West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the smaller geyser basins in Yellowstone, yet its location along the shore of Yellowstone Lake and is ranked as the most scenic. This area was formed by volcanic explosion that took place more than 150,000 years ago. After the volcano exploded, the area collapsed and filled with water over time. It gets its thermal abilities from the enclosed magma trapped in the ring fractures that developed over time.In the 1990's several underwater geysers were discovered. These geysers can be seen as bulges underground, especially during the summer months. The basin is also special because of its location in Yellowstone. The West Thumb Geyser Basin is located on the edge of Yellowstone Lake.

This area features many other springs in the area. As surprising as it is, this area is also one of the least visited areas within Yellowstone. There are boardwalks all along the basin, making it an easy walk to see the beautiful hydrothermal springs in the area. West Thumb's name is derived from the thumb-like projection of Yellowstone Lake and the name was given by the 1870 Washburn Expedition. It was also known as Hot Spring Camp. West Thumb has less geyser activity than other basins. However, amazingly for its size it has all — hot springs, pools, mud pots, fumaroles and lake shore geysers.

This is a short hike that surrounds you with greenery and beautiful, tall trees. As you hike through the grove, you may hear birds chirping, but you will mostly just hear your feet walking on the dirt trail. It is a quiet, peaceful place to go to escape the day-to-day noise. 

For a major redwood attraction, this trail is, unusually, at 1200 feet above sea level. This ridgeside grove is spectacular because it is much more than shrubs and trees.The trees are very tall and the greenery that surrounds you is brilliant. This grove is free of noise from the city traffic because of it's elevation. It is often in the clouds and gets a lot more fog than lowland groves.

History of Location: President Richard Nixon, in August 1969, dedicated the grove to Lady Bird Johnson who was an environmental activist, women's right activist, as well as former first lady. Richard Nixon named the grave after Mrs. Johnson because of the beautiful works she accomplished in her life and how the grove echoed that sentiment.

This is a free attraction, about a mile and a half, round-trip, surrounded by lots of parking, and a visual trail guide is available for purchase, for a dollar. 

This trail is perfectly tucked away from the business of Santa Cruz. Monarch butterflies, during the Winter, fly here to stay warm. As you walk through the Monarch Grove, you will see trees covered with butterflies. Their wings fluttering look like tree leaves blowing in the wind, until you take a closer look. It is a peaceful place to be as you learn about Monarch butterflies and watch them fly around.

Monarch butterfly migration begins at different times but they start arriving in the grove around mid-October. This is the perfect time of year to take a nice stroll on the boardwalk and watch the butterflies. The park is filled with eucalyptus trees which give the butterflies the perfect protection for them in the winter months. Since this is a preserve, it is asked not to grab or hold butterflies and to stay quiet to help continue making them feel safe. The end of the Monarch season is around mid-February. It is the perfect, family friendly location. 

There is one main trail, but you can customize the length of your walk/hike depending on what you would like to do. 

The trail leads to a beautiful sandy beach. You will see a huge, beautiful rock arch to your left of the beach. The water is refreshingly cool. Watching the sunset over the water, pulls out the orange colors of the arch rock making the scene bright and peaceful.

This is the perfect location to see shore birds, migrating whales, and playing otters offshore. As you continue to walk around the beach, you will come across tide pools where you can get a glimpse of sea life. The low tide allows visitors to see star fish and other sea animals. It is a great location for families to explore and enjoy their time together.

Important Information: There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee. The water is shallow enough for children to play safely, but it is necessary for parents to supervise their children because there aren't lifeguards on duty. Bikes are permitted on the paved roads around the park and beach. Dogs are also permitted on paved roads and in the park but not on the beach. 

Table Rock is located directly above downtown Boise, Idaho and is part of the extreme southwestern portion of the Boise Mountains. It is recognizable by the tall white cross, that lights up. If you're in Boise, this isn't an experience you want to miss. The view from the top allows you to look over Boise, and is the most beautiful as the leaves are changing colors in fall.   

The two best times, to add to the experience, would to be either going before sunrise or sunset. Watching the sun rise is an emotional experience, especially after such a great hike. Or watching the sun set over Boise and watching the lights turn on all over the city, including the cross on the peak. The hike, or drive, offers grand views of the Boise skyline, foothills, and valley. 

Pets are allowed on this hike, but they need to be on their leash. Don't let them run through the brush, especially suring summer months, where snakes hide in the brush. There are multiple paths to the peak, so choose your path before embarking on your hike. There are no fees for this hike.

WARNING: No fires or launching off fireworks from this location. It is too dry and can cause large wildfires. This happened in 2015, and the person who started the wildfire because of fireworks, which in turn burned homes, was convicted. Please be smart and use common sense, because this location is important and beloved by the citizens of Boise and other surrounding locations.