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Why is the water so blue in Yellowstone?

The center of the pool is sterile due to extreme heat. “The deep blue color of the water in the center of the pool results from the intrinsic blue color of water, itself the result of water's selective absorption of red wavelengths of visible light.



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As one of the few places in Yellowstone where you can actually enjoy a swim in the warm water, the Boiling River is ideal for an afternoon soak. Trailhead: Just north of the Montana border at the 45th Parallel Sign.

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Its temperature is near boiling, ranging in different spots from 63 to 87 degrees Celsius (145.4 to 188.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The dramatic colors are an interplay of physics, chemistry and biology. The blue color is an optical effect and the orange and brown colors are bacteria that live at temperatures near boiling.

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The water in Yellowstone looks pristine and clear, but don't be fooled to think that it is clean and safe to drink on it's own. Because of the park's immense wildlife populations, there are animals constantly drinking, defecating and dying in and around these waters.

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Relax and unwind in Montana's newest hot springs experience – Yellowstone Hot Springs. We are located just eight miles north of the North entrance to Yellowstone Park, at the south end of beautiful Paradise Valley. Yellowstone Hot Springs is a soaking experience unique in the world.

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The overburden pressure from the load of the ice cap caused the underlying hydrothermal system to boil at higher temperature than today at a given depth beneath the land surface. Loading the Yellowstone hydrothermal system with ice or lake water is similar to pressure cooking.

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The Abyss Pool has a depth of up to 53 feet, according to the National Park Service. It has a temperature of approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

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But Yellowstone's thermal features don't flow cold water like you're used to. Don't touch any water in or around thermal features. Never swim, soak, or wade in thermal features. More than 20 people have died from intentionally entering or falling into hot springs.

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Taking a Dip The naturally high temperatures of the spring water make the water unsafe for bathing, so think twice before you dip your toes in. Fortunately, there are other options at the park that make it possible to submerse yourself in the therapeutic waters at a safe temperature.

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This is a remarkable accumulation of buffalo bones on the floor of a hot spring in the River Group of Yellowstone's Lower Geyser Basin. The object at center is the skull of an American buffalo (Bison bison).

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Let's take a look at a few things NOT to do in Yellowstone National Park: Never approach (or pet) wildlife. Never go into the hot springs. Never leave the bear spray in the car.

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The only campgrounds inside Yellowstone Park that have shower facilities on-site are Grant, Fishing Bridge, and Canyon. Anyone can pay to utilize them. Last year, I believe the cost of about $3.75 per shower. You can also purchase showers at Mammoth Hotel, Old Faithful Inn, and Roosevelt Lodge.

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If you do any hiking or camping in Yellowstone, you SHOULD bring bear spray. Generally, you don't need bear spray when visiting the popular and crowded geyser areas and villages, such as Old Faithful and Canyon Village.

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