A visitor from Seattle ended up behind bars after stepping off designated pathways and onto the cone of Yellowstone National Park’s iconic Old Faithful geyser.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming, the woman, identified as Ms. Flaherty, left the boardwalk and ventured roughly 10 feet onto the geyser’s fragile cone area — an action witnessed and recorded by another park guest.
Flaherty later pleaded guilty to a violation of park regulations and was sentenced to seven days in jail. She was also ordered to pay $40 in court-related fees.
Park officials stress that straying from marked paths, especially in thermal areas, is extremely risky. The thin crust can conceal scalding water just below the surface, making such behavior both dangerous and illegal.
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“These rules are in place to protect both visitors and the park’s natural features,” said Lori Hogan, public affairs officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Wyoming. “While some offenses might only result in a fine or warning, more serious actions — like entering thermal zones or disturbing wildlife — can lead to jail time.”
Thermal areas are among Yellowstone’s most hazardous environments. Since the park’s founding in 1872, at least 22 people have died after being scalded in hot springs — far more than those killed by bison or bears, which account for just 10 fatalities over the same period, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Officials urge all visitors to follow park rules and understand the potential consequences before exploring Yellowstone’s unique geothermal landscape.
