Pulpit Terrace at Mammoth Hot Springs has been built up from the mineral laden waters of hot springs. Ashy white in its dry, natural state, the rocky walls are tinted rainbow colors by living algae in the waters.
Fantasy in Stone ...
Mammoth Terrace
Built up and sculptured by the hot mineral waters, the smooth terraces of white stone at Mammoth Hot Springs are given a thousand delicate tints of vermillion, orange, pink and yellow by the living algae in the waters. You see Pulpit Terrace, Minerva, Cleopatra, White Elephant and the Devil’s Kitchen.
Here is huge Jupiter Terrace. These colorful formations change constantly in appearance as one spring temporarily dries up and another begins to flow. The more water, the more color is the general rule.
Southward from Mammoth Hot Springs is Norris Geyser Basin with its collection of smaller geysers, hot springs and other phenomena. Here you will see the Black Growler, emitting superheated steam at a temperature of 284 degrees. The Chocolate Pots just beyond, demonstrate the remarkable chemical coloring from which they derive their name.
From a bluff just north of the community the buildings of Mammoth Hot Springs are spread before the camera. This is the administration center for Yellowstone Park, and, with the tourist facilities, comprises a small town in itself.
Depending on the gateway selected for exit from the Park, schedules of Park tours vary slightly. Complete itineraries for the various tours are shown elsewhere in this book.