Grant Village & West Thumb
Grant Village sits on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake, which was formed by a large volcanic explosion that occurred approximately 150,000 years ago (125,000-200,000). The resulting collapsed volcano, called a caldera ("boiling pot" or caldron), later filled with water forming an extension of Yellowstone Lake. The West Thumb Geyser Basin, including Potts Basin to the north, is unique in that it is the largest geyser basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. The heat source of the thermal features in this location is thought to be relatively close to the surface, only 10,000 feet down! A drive from Yellowstone's South Entrance to West Thumb Junction awards views into Lewis Canyon, and excellent fishing opportunities in the Lewis River. This area is heavily forested with lodgepole pine, much of it burned in the fires of 1988. The Grant Village Visitor Center hosts an exhibit that interprets fire's role in the environment. This southern section of the park is home to some of Yellowstone's most spectacular, remote backcountry hiking and camping opportunities.

Permit Information
Backcountry camping permits must be obtained for overnight stays. Permits can be found at the South Entrance Ranger Station, Lewis Lake Campground and Grant Village Visitor Center.

Directions
Enter through the park's South Entrance, on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway from Grand Teton National Park. The Grant Village region extends from the South Entrance, north to West Thumb Junction, along 22 miles of road.

Information Center
The Snake River Ranger Station is located at the park's South Entrance; Grant Village Visitor Center is located 22 miles north of the South Entrance, 1 mile off the main park road at Grant Village.

Activities