
Riverside Geyser Yellowstone National Park
A powerful geyser erupting into the Firehole River, offering spectacular shows and a scenic hike from Old Faithful.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Predictable eruption times

Riverside Geyser Yellowstone National Park
Best Time
Predictable eruption times

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful geyser erupting into the Firehole River, offering spectacular shows and a scenic hike from Old Faithful.
"Absolutely spectacular. One of the most predictable geysers in the park!"

🎯 Check Eruption Times
Predictable ~6-hour intervals. Check visitor center or online for exact times!
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
A ~1-mile hike from Old Faithful. Enjoy the scenic trail!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Geyser Eruption
Upper Geyser Basin
Witness a powerful, predictable eruption lasting ~20 minutes, shooting water into the Firehole River.

Scenic Hike to the Geyser
Upper Geyser Basin Trail
Enjoy a pleasant ~1-mile walk from Old Faithful, passing other geothermal features.

Rainbow in the Mist
Riverside Geyser viewing area
On sunny afternoons, the mist from the eruption can create stunning rainbows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Riverside Geyser
The Journey to Riverside Geyser
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What are your Yellowstone life hacks for visitors?
🎯 Check Eruption Times
Predictable ~6-hour intervals. Check visitor center or online for exact times!
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
A ~1-mile hike from Old Faithful. Enjoy the scenic trail!
Geyser Basin in the evening?
Visiting the Geyser Basins
📸 Capture the Rainbow
Late afternoon sun can create rainbows in the geyser's mist. Magical!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Yellowstone can be dry. Carry water, especially during your hike.
Thoughts on parking when trying to see multiple springs/geysers in one day?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Eruption Times
Predictable ~6-hour intervals. Check visitor center or online for exact times!
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
A ~1-mile hike from Old Faithful. Enjoy the scenic trail!
📸 Capture the Rainbow
Late afternoon sun can create rainbows in the geyser's mist. Magical!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Yellowstone can be dry. Carry water, especially during your hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Riverside Geyser's spectacular and predictable eruptions, often describing it as a 'must-see' in Yellowstone. The scenic hike from Old Faithful and the beautiful setting on the Firehole River are frequently praised, with many highlighting the chance to see rainbows in the mist. While less famous than Old Faithful, its unique charm and impressive display make it a highly recommended stop.
"Awesome geyser. Definitely worth the stop and hike through the Upper Geyser Basin to get here!"
Jeff G
"Riverside Geyser is one of the ‘must see’ geysers in the YNP! It currently erupts every 5 1/2-6 1/2 hours, so check the day before you are planning to go. The setting, on the bank of the Firehole River is beautiful and usually less crowded. It’s little over a mile from Old Faithful, a great hike between several other Geysers and pools and you’ll get rewarded with a ~20min eruption, that’s about 5 times Old Faithful."
Alex Stoklas
"Absolutely spectacular. One of the most predictable geysers in the park - you can find the predicted eruption times at the Old Faithful Visitor Center, or online. You'll have tons of opportunities for pictures - it erupts for 22 minutes!"
Tyler Thornton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverside Geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. It's approximately a 1-mile hike from the Old Faithful area. You can park at Old Faithful and follow the boardwalks and trails towards the Firehole River.
Direct parking at Riverside Geyser is limited. The most common approach is to park at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and then walk. This allows you to see other geysers along the way.
No, Riverside Geyser is not directly accessible by car. It requires a walk from the Old Faithful area. This hike is part of the charm, allowing you to experience the geothermal landscape.
Follow the well-maintained trails from Old Faithful. Signs will guide you towards the Firehole River, where Riverside Geyser is located. The path is generally flat and easy to follow.
The hike is considered moderate and is about 1 mile each way. It's mostly on boardwalks or paved paths, making it accessible for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no separate ticket required to see Riverside Geyser. Your Yellowstone National Park entrance fee covers access to all geysers and attractions within the park.
Riverside Geyser operates naturally and does not have set operating hours. It erupts on its own schedule, typically every 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
The best way to know the predicted eruption times is to check with the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center staff or look for posted schedules. You can also often find this information on the official Yellowstone National Park website or app.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Yellowstone National Park. This fee is per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. Check the NPS website for current pricing.
Riverside Geyser can be visited year-round, but access and trail conditions may vary depending on the season. Winter visits may require snowshoes or skis, and some trails might be closed.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, and the angle of the sun can create stunning rainbows in the geyser's mist. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water spray. Consider a tripod for stability, especially in lower light. A polarizing filter can help manage glare on the water.
Yes, the area along the Firehole River offers several good viewpoints. You can get close enough to capture the power of the eruption and the surrounding scenery.
A versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm or 70-200mm) is ideal. It allows you to capture both the wide landscape and closer details of the eruption.
Be mindful of the mist, especially during eruptions. It's advisable to use a lens hood and consider a rain cover for your camera to protect it from moisture.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
An eruption of Riverside Geyser typically lasts for about 20 minutes, offering ample time to observe and photograph.
Riverside Geyser erupts less frequently than Old Faithful but its eruptions are often larger and more sustained, lasting around 20 minutes compared to Old Faithful's shorter bursts.
The hike from Old Faithful to Riverside Geyser passes by numerous other geysers and hot springs in the Upper Geyser Basin, including Grand Geyser and Castle Geyser.
Restroom facilities are available at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. There are no restrooms directly at the Riverside Geyser viewing area, so plan accordingly.
Yes, viewing areas are designated and safe. Always stay on marked trails and boardwalks, and maintain a safe distance from geothermal features.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Witnessing a geyser eruption is a memorable experience for kids. The ~20-minute duration of Riverside's eruption is long enough for them to appreciate it fully without getting too restless. The chance of seeing a rainbow in the mist adds an extra element of magic. Make sure to check eruption times beforehand so the anticipation builds!
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Take advantage of the ~1-mile hike to explore the Upper Geyser Basin's diverse features. It’s an excellent opportunity for photography, and the predictable eruption times mean you can plan your visit to coincide with the spectacle. The relatively short distance makes it an accessible adventure for anyone looking to experience a less crowded, yet equally impressive, geyser.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Geyser Eruptions
The predictability of Riverside Geyser is a key factor for visitors. While it erupts approximately every 5.5 to 6.5 hours, checking the predicted times at the Old Faithful Visitor Center or online is crucial for planning your visit. This allows you to time your hike and ensure you don't miss the show. The unique setting on the riverbank also means that during eruptions, a beautiful rainbow can often be seen in the mist, especially in the late afternoon sun.
The Scenic Hike to Riverside Geyser
This walk is generally easy, following well-maintained boardwalks and paved paths, making it accessible for most visitors. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the unique landscape of Yellowstone without the intense crowds often found at Old Faithful itself. Many visitors find this hike to be a highlight, offering a more intimate connection with the park's geothermal wonders before reaching the main attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit