Adolescent explorer in Yellowstone National Park endures severe burns during trek through thermal zone
A tragic incident occurred in Yellowstone National Park on the morning of Monday, July 28, 2025, when a 17-year-old hiker sustained significant burns after an encounter with a thermal feature. The exact location of the incident was near Lone Star Geyser, close to Old Faithful, within the park's boundaries in Wyoming.
The identity of the hiker remains unidentified at this time. The National Park Service (NPS) has released a statement regarding the incident, but details about the teenager's hiking boots or trekking poles were not disclosed. However, the NPS did remind all park visitors to remain on designated boardwalks and trails to avoid thin, fragile crusts that cover scalding water beneath.
Yellowstone’s thermal areas are known for their extreme hazards. Since 1870, more people have been injured or killed by hot springs than by bears or bison in the park. The water in these geothermal features can reach temperatures over 192°F (89°C) and contain harmful chemicals and microorganisms, such as arsenic, mercury, and pathogens like brain-eating amoebas. Therefore, it is crucial not to touch or enter the thermal features.
Swimming or soaking in these geothermal features is strictly prohibited by the NPS for both visitor safety and preservation of the delicate ecosystems. Other safety points include keeping pets out of thermal areas, as they are banned to prevent harm to animals and thermal features. If you feel unwell near a geyser basin, leave immediately due to possible toxic gases. Respect all park rules and signage aimed at protecting visitors and the park’s unique geothermal environment.
This was the first known thermal injury in Yellowstone National Park in 2025. The incident serves as a reminder for all park visitors to follow safety guidelines while exploring Yellowstone National Park. The NPS is still investigating whether the teenager was hiking off the designated boardwalks.
Emergency medical staff responded to the incident and transported the hiker to a hospital for further treatment. The NPS did not provide further details on the investigation into the incident. The incident remains under investigation by the National Park Service.
For those planning to visit Yellowstone National Park this year, it's essential to familiarise yourself with hot spring safety. Our article provides valuable information on how to stay safe around hot springs at Yellowstone National Park. Remember, following these guidelines helps preserve the park and ensures a safe, enjoyable visit.
Lone Star Geyser, the site of the incident, erupts up to 45 feet (13.7 m) from a 12-foot (3.6 m) cone approximately every three hours. The Park Service reminds all park visitors to remain on boardwalks and to keep a good distance from all thermal pools and geysers for their safety and the preservation of the park's unique geothermal environment.
- It's vital for individuals visiting Yellowstone National Park to familiarize themselves with safety guidelines regarding health-and-wellness, as a tragic incident involving a hiker and a thermal feature in the park highlights the importance of adhering to these rules.
- In light of the accident at Lone Star Geyser, it's essential to understand the extreme hazards associated with fitness-and-exercise activities in the park's thermal areas, where water can reach temperatures over 192°F (89°C) and contain harmful substances like arsenic, mercury, and pathogens.
- Following the National Park Service's (NPS) recommendations for general-news incidents, such as staying on designated boardwalks and avoiding thin, fragile crusts that cover scalding water beneath, can help prevent further accidents, like car-accidents or mental-health-related incidents, by ensuring a safe, enjoyable visit to Yellowstone National Park.
