Overview

• On July 28 a 17-year-old hiker ventured off-trail near Lone Star Geyser, breaking through fragile crust and suffering serious burns to his foot and ankle.
• Emergency crews transported the teen to a nearby hospital for treatment of thermal injuries.
• This marks Yellowstone’s first reported thermal burn incident in 2025 and the first since September 2024.
• Park rangers have opened an investigation into the crust collapse and are reviewing safety measures around geothermal features.
• Officials reiterate that visitors must stay on boardwalks and trails, avoid swimming or soaking in hot springs and keep pets out of thermal areas to prevent fatal accidents.