A summer trip to the great outdoors for one Colorado family has turned into a great big mess. 62-year-old Joseph Aita and others he was traveling with accidentally and unknowingly went off the beaten path at Yellowstone National Park, and now the Department of Justice is bringing the hammer down on him.

Thermal springs in Yellowstone are unpredictable in nature and surrounded by possible weak ground layers. Boardwalks are in place to protect you from serious injury or worse, as well as the precious ecosystem the National Park was established to preserve. Staying on the trail could save your life and helps encourage other hikers to do the same.

A Colorado man was sentenced to jail and banned from Yellowstone National Park after officials said he walked off a designated trail and entered a protected area.

A Colorado man was sentenced to seven days in jail for walking off a designated trail or boardwalk in a thermal area in Yellowstone National Park in July.