[Geysers] Question about what backcountry areas are off limits

[jacross]

Yes, you are correct about certain areas being off limits due to high 
visibility.  The current convention is that you must not be in places that are
 visible from the roads, signed as closed, or visible from trails signed as 
"stay on trail."  There are too many opportunitites for uninformed people to 
follow you and get hurt.

Geyser Creek and other backcountry areas have traditionally been more open.  
Use caution, though, and do not do anything that would encourage other 
visitors to do something foolish.  If you visit Narcissus, stay in the trees, 
enter from the north (back) side, and do NOT wear any bright colors.

I suspect you did not mean to imply that Artist's Paintpots is open-access.  I 
know that people jump off on the old, unmaintained (and now nearly impassible) 
trail to Geyser Creek.  I believe that the main part of Artist's Paintpots, 
though, is signed as stay-on-trail.

Also, avoid backcountry thermal areas after dark.  Hot water is difficult to 
see with a flashlight.

Jeff Cross
jacross at lamar.colostate.edu

>1) From years of reading The SPUT and various geyser books, it seems
>that the kaleidescope group, thud group, myriad group, 100 springs
>plain, and Pott's hotspring basin are all off limits to the general
>public.  Is this true, and why?  It seems weird since other
>backcountry areas just as dangerous are not off limits.  I'm guessing
>it is because these particular areas are highly visible and/or would
>receive too much traffic.
>
>2) Are there any other areas that fall into this category?
>Specifically Geyser Creek (since you go off trail at Artist's
>Paintpots) the area behind Pink Cone.
>
>Sorry for the long post, but these are questions I've been wondering
>about for quite some time.  If you know of any other sources where I
>may find information or answers, that would also be appreciated.
>Thanks in advance!
>
>Scott Walker
>
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