For many travelers, a trip to Yellowstone is a bucket list activity for good reason. This stunning destination became the first national park on the map in the U.S. back in 1872 and continues to fascinate visitors thanks to its stunning terrain and collection of hydrothermal and geologic features. Spanning more than 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone National Park offers no shortage of options when it comes to impressive views and access to outdoor recreation of all kinds.
When you’re excited to get your eyes on some of the local geysers for yourself, the following are a few you simply won’t want to miss out on the next time you’re here! As a friendly reminder, when you’re exploring the impressive Yellowstone geysers, it’s imperative to stay on the designated trails. Never venture past boardwalks or marked areas as water temperatures are well above scalding.
Day 1: Explore the Iconic Old Faithful Geyser
Perhaps one of the most well-known and exciting geysers to experience at Yellowstone National Park is the one that’s fondly referred to as Old Faithful. Use the West park entrance to make your way to this landmark which is visited in droves each year. While it’s not the largest of the geysers on-site at the park, it’s the one that has earned its reputation around the most dependable and timely eruptions.
When you visit Old Faithful, you’ll find yourself face to face with a geothermal feature that spews anywhere from 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of boiling water up into the air every 90 minutes on average. The spray typically reaches heights of 184 feet making for a truly breathtaking sight. The surrounding boardwalks are the best places to get a great view and there’s a designated observation point too. The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center is nearby when you want to learn more about this thrilling landmark and options to hike the 1.6-mile round trip trail give you varying vantage points on the water plume.
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (NPS Desk)
30 Yellowstone Avenue, West Yellowstone, Montana
307-344-2876
Day 2: Wind Your Way Along Firehole Lake Drive
The second day of your Yellowstone geyser journey also begins at the West entrance to the park but today, you’ll be heading toward the Firehole Lake Drive. This is where you’ll find a 2-mile route just North of F that will take you directly to a typically far less crowded and equally impressive thermal area known as the Great Fountain Geyser.
This Yellowstone geyser sends its scalding hot water 100 feet up and some of the pulsing eruptions have been known to last upward of an hour at a time! The White Dome Geyser is near this landmark as well and there are options to pair time admiring the eruptions with a stroll along the boardwalk at Firehole Lake. This massive hot spring is adorned with eye-catching travertine deposits that make for great backdrops if you happen to be an enthusiastic landscape photographer.
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (NPS Desk)
30 Yellowstone Avenue, West Yellowstone, Montana
307-344-2876
Day 3: Check Out the Upper Geyser Basin
Another geyser neighbor to Old Faith that’s well worth exploring in Yellowstone National Park is the Upper Geyser Basin. This is about 30 miles from the West entrance of the park and is an area that’s accessible by surrounding boardwalks. Take the boardwalks around Geyser Hill to see Castle Geyser erupt while you’re here.
This geyser only erupts about every 14 hours, so you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly. You can mix a visit here with options to view the Riverside Geyser, which sets off about every 6 hours, providing more frequent views. These landmarks aren’t far from the Chromatic Pool and Beauty Pool, both brilliant heated watering holes that are vibrant in oranges, greens, blues, and yellows.
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (NPS Desk)
30 Yellowstone Avenue, West Yellowstone, Montana
307-344-2876
Day 4: Experience the Norris Geyser Basin for Yourself
The last day of your stay in Yellowstone is a chance to see the Norris Geyser Basin for yourself. This geyser area is most accessible from the North entrance of the park and is one of Yellowstone’s hottest, oldest, and most acidic basins. There are two loop trails to follow that offer up great views of Porcelain Basin as well as Congress Pool and the Steamboat Geyser. The Artist Paintpots are located near Norris Geyser Basin as well and you can always take some time to check out the Norris Geyser Basin Museum on-site during your visit.
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (NPS Desk)
30 Yellowstone Avenue, West Yellowstone, Montana
307-344-2876
Book Your Stay in Yellowstone Today
When you make your way to West Yellowstone to enjoy a geyser-spotting adventure in good company, the team at Sweet Home Montana is more than happy to help you get settled into a comfortable and conveniently located rental. Reach out today to learn more and to start turning your travel plans into a reality soon!