Biscuit Basin Remains Closed After Yellowstone Explosion Last Summer

As Yellowstone’s peak visitation ramps up for summer 2025, one of its most “Instagrammed” attractions, Biscuit Basin, remains off-limits. Park officials have kept the boardwalk fenced off “until further notice,” following a hydrothermal explosion on July 23, 2024, that obliterated the basin’s iconic biscuit-shaped mineral deposits. Visitors arriving this season will need to adjust their itineraries, but plenty of other geyser-scapes and trails await just down the road.

A (Brief) History of Biscuit Basin’s Biscuits

1959 Hebgen Lake quake: Sapphire Pool erupted, scattering the biscuit-shaped silica nodules that gave the basin its name.
1991 eruption: Another burst sent mud and steam skyward, yet the basin’s other features, like Jewel Geyser, kept erupting every 7–10 minutes.
July 23, 2024: The latest hydrothermal blast prompted the closure of the 0.6-mile loop boardwalk and all adjacent trails.

What You’re Missing (For Now)

Sapphire Pool: Still one of Yellowstone’s most gorgeous deep-blue springs.
Mustard Spring: A vivid yellow-green counterpoint to the sapphire hues.
Jewel Geyser: Regular spurts of steam and water, roughly every 7–10 minutes.

Nearby Trails Still Open

If you’re itching for a hike, head to these trailheads (just avoid the fenced-off Biscuit boardwalk):

Mystic Falls Trail (2.4 mi RT): Follow a mountain creek through conifers to a 70-ft cascade on the Little Firehole River.
Summit Lake Trail (14.5 mi one-way): A Continental Divide jaunt with views over Upper Geyser Basin; Smoke Jumper Hot Springs awaits midway.
Upper Geyser Basin: Home to Old Faithful and the densest collection of geysers on Earth.

Why It Matters

Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features, which are powered by magma just 3–8 miles underground, are a delicate plumbing network of boiling water and steam. When constrictions build enough pressure, they can erupt with little warning. Biscuit Basin’s closure is a reminder that even in “park mode,” Yellowstone can be unpredictable.

Safety First

Stay on designated boardwalks (where they’re open).
Never approach or touch hot springs or thermal mats.
Keep at least 100 yards from bears and wildlife.
Watch your step: the ground can be unstable near vents.

We’ll keep you posted on reopening plans. In the meantime, explore nearby trails and remember: Yellowstone’s magic comes with a healthy dose of respect and caution.

*UPDATE – Webcam view now live at Biscuit Basin:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) website has launched a live view of the area to track potential movement. The Wi-Fi out there isn’t exactly breaking speed records, so no livestreaming, but the camera’s still rolling and saving the goods, ready for the USGS to grab whenever they need a peek.