Yellowstone National Park is closing a popular hillside near the Grand Prismatic Spring this summer. Over the years, unofficial trails have been created on the hill since hikers can look over the spring there.
Jody Lyle, a spokeswoman for the park, says the closure is part of a two-year project.
"This summer we’re going to close that area, begin construction on an official trail that will go to an official overlook, and then restore all of the damage that’s been done on that hillside from people creating social trails on their own," says Lyle.
Lyle says the boardwalk area at the Grand Prismatic Spring will stay open. Traveling outside of boardwalks in areas near geothermal activity is not allowed, due to the delicate nature of the ecosystem and the risk of encountering dangerous conditions, like boiling water or geysers.
The prismatic pools were the focus of some controversy in recent weeks when four members of a group that makes travel and adventure videos stepped off the boardwalk and onto the geothermal feature.