• Lower Falls of the Yellowstone.

    Yellowstone

    National Park ID,MT,WY

Minute Geyser

(Left) Minute Geyser in its early years when it presented delightful eruptions up to 50 feet tall. (Right) This photo showing a typical eruption today, displaying a plume of water only about 12 inches high.
 

Minute Geyser's eruptions have changed dramatically. Its larger west vent is clogged with rocks tossed in by early visitors when the park's main road was near this trail and passed within 70 feet of the geyser. Minute once erupted every 60 seconds, sometimes to heights of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters). Eruptions now are irregular and originate from its smaller east vent. Removal of the west vent's mineral-cemented rocks would require the use of heavy equipment resulting in severe damage.

Minute Geyser's destruction stands today as a sad reminder of thoughtless behavior on the part of some visitors.

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Did You Know?

Dog Hooked to Travois for Transporting Goods.

Some groups of Shoshone Indians, who adapted to a mountain existence, chose not to acquire the horse. These included the Sheep Eaters, or Tukudika, who used dogs to transport food, hides, and other provisions. The Sheep Eaters lived in many locations in Yellowstone.