Last updated on December 21, 2023.

Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the main areas of Yellowstone National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the location of spectacular travertine terraces created by thousands of years of crystalized calcium carbonate.

I wasn’t overly impressed with Mammoth Hot Springs in the beginning. I thought Pamukkale in Turkey was better, but after revisiting Pamukkale a few times, Mammoth Hot Springs, although smaller, is much more natural and impressive.

 

Liberty Cap

I started at the lower level of the terraces. The first feature I noticed was Liberty Cap. This 45 foot cone is an extinct spring that grew from deposits from a water flow. It’s name comes from the caps worn by colonial patriots during the Revolutionary War. Whoever named it must have had a better imagination than I do.

Liberty Cap at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Liberty Cap

 

Palette Spring

Next, I came to Palette Spring. It’s made up of several different colors like an artist’s palette.

Palette Spring at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Palette Spring
Palette Spring at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Palette Spring
Palette Spring at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
A closer look at Palette Spring

 

Minerva Terrace

Further along the boardwalk is Minerva Terrace. It’s one of the most elaborate terraces at Mammoth.

Minerva Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Minerva Terrace
Minerva Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Minerva Terrace
Minerva Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Travertines at Minerva Terrace

 

Cleopatra Terrace

Another terrace named after Cleopatra is near Minerva Terrace.

Cleopatra Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Cleopatra Terrace
Cleopatra Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Cleopatra Terrace
Cleopatra Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Travertines at Cleopatra Terrace

 

Jupiter Terrace

According to interpretive panels on the boardwalk, Jupiter Terrace used to flow with beautiful pools and brilliant colors, but has been dormant since 1998. If it doesn’t become active again, it will fill with soil and trees and grasses will grow there.

Jupiter Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Jupiter Terrace
Jupiter Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Jupiter Terrace

 

Main Terrace

The features at the top of Mammoth Hot Springs are the most spectacular, in my opinion. Main Terrace is at the top and is the best place to get a good look at the pools.

Main Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Main Terrace
Main Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Travertines at Main Terrace
Main Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Travertines at Main Terrace

 

Canary Spring

Nearby is Canary Spring, which in some parts was white as snow. It has been the most active spring in the group.

Canary Spring at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Canary Spring
Canary Spring at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Canary Spring
Canary Spring at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Travertines at Canary Spring
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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