this fascinating land. They bring not destruction and loss, but rather new birth and gain. Who knows what interesting ornate new features may develop by next year, or in five years. You are encouraged to return again and again to enjoy this ever-changing scene.

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For your safety and the protection of the fragile features, PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAILS. Pets are not permitted on the trails, for their protection and yours.

EMERGENCY PHONE 344-7381

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS AREA YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

WHITE ELEPHANT BACK TERRACE

BATH LAKE

ORANGE SPRING MOUND

NEW HIGHLAND SPRING

ANGEL TERRACE

CUPID SPRING

LOWER TERRACE OVERLOOK

NEW BLUE SPRINGS

CANARY SPRINGS

JUPITER SPRINGS

MINERVA SPRING

PALETTE SPRING

OPAL TERRACE

CAVERN SPRINGS

RESERVOIR SPRINGS

LIBERTY CAP

(ONE WAY)

NO TRAILERS OR BUSSES

NORRIS 21 MILES

TRAILS IN RED

PICNIC TABLES

BEAVER PONDS TRAIL (6 mile loop)

PHOTO SHOP

SERVICE STATION

GENERAL STORE

PHONE

RESTAURANT

MAMMOTH MOTOR INN AND CABINS

VISITOR CENTER

CHAPEL

TOWER ROOSEVELT 18 MILES

HORSE RENTAL

OLD ROAD TO GARDINER (ONE WAY, GRAVEL)

ICE VENDOR

POST OFFICE

CLINIC

ADMIN. BLDG.

CAMPGROUND

PHONE

NORTH ENTRANCE 5 MILES

Water falling on areas south of Mammoth Hot Springs seeps into limestone strata.

water + carbon dioxide → mild carbonic acid; this dissolves limestone

Carbon dioxide gas rises from magma.

magma

Hot mineral springs flow from cracks.

fault zone

Gas (mainly carbon dioxide) escapes—limestone (travertine) forms

Board walk