Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin Remains Closed Through Summer 2025 Following Hydrothermal Explosion
Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin will stay closed for the entire summer of 2025 after a dangerous hydrothermal explosion last year. The popular tourist spot near Old Faithful has been off-limits since the dramatic blast that destroyed walkways and sent visitors running.
The explosion at Black Diamond Pool happened without warning on July 23, 2024. “At 10 a.m., without warning, the Black Diamond Pool blasted boiling water, steam, and debris hundreds of feet into the air,” writes travel industry sources. “The explosion obliterated the surrounding wooden boardwalk and sent tourists scrambling. Miraculously, no injuries were reported.”
Multiple smaller eruptions
But the danger didn’t end there. “Since the initial July explosion, there have been multiple smaller eruptions at the same site.” Scientists witnessed another blast while collecting gas samples on November 5, 2024, and “just weeks later, on January 3, 2025, a winter tour group witnessed another spontaneous blast.”
The explosions happen when super-hot underground water gets trapped by mineral deposits. Pressure builds up like a pressure cooker until it breaks through the rock surface with violent force. Years of mineral buildup created the perfect conditions for the Black Diamond Pool explosion.
Danger zone
This closure is hitting tourism hard. Yellowstone welcomes over 4 million visitors annually, and Biscuit Basin ranks among its top attractions. Hotels, tour companies, and local businesses are all feeling the impact as operators scramble to reroute summer schedules around the danger zone.
The National Park Service and Yellowstone Volcano Observatory are monitoring the area with webcams and seismic equipment. They’re not taking any chances with visitor safety while underground pressure remains unpredictable.
Summer visitors should expect detours near Old Faithful and check real-time park updates before traveling. The closure reminds us that Yellowstone’s incredible geothermal features are also its most dangerous. While this summer won’t be normal at the park, the same underground forces that create these risks also make Yellowstone one of the world’s most amazing natural destinations.
