Hiker burned after stepping in hidden pool

Published 10:20 pm Friday, May 30, 2008

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — A Utah woman was burned after stepping into a previously unknown hot pool in Yellowstone National Park.

Park officials say Jeanette Hogan had burns on one of her ankles and lower leg after the incident Thursday in the Artists’ Paintpots area, about 2 1/2 miles south of Norris Junction.

Hogan was hiking on an established dirt trail with family members when she stepped in a rainwater puddle along the trail’s edge. The crust gave way to a hot pool beneath. She was treated and released from a local hospital.

Park geologists say the water was about 171 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Artists’ Paintpots area in the park has been temporarily closed.