Minerva Terrace in Yellowstone NP, at Mammoth Hot Springs

Minerva Terrace is located at Mammoth Hot Springs, at the northern end of Yellowstone National Park.  This photo was taken in the mid-1980s and these terraces have changed over time so they no longer look like this.  Over the years, shifting water flows can cause some terraces to dry out and crumble and new terraces to form elsewhere.  This view is looking northward toward the Gardiner River Canyon where storm clouds threatened rain.

 This picture, taken during a previous trip, shows the terrace engulfing trees that used to grow on this hillside and are now dead and nearly buried.

This image, taken on the same trip as the one above, shows a sign placed on the terrace by the Park Service being gradually covered over by the minerals of the hot spring.

March 1st is Yellowstone National Park's anniversary.

Happy 144th Birthday Yellowstone!

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story.