Dean M. Chriss
Photography
Firehole River Canyon, Yellowstone National Park

Firehole River Canyon, Yellowstone National Park

(Click image to enlarge)

An early October snow aided by temperatures of -10° F (-23° C) decorate the Firehole River Canyon in Yellowstone National Park. The Firehole River flows through several geyser basins that empty hot water into it. Temperatures in the river can be as high as 30° C (86° F) and they average 5 to 10° C (9 to 18° F) higher than areas upstream of geothermal influence. The river was named by early trappers for the steam that makes it appear to be smoking on cold mornings, as if on fire.