Yellowstone | Dragon’s Mouth Springs
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Warning: watch where you park. The steam vents were coming up through the parking lot. Quite funny. Also, possibly quite dangerous.
Dragon’s Mouth Spring is a small pool backed up against a hillside where a water and steam spew out of a cave, producing a roaring sound. A sign at Dragon’s Mouth Spring reads:
“An unknown park visitor named this feature around 1912, perhaps due to the water that frequently surges from the cave like the lashing of a dragon’s tongue. Until 1994, this dramatic wave-like action often splashed water as far as the boardwalk. The rumbling sounds are caused by steam and other gasses exploding through the water, causing it to crash against the walls of the hidden caverns.”
Dragon’s Mouth Springs is a fascinating geothermal feature located in Yellowstone National Park in the state of Wyoming, USA. It is part of the Norris Geyser Basin, which is known for its diverse geothermal activity.
Dragon’s Mouth Springs gets its name from the way the hot water and steam surge out of a cavern-like opening, resembling the mouth of a mythical dragon. This feature is characterized by its loud roaring sounds, which are created by the interaction between the steam and the water within the cavern.
The spring itself consists of a narrow opening that periodically spouts steam and water into the air, creating an impressive display. The steam escapes through small cracks, causing the cavern to rumble and produce a roaring noise. The sound is often described as resembling the growl of a dragon, hence the name.
Apart from the dramatic visual and auditory experience, Dragon’s Mouth Springs also emits a strong sulfurous odor, which is common in geothermal areas due to the presence of sulfur compounds.
Visitors to Dragon’s Mouth Springs can access it via a short trail in the Norris Geyser Basin area. The trail takes you through a boardwalk that offers a close-up view of the steam and water surges, allowing you to experience the power and beauty of this unique geothermal feature.
As with all geothermal areas in Yellowstone National Park, it’s important to stay on designated paths and boardwalks for your safety and the protection of the delicate ecosystem. Respect any posted signs or guidelines, and enjoy the awe-inspiring wonders of Dragon’s Mouth Springs while appreciating the natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park.
XOXO,
Katie
You can view more of my trip to Yellowstone here.
That is just beyond gorgeous! I have always wanted to visit Yellowstone. It’s HIGH up on my bucket list.
Yellowstone is one place I have never had the opportunity to visit and explore. Your photos are beautiful and looks like you had a great time. I will just have to enjoy looking at your photos.
I have always traveled south, for vacation, but this place looks very interesting. The photos look beautiful and this would be a place I would definitely want to visit some day.
I have never been to Yellowstone. Being in Canada it does make it hard to explore across the border but my mom used to travel there when she was little. She always had the best stories. It looks so beautiful there!
I have always wanted to go to Yellowstone. I have a list of vacation places that my family has to see and this is definitely on it!
I have never been to Yellowstone but I would love to take the family there on a vacation. We love seeing amazing destinations throughout the country. These pictures are breathtaking.
Looks amazing! I would LOVE to visit Yellowstone with the whole family. This place in particular looks like a cool place to go. It would make for an awesome road trip.
Wow, what a cool sight to see! I need to figure out why it doesn’t splash water as far as the boardwalk anymore. How neat.
One of these days I will visit Yellowstone. I have family that has been there and loved their stay. I think I need to see for myself.
Yellowstone is at the top of our travel list. Hope we can make it there soon. Such a gorgeous place!
Wow never hear people talk about the Dragons Mouth Spring at Yellowstone. I would definitely like to go there one day!
I really need to make it back to Yellowstone sometime soon. I haven’t been there since I was a child and I am sure that my daughter would love visiting it. It’s just gorgeous.
I haven’t been to yellowstone in ages! I need to take my kids there, it is crazy to me that they have never been!
We haven’t been in Yellowstone but it is the one place that we have been wanting to visit. I hope that we could go someday.
This is so awesome! I have always wanted to go there! I love these pics!
What a cool place to visit. I need to get my family out to Yellowstone soon. We love nature and there are so many wonderful places to explore in that park. Dragon’s Mouth is definitely on the list.
Wow this is gorgeous. I heard of Yellowstone but didnt know about the Dragon Mouth Springs so thanks for the recap.
This park really looks a place to visit. Bookmarked. I really like to visit landscapes and seascapes during my off days.