YELLOWSTONE — A 17-year-old boy sustained serious thermal burns Monday morning after accidentally stepping through a fragile section of ground near the Lone Star Geyser, located close to the popular Old Faithful area in Yellowstone National Park.
According to a news release issued by the park’s Public Affairs Office, the teenager was hiking in the thermal area when the ground beneath him gave way, exposing him to scalding geothermal water. The incident caused significant burns to his foot and ankle. Emergency medical personnel quickly responded to the scene and transported the injured youth to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Park officials have launched an investigation into the incident, but no further details have been released at this time.
This marks the first reported thermal-related injury in Yellowstone in 2025. The last such incident occurred in September 2024.
Yellowstone authorities used the incident to issue a reminder about the dangers of the park’s geothermal features. “Boardwalks and trails are in place to protect visitors and preserve delicate thermal formations,” the release emphasized. “Scalding water lies just beneath the surface of much of the park’s thin crust, and stepping off designated paths can lead to severe injury or death.”
- The park reiterated several key safety guidelines:
- Stay on marked boardwalks and trails.
- Keep children close and do not let them run in geothermal areas.
- Never touch thermal features or runoff.
- Swimming or soaking in hot springs is strictly prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed in thermal zones.
- Avoid throwing objects into thermal features.
- Be aware of toxic gases that may accumulate in geyser basins.
Yellowstone’s hydrothermal system is among the most active and unpredictable in the world, and park officials warn that even seemingly stable ground can be deceptive. Over 20 people have died in Yellowstone’s hot springs due to burns from falling or entering these hazardous features.
The park urges all visitors to prioritize safety while enjoying its unique landscapes.
