Riverside Geyser erupting 9/2019
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Riverside Geyser Yellowstone National Park

4.9
·16 reviews·, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Every ~6 hours

Predictable eruption times

CrowdMedium
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Riverside Geyser erupting 9/2019

Riverside Geyser Yellowstone National Park

Best Time

Every ~6 hours

Predictable eruption times

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.9
(16 reviews)

"Absolutely spectacular. One of the most predictable geysers in the park!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Geyser Eruption

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

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

Rainbow in the Mist

Riverside Geyser viewing area

On sunny afternoons, the mist from the eruption can create stunning rainbows.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Riverside Geyser

Riverside Geyser erupts roughly every 6 hours, so check predicted times at the Old Faithful Visitor Center or online. Catching an eruption is key to the experience, and planning around it avoids disappointment. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer fewer crowds and beautiful light for photos.

The Journey to Riverside Geyser

While not as famous as Old Faithful, Riverside Geyser is a gem. It's about a mile hike from Old Faithful, offering a scenic walk through the Upper Geyser Basin past other geysers and pools. Wear comfortable shoes for this rewarding trek.

Best Times

When
Every ~6 hours
Why
Predictable eruption times
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, potential rainbows
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What are your Yellowstone life hacks for visitors?

🎯 Check Eruption Times

Predictable ~6-hour intervals. Check visitor center or online for exact times! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes

A ~1-mile hike from Old Faithful. Enjoy the scenic trail! Reddit

reddit.com

Geyser Basin in the evening?

reddit.com

Visiting the Geyser Basins

📸 Capture the Rainbow

Late afternoon sun can create rainbows in the geyser's mist. Magical! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Yellowstone can be dry. Carry water, especially during your hike. Reddit

reddit.com

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! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes

A ~1-mile hike from Old Faithful. Enjoy the scenic trail! Reddit

📸 Capture the Rainbow

Late afternoon sun can create rainbows in the geyser's mist. Magical! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Yellowstone can be dry. Carry water, especially during your hike. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(16 reviews)

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

Spectacular eruptions
Predictable timing
Beautiful river setting

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

An eruption of Riverside Geyser typically lasts for about 20 minutes, offering ample time to observe and photograph. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, viewing areas are designated and safe. Always stay on marked trails and boardwalks, and maintain a safe distance from geothermal features. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The hike to Riverside Geyser is a great family-friendly activity. The ~1-mile trail from Old Faithful is mostly flat and on boardwalks, making it manageable for little legs. It's an exciting way to see more of Yellowstone's geothermal wonders beyond just Old Faithful. Pack snacks and water, and keep an eye on children near the geothermal features and the river. Reddit

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

For solo travelers, the hike to Riverside Geyser offers a peaceful and rewarding experience. It's a chance to connect with nature and the park's unique geology at your own pace. The trail is well-marked and generally safe, with other visitors often around, providing a sense of security. Reddit

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

Riverside Geyser is a fascinating example of Yellowstone's geothermal activity. Unlike Old Faithful, which erupts more frequently, Riverside's eruptions are less predictable but often more spectacular, lasting around 20 minutes. The geyser is situated right on the bank of the Firehole River, making its eruptions particularly dramatic as the hot water mixes with the river. Visitors often report feeling lucky to witness its powerful display. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Scenic Hike to Riverside Geyser

The journey to Riverside Geyser is as much a part of the experience as the geyser itself. A pleasant, approximately 1-mile hike from the Old Faithful area leads you through the heart of the Upper Geyser Basin. This trail is a fantastic opportunity to witness a variety of other geothermal features, including numerous smaller geysers, colorful hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. Reddit

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. Reddit

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