Many features in Yellowstone National Park are called by unusual but fitting names, with Dragon’s Mouth Spring a great example. Once you view it you can imagine you’re looking into a dragon’s mouth, with smoke continuously bellowing out. The smoke, however, is actually gases and steam rising from a cavern deep within the earth. When you visit Dragon’s Mouth Spring, listen for the pops and other noises coming from inside the cave these are gas bubbles exploding as they reach the water’s surface.
As this is a hot spring, the mineralized water keeps a temperature of 170 F (77 C), with hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide gases bubbling up to the surface. Early explorers who came across the feature imagined the pools harbored some kind of mythical creature.
Stay safe by walking near the spring on a boardwalk, which makes the area accessible to all visitors. The 0.3-mile (0.5-kilometer) loop trail is best from May through October. Watch for the bison that are frequent visitors to the area.
Find the spring in the Mud Volcano area, which saw sizeable volcanic activity in the late 19th century. At the time, eruptions caused clods of mud to be hurled long distances. The more recent activity in 1979 caused mud to ooze across the boardwalk.
In the same area you’ll find Black Dragon’s Cauldron, which formed in 1948. It produces sulfuric acid, preventing any plant life from growing along the shore.
Sulfur Cauldron is different because it is yellow rather than the blackish-brown color found elsewhere. The difference is attributed to heat-loving bacteria living at this feature.
Access Yellowstone National Park from one of three states: Wyoming, Idaho or Montana. Dragon’s Mouth Spring is in the center of the park, closest to the east entrance from Wyoming. Pay the weekly or annual fee to access the park. Public transportation in the park is not available but shuttle services exist. Note that the road closes from the middle of October to April.
Discover Dragon’s Mouth Spring and imagine the bizarre creature that lurks within the cave.
