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Yellowstone National Park

Emerald Spring In Norris Basin, Yellowstone National Park

A steamy, clear, blue-green Emerald Spring surrounded by yellow-orange soil and trees in Norris Basin at Yellowstone National Park

Microorganisms play a large part in coloring hot springs at Yellowstone National Park. According to the National Park Service, "The color of Emerald Spring comes from the inherent blue of the water combined with the yellow of the sulfur-coated pool. The water in this 27-foot deep pool is so hot (close to boiling) that only the most heat-tolerant thermophiles can survive. In sulfur-rich hot springs, such as Emerald Spring, some microorganisms use sulfur as their energy source. Byproducts from these reactions can be used by other microbes.

Rebecca Latson

Photography In The National Parks: To Tripod, Or Not To Tripod

Traveler contributing photographer Rebecca Latson was always told to use a tripod for really sharp landscape shots, as well as providing stability for heavy telephoto lenses capturing wildlife portraits. After years of camerawork and tens of thousands of images, however, Rebecca believes you don’t always need a tripod.

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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

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