Upper Geyser Basin
Home to Old Faithful and over 150 geysers, this basin is the world's most concentrated geyser region, offering a stunning display of geothermal wonder...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Upper Geyser Basin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to Old Faithful and over 150 geysers, this basin is the world's most concentrated geyser region, offering a stunning display of geothermal wonders.
"It's like a theme park for geology. There is just no place like this on Earth but Yellowstone."
🎯 Arrive Early for Old Faithful
Limited seating fills fast for Old Faithful. Arrive well before the predicted eruption time.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Old Faithful
The entire Upper Geyser Basin is incredible! Walk the boardwalks to discover dozens more geysers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Faithful
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center area
Witness the iconic eruption of the world's most famous geyser, a must-see spectacle in Yellowstone.
Morning Glory Pool
Southern end of the Upper Geyser Basin loop
Marvel at the vibrant, otherworldly colors of this stunning hot spring, a true natural masterpiece.
Grand Geyser
Near the Old Faithful Inn
Experience the power of one of the world's tallest predictable geysers, erupting in spectacular fashion.
Geyser Hill
Central area of the Upper Geyser Basin
Explore a dense cluster of active geysers and hot springs, offering a concentrated display of geothermal activity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Geyser Gazing
Navigating the Basin's Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting the Geyser Basins
🎯 Arrive Early for Old Faithful
Limited seating fills fast for Old Faithful. Arrive well before the predicted eruption time.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Old Faithful
The entire Upper Geyser Basin is incredible! Walk the boardwalks to discover dozens more geysers.
What are your Yellowstone life hacks for visitors?
Geyser Basin in the evening?
💧 Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected
It gets hot and sunny here! Carry water and wear sunscreen, especially during summer.
👃 Be Prepared for Sulfur Smells
The geothermal activity creates a distinct sulfur odor in some areas.
First time visiting Yellowstone Itinerary
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Old Faithful
Limited seating fills fast for Old Faithful. Arrive well before the predicted eruption time.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Old Faithful
The entire Upper Geyser Basin is incredible! Walk the boardwalks to discover dozens more geysers.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected
It gets hot and sunny here! Carry water and wear sunscreen, especially during summer.
👃 Be Prepared for Sulfur Smells
The geothermal activity creates a distinct sulfur odor in some areas.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on boardwalks and trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the sheer concentration and variety of geothermal features in the Upper Geyser Basin, with Old Faithful being a major draw. The accessible boardwalks are praised for allowing easy exploration of this unique landscape. However, the overwhelming crowds, especially during peak season, and the strong sulfur smell are frequently cited drawbacks.
"By far the most popular and crowded geyser basin due to very famous geysers such as Old Faithful and Beehive. There are guided tours starting at the visitor center with very kind rangers. The basin is located very close to the Old Faithful Lodge, Old Faithful Inn, and the Snow Lodge."
Jhames
"Come for Old Faithful but stay to explore the whole Upper Geyser Basin. Incredible display of a great variety of geothermal features. Some beautiful, some silly but all unlike anything you've ever seen before. It's like a theme park for geology. There is just no place like this on Earth but Yellowstone.
The trail is raised and made of planks to keep you safely at a distance from delicate earth, boiling springs and geysers and, while it's sloped in some places, it's a gentle walk. Also, it's hot here - shocker, right, with all the heat from the Earth's core boiling to the surface? So just expect a warmer walk around here in the summer especially!
Give yourself at least a couple of hours to see it all - longer if you plan to hang out to catch some of the less regular geyser eruptions. There's also a great visitor's center up by Old Faithful and of course you should explore the historic Inn. Such a treat."
Lisa E. (Peachy in Georgia)
"Definitely worth checking out after viewing Old Faithful! Tons and tons of geysers and hot pots. The boardwalks provide areas are super accessible. Just hang on to the kiddos!"
Garrett Adams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Upper Geyser Basin is located in the southwestern part of Yellowstone National Park, easily accessible from the West Entrance. It's a short drive from the Old Faithful area, where most visitors start. Parking can be challenging during peak season, so consider arriving early or using the park's shuttle system if available.
While there isn't a dedicated public bus system within Yellowstone, the park does offer shuttle services in some areas during peak season. It's best to check the official Yellowstone National Park website for the most current information on transportation options and routes.
Yes, you can drive to the Upper Geyser Basin. There are parking lots near the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and other points of interest within the basin. However, these lots fill up quickly, especially during summer months.
For exploring multiple geyser basins, driving your own vehicle offers the most flexibility. Alternatively, the park's scenic drives connect the major areas, and some visitors opt for guided tours that handle transportation.
Yes, RVs can access the Upper Geyser Basin via the park roads. However, be aware of potential parking limitations for larger vehicles in the main lots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no separate ticket required to enter the Upper Geyser Basin itself. However, you will need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass, which can be purchased at any park entrance station.
The Upper Geyser Basin is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor services like the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center have specific operating hours, which vary by season.
The cost to visit the Upper Geyser Basin is covered by your Yellowstone National Park entrance fee. As of recent information, a private vehicle pass is $35 and is valid for 7 days.
Yes, guided tours are available starting from the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. These tours are led by park rangers and offer valuable insights into the geothermal features.
Visitors must stay on designated boardwalks and trails to protect the fragile environment and for their own safety. Do not throw anything into the geysers or hot springs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To truly appreciate the Upper Geyser Basin, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you want to see multiple geyser eruptions beyond Old Faithful and walk the full loop, allocate 4-5 hours.
Besides Old Faithful, don't miss Grand Geyser, Daisy Geyser, Castle Geyser, and Riverside Geyser. Check the eruption prediction board at the Visitor Center for times. Morning Glory Pool is also a must-see for its colors.
Yes, the boardwalks are generally well-maintained and accessible, with gentle slopes in most areas, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some sections might have minor inclines.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing as temperatures can change, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). It can get quite warm due to geothermal activity.
Cell service can be spotty and unreliable in Yellowstone, including the Upper Geyser Basin. Wi-Fi is typically only available at lodges and visitor centers, and can be slow.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Several dining options are available near the Upper Geyser Basin, including the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria, and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room. There are also grab-and-go options.
Yes, there are picnic areas available in the vicinity of the Old Faithful area. It's a great way to enjoy a meal surrounded by the park's natural beauty.
Absolutely! Bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Dining options range from sit-down restaurants with more formal menus to casual cafeterias and snack shops offering sandwiches, salads, and quick bites.
Dining facilities in national parks are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's best to check the specific menus online or inquire directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire basin offers incredible photographic opportunities. Focus on capturing geyser eruptions, colorful hot springs like Morning Glory Pool, and the unique landscape. The Observation Point offers a different perspective of Old Faithful.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the landscape and geyser eruptions. A telephoto lens can be useful for closer shots of geyser details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Check eruption prediction times. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water in motion. Consider shooting in burst mode. Be patient and experiment with different angles.
While dedicated photography tours might be limited, ranger-led programs often include tips for appreciating and photographing the geothermal features.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as exploring can take longer than expected. Keep a close eye on children at all times, as the geothermal features are dangerous. The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center offers exhibits that can engage kids and explain the science behind the geysers in an understandable way. Don't miss the chance to see Old Faithful erupt – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages!
🚶 Budget Travelers
Focus on exploring the free boardwalk trails and witnessing the natural geyser eruptions. While guided tours are available, you can gain a lot of knowledge by reading interpretive signs and utilizing the free resources at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. Walking the entire basin loop is a great way to maximize your experience without spending extra.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Old Faithful and Beyond
Visitors can explore these wonders via an extensive network of raised boardwalks and paved trails, designed to protect the fragile thermal areas and ensure visitor safety. These pathways wind through steaming meadows and past bubbling pools, offering an immersive experience into a landscape shaped by immense underground heat. The sheer variety, from the vibrant colors of Morning Glory Pool to the powerful bursts of Grand Geyser, makes the Upper Geyser Basin a geological theme park unlike any other.
To fully appreciate the basin, it's recommended to allocate ample time. Checking the eruption prediction boards at the Visitor Center is crucial for catching the shows of geysers like Grand, Daisy, and Castle. For a different perspective, the hike to the Observation Point offers a panoramic view of Old Faithful and the surrounding basin, though some find the view less impactful than expected.
Navigating the Upper Geyser Basin: Practicalities and Tips
The distinctive sulfur smell is a common characteristic of geothermal areas and is particularly noticeable in the Upper Geyser Basin. While it can be off-putting to some, it's a natural byproduct of the volcanic activity. The boardwalks are generally well-maintained and accessible, making it a manageable experience for most visitors, including families with strollers. However, it's always wise to keep a close eye on children due to the proximity of boiling water.
For those looking to avoid the significant crowds, especially around Old Faithful, visiting during the early morning or late evening is highly recommended. These times offer a more serene experience and better photographic opportunities with softer light. While cell service can be unreliable, the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center provides valuable information, including geyser eruption schedules.
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