Travertine Steps

This interesting feature is located in Yellowstone Park. It's in a location called the Travertine Steps. The colors you see in this photo are cause by different kinds of algae that grows in the hot water that runs down the side of this mound. The mound was created by mineral deposits left by the hot water, sort of the same way lava shapes a volcano.

There are so many interesting places in Yellowstone! I specifically wanted to see this area because I had a calendar once that had a photo of the "steps" with water running down it and it was so beautiful. Since that photo was taken the water activity on the steps has changed and they are mostly a bleached white now. No water, no algae. Still, it's a beautiful place to go. I'd like to go back when I have more time and to walk around and explore.