11 Things Park Staff Found in Yellowstone’s Hydrothermal Areas this Summer

In a record-breaking summer at Yellowstone National Park, park staff collected an astounding 20,000+ pieces of trash, 5,600 rocks and sticks, and nearly 300 hats from the park's hydrothermal areas, according to a USGS press release. The Geology Program, comprised of dedicated staff members, worked tirelessly to remove the litter from iconic hydrothermal features using shovels, grabber tools, and specialized equipment such as fishing rods, strainers, slotted spoons, and grabber poles up to 30 feet long.

The majority of the litter was unintentionally left by visitors, but it serves as a reminder to never throw anything into hot springs or geysers, to hold onto or remove hats, and to keep trash safe until reaching a trash can. Among the most notable finds of 2026 were 280 hats, many of which appeared to be from the park's gift shops.

Other notable items included $18 in various foreign coins, six Invisalign retainers, a single jingle bell, six camera lens caps, a baseball cap with the phrase "COWBOY HAT" written on it, six Junior Ranger badges, a tube of gouache paint, three fortune cookie fortunes, a single Uno card, and even a tube of paint.

The park's Geology team made several interesting discoveries, such as six Yellowstone pressed pennies, seven Polaroid photos (some of which were of the hydrothermal feature in which they were found), six pairs of sunglasses, and 36 pairs of sunglasses. These items were likely blown away by the wind, and it's reassuring that visitors left them behind instead of attempting to retrieve them.

The park staff encourages visitors to follow proper etiquette and avoid throwing coins into hot springs or geysers, as it's not allowed and will not grant wishes.