If you’re interested in geology and geography, there’s no better place to explore than northwest Wyoming. Here, in Yellowstone National Park, you’ll find the largest collection of geysers, hot pots, mud pots, and hot springs in the entire world. While the popular trails that show off Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful get overrun with crowds, if you escape to the little known Artist’s Paintpots Trail, you’ll be able to see these thermal features up close.

The Gibbons Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is home to one of the most incredible places on earth — the Artist's Paintpots Trail.
AllTrails / Lorraine Sommer
Be sure to stay on the boardwalk as you embark on this 1-mile adventure. The ground here is incredibly dangerous — and you'll see just why as you make the trip.
AllTrails / Lorraine Sommer
Throughout the basin, small pools of boiling and steaming water have cracked through the thin crust of the ground, showing off glimpses of the incredible caldera underneath.
Google Local / Brandon Kuschel
The Artist's Paintpots Trail is a collection of these famous hot pots, and it's typically much less crowded than the more recognizable hot springs.
Flickr / Art Bromage

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Marvel at pastel colored water that bubbles and gurgles right underneath your feet!
Google Local / Kaitlind Marek
The mud pots here are reminiscient of artist's clay, except these thermal features are impossibly hot.
Google Local / Brandon Kuschel
Of course, you'll find geysers in the basin, too. The Blood Geyser is one of 50 springs, geysers, vents and mud pots you can see here.
AllTrails / Mark Tezel
Make your way to this surreal, steamy side trail to see part of Yellowstone that most overlook. You'll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
Flickr / Carol Jacobs-Carre

Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY, 82190

You’ll find the Artist’s Paintpots Trail between the Norris Geyser Basin and Madison Campground on Grand Loop Road.

For another great Yellowstone adventure, read This Easy, Breezy Summer Hike Takes You To A Raging River And Waterfall In Wyoming.

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