Geyser Basins & Thermal Features
Black Sand Basin is located less than one mile north of Old Fatihful Village on the Grand Loop Road. It sets at the base of a wall of rhyolite which was part of a lava flow during one of Yellowstone's volcanic eruptions and is the smallest of the geyser basin boardwalks in the Old Faithful area, with the boardwalk only being about 1/4 mile in length. The name "Black Sand" comes from the crushed Obsidian (or volcanic glass) that is present around the geyser basin. The frequent eruptions of Cliff Geyser and the colorful waters of the Sunset Lake thermal feature are a couple of the natural wonders you will see at the small but spectacular Black Sand Basin. Pick up an Old Faithful Area Trail Guide at any visitor center so you can read about all the different features and stops around Black Sand Basin.
A short 1/2 mile trail across the road from Black Sand Basin will lead you back to the Daisy Geyser area of the Upper Geyser Basin.
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