Biscuit Basin ~ Yellowstone National Park

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 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 arena. 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! In fact, the features of the Biscuit Basin are so far removed from what can be considered normal, the initial visual impression will be on par with a science fiction movie scene of an extreme badlands area on a distant planet. 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 water 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 calcification. There are many more natural geothermal exhibits 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!