Yellowstone Park Explosion Rips 20-Foot Hole In Ground

For the third time in the past 24 months, a substantial thermal explosion has been reported at a section of Yellowstone National Park that attracts a great number of tourists annually.

Biscuit Basin is a collection of thermal pools and geysers that is located along the river that passes through Yellowstone National Park and is once again temporarily closed to traffic after an explosion two weeks ago left a 20-foot crater in the ground and shot scalding water 30-feet into the air, according to details shared by Cowboy State Daily. It took several days for the park to confirm the incident, with officials releasing the details this week.

This area of the park has closed several times dating back to July of 2024 when a powerful thermal eruption sent tourists running down walkway platforms and seeking cover. Another Biscuit Basin pool explosion occurred in June of 2025, which also resulted in the area being closed off to visitors.

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A Third Thermal Explosion In Yellowstone Park's Biscuit Basin Since 2024 Has Caused A Temporarily Closure

Yellowstone National Park thermal pool   Credit: Greg Jannetta

No injuries or fatalities have been reported from the June 13 eruption. Park officials have closed the area to take an assessment of damage and to investigate the new pool that has formed as a result. Public safety is a major concern anytime the park experiences one of these types of incidents.

Tens of thousands of tourists are expected to enter the park this weekend, so park staffers will likely be heavily monitoring the Biscuit Basin area over the next several weeks.

Entrance to all national parks in the country will be free over the Fourth of July weekend starting in one week.