Mud Volcano / Sulphur Caldron, Lake District

 
The sizzling basin known as Sulphur Caldron and Mud Volcano is one of the most volatile hydrothermal areas in Yellowstone National Park. And it is one of the most eerily intriguing. Sulfur is responsible for the peculiar sights, sounds and smells. - Iron sulfide paints mudpots and fumaroles shades of brown and gray. Hydrogen sulfide gurgles and hisses and produces a pungent rotten egg smell. Sulfuric acid, twice as acidic as battery acid, cooks the terrain creating a graveyard of skeleton trees. - Sour Creek Dome, a volcanic vent called a resurgent dome, is the source of instability. It's of l... Read Moreittle consequence that Mud Volcano, the hydrothermal feature for which the area is named, no longer throws mud nor rumbles noisily.
Mud pot near Sulfur Cauldron

Mud pot near Sulfur Cauldron

Harlan Kredit courtesy National Park Service

Mud pot, Yellowstone

Mud pot, Yellowstone

Al Mebane courtesy National Park Service

Black Dragon's Cauldron

Black Dragon's Cauldron

Harlan Kredit courtesy National Park Service

Mud pot, Yellowstone

Mud pot, Yellowstone

Harlan Kredit courtesy National Park Service

 
Getting There
 
Mud Volcano and Sulphur Caldron are located 6 miles (9.5 km) north of Fishing Bridge and 10 miles (16 km) south of Canyon. Mud Volcano is on the west side of the road; Sulphur Caldron is on the east. The road between Fishing Bridge and Canyon is accessible to wheeled vehicles from early May through October and oversnow vehicles from late December to early March.
Map It?
Google Maps
Road Closures
National Park Service
Getting Around
 
Mud Volcano Trail is a moderate 0.7-mile (1 km) loop. To avoid the steepest ascent start at Mud Caldron and walk counterclockwise. The short loop to Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth Spring is wheelchair and stroller accessible; the boardwalk to Sour Lake is not.
Lake Area Natural Highlights
National Park Serivce
Things to Keep in Mind
 
Keep to boardwalks and trails. Swimming and bathing is prohibited in all hot spring pools. Do not throw objects into geothermal features. Bison and elk frequent the area in spring, summer and fall.

More Family Attractions in Lake District

Just Plain Fun

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