Young Male Undergoes Burn Injuries from Heat in Yellowstone National Park
News Article: Teen Sustains Thermal Burns Near Lone Star Geyser in Yellowstone National Park
A 17-year-old male suffered thermal burns to his foot and ankle on July 28th, 2025, after breaking through a thin crust into scalding water near Lone Star Geyser in Yellowstone National Park [1][2][3].
The injury occurred as the teenager stepped off designated trails or onto unstable ground in a thermal area, leading to the accident. The fragile, thin crust over thermal areas can easily break, exposing extremely hot water just beneath the surface [1][3].
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that lie within Yellowstone's thermal areas. Park officials urge visitors to always walk on designated boardwalks and trails to avoid thin crust that may break [1]. They also advise keeping children close and preventing them from running on boardwalks, and never touching thermal features or runoff water [1].
Swimming or soaking in hot springs is strictly prohibited due to the fatal burn risks; over 20 people have unfortunately lost their lives from burns in Yellowstone hot springs [1][2][3]. Pets are also banned in thermal areas, on boardwalks, and trails, and visitors should not throw objects into hot springs or hydrothermal features [1][2][3].
If you begin to feel sick while exploring one of our geyser basins, leave the area immediately [1][2][3].
This incident is currently under investigation, and the teen was treated at a hospital. This was the first known thermal injury in Yellowstone in 2025; the previous was in September 2024 when a woman sustained serious burns near Old Faithful after going off-trail [1][2].
It is crucial for visitors to adhere to these safety guidelines to prevent injuries in the park’s fragile and hazardous geothermal zones. A reminder to all: Stay safe in thermal areas.
- No additional information about the incident is available at this time.
[1] National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park (2025). Safety Guidelines for Thermal Areas. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/thermal-safety.htm
[2] Associated Press (2025). Teen Sustains Thermal Burns Near Lone Star Geyser in Yellowstone. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/30/us/yellowstone-teen-thermal-burns/index.html
[3] National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park (2025). Incident Report: Teen Sustains Thermal Burns Near Lone Star Geyser. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/incident-report-teen-sustains-thermal-burns-near-lone-star-geyer.htm
Visitors should adhere to safety guidelines in Yellowstone's thermal areas to protect their well-being, as mental health and overall health and wellness can be negatively impacted by accidents like thermal burns. To maintain physical fitness and exercise safely while exploring the park, it's essential to stick to designated trails and boardwalks, and follow nutrition guidelines by staying hydrated and eating well to support energy levels during outdoor activities.
