Yellowstone National Park’s hot springs are simply glorious. From the iconic Old Faithful to the tallest geyser in the world (Steamboat), these natural erupting wonders have drawn curious humans for centuries. Lately, however, it seems like those humans are getting a little too curious – and entirely too close – for comfort.
From dipping fingers in boiling pools to wandering off the boardwalk to get a better photograph, it seems like these days we’re reporting on geyser mishaps in Yellowstone about as frequently as we are on misadventures with bison. The reason is a little unclear – perhaps it’s because we all think we live in a video game nowadays, or maybe it’s because in other areas out west, hot springs are places to hike to and soak in? Whatever the reason, it appears that the time has come for a little hot springs safety lesson.
