Mammoth. like so many areas in Yellowstone, is very unique. The hot springs differ every time we visit. This place is every-changing. This is quite evident as you walk past ancient springs and calcified flows.
The town sprung up around a fort that was constructed prior to the institution of the National Park Service. Fort Yellowstone housed the military personnel that were responsible for keeping poachers out of the park. Below is Fort Yellowstone.
The hot springs do not look very impressive from a distance.
One must walk the many boardwalks to see the real beauty of Mammoth.
Below are some examples of how Mammoth changes from one year to the next. In 2006, the hot springs flowed abundantly over this terraced area. Notice the dried, white terraces in the bottom left of the second picture (May 2007). This is the same area.
Liberty Cap is hard to miss. This is an ancient hot spring that finally capped itself off from minerals deep beneath the surface.
Orange Mound is a distinct feature found on the Upper Terrace Drive. Notice the rich colors from this hot spring mound.
Below are more examples of hot springs as they shape and transform the Mammoth area.
The destructive power of the heat and toxic minerals is clear as once green forests have been replaced by a desolate waste land of chauky white.
What a contrast from the top of the springs looking out over the town and surrounding countryside!
Below are some of the local residents. Yes, elk abound. Be very careful in September during rut or you may find your vehicle smashed by territorial bull elk.
On the south end of Mammoth is a strange feature that welcomes you to this unique place. They call it the Hoodoos. Actually, this rock formation was caused by a landslide but it has remained the same since the park's earliest visitors.
A special treat on our 2007 visit was finding the next of a Great Horned Owl at Mammoth. The pictures below are of mom and chick.
The trip heading out of Mammoth toward Roosevelt/Tower reveals looming cliffs of volcanic materials.
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