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Grotto Geyser

4.9
·9 reviews·, United States

Witness Grotto Geyser's surreal, hours-long eruptions from its unique, knobby cone in Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-July evenings

Potentially dramatic thunderstorm views

CrowdMedium
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景観の一部

Grotto Geyser

Best Time

Mid-July evenings

Potentially dramatic thunderstorm views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness Grotto Geyser's surreal, hours-long eruptions from its unique, knobby cone in Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin.

4.9
(9 reviews)

"Less dramatic than Old Faithful, but way more surreal. It’s a must-see along the Upper Geyser Basin trail."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stay on Boardwalks

Always stick to marked paths around geysers and hot springs for safety and to protect the fragile environment. :athletic_shoe:

⏳ Patience for Eruptions

Grotto Geyser's eruptions are long but unpredictable. Be prepared to wait and enjoy the surrounding basin. :clock1:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grotto Geyser's Surreal Eruption

Grotto Geyser's Surreal Eruption

Upper Geyser Basin

Witness a unique, knobby cone erupting for hours, filling the area with steam. Less dramatic than Old Faithful, but more mesmerizing.

Unique Geological Formations

Unique Geological Formations

Upper Geyser Basin

Marvel at the scale and distinctiveness of geothermal features found nowhere else on Earth.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Grotto Geyser

Grotto Geyser's eruptions are unpredictable, lasting from 1 to over 10 hours. Catching it mid-eruption is a surreal experience. Plan to walk the Upper Geyser Basin trail to find it, and be prepared for varying eruption durations.

Navigating the Upper Geyser Basin

Grotto Geyser is accessible via boardwalks from Old Faithful Inn, Daisy Geyser, Grand Geyser, and Biscuit Basin. Stay on marked paths to safely observe geysers, mud pots, and geothermal pools, and watch for wildlife.

Best Times

When
Mid-July evenings
Why
Potentially dramatic thunderstorm views
Crowd
Medium
When
Anytime it's active
Why
Impressive, long-lasting eruptions
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Geyser Basin in the evening?

🚶‍♀️ Stay on Boardwalks

Always stick to marked paths around geysers and hot springs for safety and to protect the fragile environment. :athletic_shoe:

⏳ Patience for Eruptions

Grotto Geyser's eruptions are long but unpredictable. Be prepared to wait and enjoy the surrounding basin. :clock1:

reddit.com

Thoughts on parking when trying to see multiple springs/geysers in one day?

reddit.com

How to see Old Faithful and the pools? (noob)

📸 Capture the Steam

The steam-filled eruptions create a unique, almost otherworldly atmosphere. :camerawithflash:

🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be walking the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks, so comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stay on Boardwalks

Always stick to marked paths around geysers and hot springs for safety and to protect the fragile environment. :athletic_shoe:

⏳ Patience for Eruptions

Grotto Geyser's eruptions are long but unpredictable. Be prepared to wait and enjoy the surrounding basin. :clock1:

📸 Capture the Steam

The steam-filled eruptions create a unique, almost otherworldly atmosphere. :camerawithflash:

🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be walking the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks, so comfortable footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(9 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by Grotto Geyser's unique, knobby cone and its impressively long eruptions, often describing the experience as surreal and mesmerizing. While less dramatic than Old Faithful, its extended show and the surrounding unique geological formations make it a must-see. Safety on the boardwalks and respecting the fragile environment are consistently emphasized.

"Its strange, knobby cone looks like a coral reef or something melted - and it puts on a seriously impressive show. Eruptions can last anywhere from 1 to over 10 hours, sending powerful jets of steam and water into the air. We caught it mid-eruption and were blown away by how long and steady it was - less dramatic than Old Faithful, but way more surreal. It’s a must-see along the Upper Geyser Basin trail, and definitely worth stopping for, especially if it’s active!"

Whitney Leach

"Cool set of geysers in one area.
The way this unique area was formed and the geological features are not found anywhere else in the world on this scale.
Be safe when walking around the geysers, mud pots, geothermal pools, and astounding wildlife found only here without restraints.
As always, leave no trace, leave it better than you found it, and enjoy 😉."

R. Scherer

"This fabulous geyser is a nice stroll from the Old Faithful Inn and beyond, just stay on the paved road and it will take you there. You will see the boardwalk for Daisy Geyser, to the south, just keep walking west and you will see this marvelous geyser on the right.

You can also access this geyser from the Grand Geyser boardwalk and from Biscuit Basin.

I was lucky when I captured this awesome geyser in the evening in mid July during a thunderstorm.."

Pete Pete

What People Like

Surreal, long eruptions
Unique cone formation
Impressive geothermal landscape

What People Dislike

Unpredictable eruption times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Grotto Geyser is located in Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin. You can access it via boardwalks from the Old Faithful Inn, or by following trails from Daisy Geyser, Grand Geyser, or Biscuit Basin. It's a popular stop on the Upper Geyser Basin trail. Reddit

Yes, Grotto Geyser is a pleasant stroll from the Old Faithful Inn and is part of the same geyser basin. It's a natural extension of exploring the Old Faithful area. Reddit

While you can drive to the Old Faithful area, Grotto Geyser itself is accessed by walking the boardwalks within the Upper Geyser Basin. Parking is available at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. Reddit

The best way is to walk the well-maintained boardwalks. This allows you to safely see Grotto Geyser, Old Faithful, and many other geothermal features. Reddit

While not always explicitly listed, many guided tours of the Old Faithful area will include stops at prominent geysers like Grotto Geyser as part of the Upper Geyser Basin exploration. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Grotto Geyser is located within Yellowstone National Park, which requires an entrance fee per vehicle. Once inside the park, viewing Grotto Geyser and other geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin is free. Reddit

Grotto Geyser is accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, viewing an eruption depends on its natural activity, which is unpredictable. Reddit

The Upper Geyser Basin is part of Yellowstone National Park, so you will need to pay the park's entrance fee. There are no separate fees for accessing the geyser basin itself. Reddit

No, Grotto Geyser's eruptions are natural and unpredictable. You cannot book a specific time; you must visit the area and hope to catch it during an active period. Reddit

The main restriction is to stay on the designated boardwalks for your safety and to protect the delicate geothermal environment. Do not throw anything into the geysers. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Eruptions can vary significantly, lasting anywhere from 1 to over 10 hours. This makes it a unique experience compared to shorter geyser shows. Reddit

Expect powerful jets of steam and water filling the area. While less dramatic than Old Faithful, the long duration and surreal atmosphere are captivating. Reddit

Yes, when you stay on the marked boardwalks. The steam can be hot, and the ground is unstable and dangerous outside the designated paths. Always maintain a safe distance. Reddit

Grotto Geyser is surrounded by other notable geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin, including Old Faithful, Grand Geyser, Daisy Geyser, and Castle Geyser. Reddit

The area is characterized by geothermal features like geysers, mud pots, and hot springs, with a network of well-maintained boardwalks for visitors to navigate. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful, but a mid-eruption with steam can be dramatic at any time. Consider visiting during a thunderstorm for unique shots. Reddit

Use a tripod for stability, especially in low light. A fast shutter speed can freeze the steam, while a slower one can capture its movement. Experiment with aperture for depth of field. :camerawithflash:

You must stay on the boardwalks, which provide excellent vantage points. Do not attempt to get closer than the designated viewing areas for safety and preservation. Reddit

Capture the unique, knobby cone, the powerful steam plumes, and the surrounding geothermal landscape. The long eruptions offer ample time for creative shots. Reddit

No, drone usage is strictly prohibited in Yellowstone National Park, including over geyser basins, to protect wildlife and the environment. :noentrysign:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Upper Geyser Basin, including Grotto Geyser, offers a fantastic educational experience for families. The boardwalks are generally stroller-friendly, making it easier to navigate with young children. The sheer spectacle of erupting geysers and colorful hot springs is captivating for kids, sparking curiosity about geology and nature. Reddit

Key tips for families: Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities can be spread out. Ensure children stay close and always on the boardwalks, as the geothermal areas are dangerous. The long eruption times of Grotto Geyser might require patience, so consider bringing a small game or book for downtime. The unique, almost alien landscape can feel like stepping into a different world, making it a memorable adventure for all ages. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo travelers, Grotto Geyser and the Upper Geyser Basin offer a chance for quiet contemplation and immersion in nature's power. The extensive boardwalk system allows for self-guided exploration at your own pace. You can spend as much or as little time as you like observing the geysers and soaking in the unique atmosphere. Reddit

Consider incorporating Grotto Geyser into a longer walk through the basin. The trails are well-marked, and you'll encounter other visitors, providing a sense of community even when traveling alone. The unpredictable nature of the eruptions means there's always a chance for a surprise, making each visit potentially unique. Remember to carry bear spray and be aware of your surroundings, as wildlife is common in Yellowstone. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Grotto Geyser's Unique Nature

Grotto Geyser stands out with its distinctive, knobby cone, often described as resembling a coral reef or something melted. Unlike the more predictable Old Faithful, Grotto Geyser's eruptions are characterized by their long duration, potentially lasting anywhere from one to over ten hours. This extended show sends powerful jets of steam and water into the air, creating a surreal and mesmerizing spectacle. Visitors often note that while less dramatic in its initial burst than Old Faithful, the sheer length and steadiness of Grotto Geyser's performance make it a profoundly impressive sight. Reddit

This unique geyser is a key feature of the Upper Geyser Basin, a region renowned for its high concentration of geothermal activity. The geological formations here are unlike anything else found on Earth on this scale. Travelers are consistently amazed by the sheer variety and beauty of the geysers, mud pots, and hot springs. It's crucial for visitors to remember the importance of safety when exploring this dynamic environment, always staying on the designated boardwalks to avoid the unstable ground and extreme temperatures. Reddit

Accessing Grotto Geyser is part of the adventure. It's conveniently located along the boardwalks that connect major attractions in the Upper Geyser Basin. Whether you're strolling from the Old Faithful Inn, heading from Daisy Geyser, or exploring from Grand Geyser or Biscuit Basin, the well-maintained paths will lead you to this marvel. Some visitors have even captured its awesome power during evening hours, sometimes coinciding with dramatic weather like thunderstorms, adding an extra layer of awe to the experience. Reddit

Exploring the Upper Geyser Basin Trails

The Upper Geyser Basin is a network of interconnected boardwalks that make exploring its geothermal wonders a relatively easy and safe experience. Grotto Geyser is just one of many highlights along these paths. You can easily incorporate a visit to Grotto Geyser into a larger exploration of the basin, starting from the iconic Old Faithful area. The trails are generally well-maintained, offering clear views of the various geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. Reddit

From the Old Faithful Inn, a pleasant walk will take you towards Grotto Geyser. Keep an eye out for signs pointing towards Daisy Geyser, and continue west to find Grotto Geyser on your right. Alternatively, you can access it from the boardwalks originating near Grand Geyser or even from Biscuit Basin, allowing for flexible itinerary planning. The trails are mostly paved or boardwalked, making them accessible for most visitors, though some sections might have minimal shade. Reddit

Remember that while the trails are safe, the surrounding geothermal areas are not. Visitors are strongly advised to stay on the marked paths at all times. This is crucial for personal safety, as the ground can be thin and unstable, and the water is scalding hot. It also helps preserve the delicate ecosystem of the basin. Enjoy the walk and the incredible sights, but always prioritize safety and environmental respect. Reddit

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