Angela Flaherty, a 44-year-old resident of Seattle, Washington, has been sentenced to seven days in jail after pleading guilty to violating federal regulations at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Flaherty left the designated boardwalk near Old Faithful geyser and walked approximately 10 feet onto the cone, an area strictly off-limits to visitors. Another park visitor partially captured her actions on video and later shared them with authorities.
- Related: Man Jailed For Running Up to Old Faithful Wearing Raccoon Skin Hat and Waving American Flag
The incident occurred during her visit in March 2025, despite clear signage warning tourists of the dangers posed by Yellowstone’s geothermal features, where water temperatures can reach up to 244°F. Flaherty’s violation of 36 CFR 7.13(j), which mandates that all foot travel in thermal areas be confined to marked trails or boardwalks, led to her sentencing on March 19 by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick. In addition to her incarceration, Flaherty was ordered to pay $40 in mandatory court costs.
Federal prosecutors emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols in Yellowstone’s thermal zones, where fragile terrain and scalding water pose significant risks to visitors and the park’s natural resources. “Public safety remains our top priority,” said Lori Hogan, the U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson for Wyoming.
Flaherty’s case is part of a broader effort by park officials and federal authorities to enforce safety regulations and deter reckless behavior in Yellowstone’s protected areas. Similar violations have led to injuries and fatalities in recent years. In September 2024, a New Hampshire woman suffered severe burns after accidentally stepping into a thermal area off-trail. In 2016, a visitor tragically died after falling into a hot spring.
- Related: Yellowstone Employee Suffers Serious Burn Injuries After Leaving Boardwalk at Old Faithful Geyser
Yellowstone National Park officials remind visitors that the boardwalks are essential for safeguarding human lives and the delicate geothermal ecosystem. With over 10,000 thermal features spread across its vast landscape, Yellowstone remains one of the most hazardous yet awe-inspiring destinations in the United States.
