17-Year-Old Injured Near Popular Feature in Yellowstone

A 17-year-old male suffered significant thermal burns to his foot and ankle area on the morning of Monday, July 28, near Lone Star Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. The incident occurred while the teen was hiking off the designated path in a thermal area close to the popular Old Faithful region.

17-Year-Old Injured Near Popular Geyser in Yellowstone

According to park officials, the juvenile’s foot broke through the thin, fragile crust that covers much of Yellowstone’s hydrothermal terrain. Scalding water lies just below the surface in many areas of the park, and this hidden danger has proven to be hazardous, and sometimes fatal, for unsuspecting visitors.

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Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and transported the victim to a nearby hospital for further treatment. The extent of his injuries has not been publicly disclosed, and the incident remains under investigation.

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This marks the first reported thermal injury in Yellowstone in 2025. The previous known case occurred in September 2024.

Yellowstone National Park is home to the largest concentration of hydrothermal features in the world, including geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. While these natural wonders draw millions of visitors each year, they also pose serious risks.

Park officials are again urging the public to follow safety guidelines, especially in thermal areas. These include staying on boardwalks and marked trails, supervising children closely, keeping pets out of hydrothermal zones, and never touching or throwing objects into hot springs.

Entering or falling into these pools has resulted in over 20 fatalities throughout the park’s history.