Hot, mineral-rich water has escaped the ground at Mammoth Hot Spring for hundreds of thousands of years. The steaming water flows downhill adding to the shape of the hillside by contributing new stone from the minerals it carries across the surface. In places the water creates natural terraces and these unusual sculptures. Despite the bitter winter temperatures, algae grows in the hot flowing water streaking the hillside with rich yellows, greens and browns in stark contrast to the snow pack just a few yards away.