A 60-year-old woman from New Hampshire suffered severe burns after stepping off the designated trail and accidentally breaking through the thin crust covering scalding water near Old Faithful geyser, located within Yellowstone National Park. The incident happened on a recent Monday afternoon when she, accompanied by her husband and their leashed dog, wandered off the prescribed path during their visit to the park.
During the hike near the Mallard Lake Trailhead, the woman tragically fell through the crust, leading to second- and third-degree burns on her lower leg. Despite the distressing occurrence, her husband and pet remained unharmed. Responding swiftly, park officials transported the injured woman to the park's medical clinic, and she was later airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for advanced treatment.
This unfortunate incident marks the first documented thermal injury reported at Yellowstone for 2024. According to officials, hydrothermal areas like those surrounding Old Faithful can pose significant danger to unsuspecting tourists. Each year, millions flock to Yellowstone, captivated by its geothermal wonders, but they are often unaware of the risks associated with veering off the established pathways.
The National Park Service (NPS) has repeatedly issued safety warnings encouraging visitors to always stay on designated boardwalks and trails. The ground around hydrothermal regions is not only fragile but also misleading, with scalding water lurking just beneath the surface. Park officials reiterate, "The ground in these areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface," highlighting the hazard of these natural features.
Thermal injuries, like the one experienced by the woman, are not uncommon in Yellowstone. Over the years, far too many individuals have suffered injuries or have even lost their lives due to accidents involving hot springs and geothermal features. The NPS has recorded at least 22 fatalities from thermal-related injuries since the park's establishment back in 1890.
Interestingly, this incident has reignited discussions on visitor behavior when it concerns safety regulations. Many pundits on social media have expressed their frustration, claiming the injured party must have disregarded multiple signs warning against stepping off the marked paths. Some suggested punitive measures, advocating for fines similar to those imposed on previous trespassers who wandered off the prescribed trails within thermal areas.
Among Yellowstone's dangers are not just the thermal features but also the strict regulations surrounding pet access. While pets have their permitted areas, they are explicitly banned from thermal zones, boardwalks, and hiking trails, underscoring the park's commitment to visitor safety.
April to October is usually busier for Yellowstone, and as of August, the park welcomed about 3.5 million visitors this year alone. These large crowds coincide with increased risks, particularly around hydrothermal features. Last year, for example, nearly 9,000 visitors disregarded park regulations, which led to increased law enforcement presence and consequences for their actions.
Each year, the park experiences close encounters, and just recently, there was also excitement surrounding another thermal occurrence: a hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin. On July 23, rocks and debris shot around as the ground erupted—the incident fortunately resulted in no physical injuries to park visitors.
Discussing the dangers, park officials shared, "Hot springs have injured and killed more people than any other natural feature throughout the park." With thermal wonders at the heart of its identity, Yellowstone National Park continues to be both breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly hazardous for unwary travelers. This juxtaposition between attraction and risk is something the Park Service takes seriously as it serves millions each year, reminding everyone just how important it is to respect the natural boundaries the park has established for safety.
