Where the Earth Puts on a Show
Yellowstone sits atop one of the largest active volcanic systems on the planet, and all that heat below the surface creates a wonderland of geysers, hot springs, and steaming pools found almost nowhere else on earth. The star of the show is the world-famous Old Faithful, but it is only the beginning. Here is a guide to Old Faithful and the geysers that make Yellowstone so unforgettable.
Old Faithful: The Star of the Park
Old Faithful earned its name because it erupts more predictably than almost any large geyser in the world. Roughly every 90 minutes or so, it blasts a towering column of hot water and steam high into the air for several minutes. Because rangers can estimate the next eruption, it is easy to time your visit, grab a spot along the boardwalk, and watch the whole thing unfold. It is a true bucket-list moment.
What Exactly Is a Geyser?
A geyser is a rare kind of hot spring that erupts. Deep underground, water is heated by the volcanic rock until pressure builds in narrow channels. When that pressure finally releases, it sends water and steam shooting up into the air. The special plumbing required means geysers are extremely rare worldwide, yet Yellowstone contains about half of all the geysers on earth, which makes the park truly one of a kind.
Beyond Old Faithful
Old Faithful may be the headliner, but the surrounding area and nearby basins are packed with wonders worth exploring.
- Grand Prismatic Spring, a massive hot spring ringed in rainbow colors.
- The Upper and Lower Geyser Basins, full of geysers and bubbling pools.
- Colorful hot springs and steaming, otherworldly landscapes at every turn.
Wandering the boardwalks among these features feels like stepping onto another planet.
Tips for Visiting the Geysers
A little planning makes the geyser basins safer and more enjoyable. Check the predicted eruption times for Old Faithful so you are there at the right moment, and arrive early to find parking and a good viewing spot. Most importantly, always stay on the marked boardwalks and trails. The ground here can be thin and dangerously hot, and the delicate features are easily damaged, so keeping to the path protects both you and the park.
Witness the Power Below
From the faithful clockwork of Old Faithful to the rainbow rings of Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone’s geysers and hot springs reveal the raw power simmering beneath the park. Time your visit around an eruption, explore the surrounding basins, and stay on the boardwalks to take it all in safely. Our guided tours help you catch the geysers at their best, so you never miss the show the earth puts on here.