Biscuit Basin•Yellowstone

00:00     Title
00:05     Biscuit Basin
06:40     Flood Geyser
08:10     Fin
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The small round crusty looking calcified deposits that can be seen in many of the Yellowstone National Park geyser fields are known as biscuits. These rock formations usually line the mouth of percolating hot springs, boiling mud holes and shallow hot spring pools, which are common sights in this vast geothermal area. The little biscuits come and go as more soluble material is deposited, so they are usually only a temporary component in this ever changing volcanic landscape.

The Biscuit Basin only covers a small area, but there is a high concentration of unusual geothermal features awaiting to be experienced in this unique place, which include plenty of small inedible biscuits! The physical appearance of Biscuit Basin are so far removed from what can be considered normal, that the initial visual impression will be on par with a science fiction movie setting. The strangest of natural geological oddities can be viewed along the boardwalk hiking trail and the steam rising from the ground will certainly create an atmosphere of mythical proportions.

Natural points of interest along the boardwalk path include the beautiful Sapphire Pool, Black Opal Pool and several more heavily crusted hot spring gushers that flood this barren plain. A few famous geysers are located in this field, which include the Black Pearl Geyser and Cauliflower Geyser, which as the name suggests harbors extensive "biscuit shape" calcification. There are many more natural geothermal examples that have well known names and each has an interesting earth science story to tell. The Biscuit Basin is located just north of Old Faithful on the Highway 289 touring loop, so be sure to take the time to check out this remarkable scenic area when doing a complete tour of Yellowstone National Park.

On a side note, a hydrothermal explosion occurred at the Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin back in July 2024. There were no serious injuries, but the catastrophic event caused severe damage to the local area and the boardwalk was thoroughly bombarded with rubble. Hydrothermal explosions regularly occur in the Yellowstone Caldera and they are practically unpredictable. However when such an event happens, it is possible for more hydrothermal pressure to be released in an explosive manner. To be on the safe side, access to Biscuit Basin was closed and it is best to check the current status at the national park website when planning the trip.