Two tourists were seen walking off designated boardwalks onto the banks of a dangerous hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
The footage shows two women walking near the Grand Prismatic Spring on July 19. Visitors are prohibited from leaving designated boardwalks and trails in the area, where unstable ground can conceal scalding water just beneath the surface.
The Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone's largest hot spring, measures between 200 and 330 feet in diameter and is more than 121 feet deep. The water at its center reaches about 188 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the report.
Seemingly solid ground around Yellowstone's thermal areas can be dangerously deceptive, and why a fall into a hot spring can result in catastrophic burns, severe injuries or death.
Why Yellowstone's Ground Can Be So Dangerous
Yellowstone sits atop one of the world's largest active volcanic systems, creating an extensive network of hot springs, geysers, mud pots and other geothermal features.
In some areas, the ground separating visitors from boiling or near-boiling water is only a thin crust. What appears to be a stable surface may not be strong enough to support a person's weight.
The National Park Service warns visitors to remain on designated trails and boardwalks in thermal areas. Venturing beyond these routes can expose people to unstable ground, extreme heat, and potentially deadly water.
Unlike a conventional swimming pool or lake, the danger may not always be visible. A thin mineral crust can conceal water heated to temperatures that can cause severe burns almost immediately.
What Happens If You Fall Into a Hot Spring?
A person who falls into extremely hot geothermal water can suffer serious thermal injuries within seconds.
The first danger is the immediate destruction of skin and underlying tissue caused by extreme heat. Depending on the temperature and duration of exposure, burns can range from superficial injuries to deep damage involving multiple layers of tissue.
A victim may also experience intense pain, shock, and difficulty escaping the water. Severe burns can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature and lead to dangerous fluid loss.
If a person becomes incapacitated, drowning can become an additional risk. A fall can also cause traumatic injuries if the person strikes rocks or other surfaces.
In the most extreme circumstances, the combination of scalding temperatures, severe burns, and drowning can be fatal.
Yellowstone's Thermal Areas Have a Deadly History
Yellowstone's geothermal features are among the park's most recognizable attractions, but they are also among its most hazardous natural environments.
The danger extends beyond hot water. Geysers can erupt unexpectedly, acidic pools can cause chemical burns, and the ground surrounding thermal features may collapse without warning.
In June 2025, a bison fell into the Grand Prismatic Spring and was scalded to death.
The park has also seen other dangerous encounters involving wildlife. Earlier this month, a Yellowstone visitor was reportedly seriously injured after being thrown into the air by a bison, although the incident was not linked to the visitor violating park rules.
The Safest Way To See Yellowstone's Hot Springs
The dramatic colors and steaming waters of the Grand Prismatic Spring can make visitors want to get closer for photographs, but the safest view is from designated boardwalks and overlooks.
Visitors should never cross barriers or leave marked paths in geothermal areas. They should also avoid touching thermal water, standing on fragile ground, or approaching wildlife.
The temptation to capture a closer photo may last only a few seconds, but the consequences of a single misstep around Yellowstone's hot springs can be permanent or deadly.
