Upper Geyser Basin, near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, is a geothermal area with a dense concentration of geysers, hot springs and other thermal features. Walk its paved paths and boardwalks to see Old Faithful alongside Castle, Grand, Daisy and Riverside geysers. Morning Glory Pool is a farther point on the route, while Observation Point adds an elevated view over the geyser field. Allow time to explore beyond Old Faithful, where the basin’s many pools and eruptions make for a longer visit.
A geothermal walk beyond Old Faithful
Upper Geyser Basin lies in the Old Faithful area of Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful is its best-known geyser, but the basin has much more to explore: geysers, hot springs and other geothermal features spread across a network of paved trails and boardwalks. The concentration is unusually high, with more than 150 geysers in the area.
The marked paths make it possible to walk among the thermal features while staying on designated routes. Pools, steaming ground and geysers appear along the way, with the Firehole River also running through the basin. The walk is a chance to see several kinds of geothermal activity in one outing rather than stopping at Old Faithful and turning back.
Geysers and pools along the route
Castle, Grand, Daisy and Riverside are among the basin’s notable geysers. Their eruptions can be predicted, so check current estimates at the visitor center or online before setting out. These times help you plan where to walk and when to wait, but the route itself is worth taking between eruptions.
Morning Glory Pool is one of the farther points on the basin walk. The paved route from Old Faithful to the pool is about 2.8 miles out and back, with extra distance if you follow more of the boardwalks. Observation Point and Solitary Geyser are other side trips in the area. Taking a loop, where available, lets you see more of the basin than an out-and-back walk along the same path.
Planning your visit
Set aside a few hours if you want to explore the basin beyond the Old Faithful viewing area. The full loop is roughly four to five miles, depending on the route, and the many stops make it a slower walk than the distance alone suggests. If your time is short, choose a smaller section of the boardwalks rather than trying to cover the entire area quickly.
Early morning is a useful time to start: the viewing benches at Old Faithful can fill, and the paths become busier later in the day. In colder months, boardwalks may be icy, so take care underfoot. Summer temperatures can feel warmer around the geothermal area; bring water for the walk.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long should you spend at Upper Geyser Basin?
Allow about two to three hours to explore the basin and its boardwalks. The full loop is roughly four to five miles.
Which geysers can you see at Upper Geyser Basin?
Old Faithful, Castle, Grand, Daisy and Riverside are among the geysers in the basin. Check eruption predictions at the visitor center or online.
How far is Morning Glory Pool from Old Faithful?
The paved route from Old Faithful to Morning Glory Pool is about 2.8 miles round trip. Walking additional boardwalks adds distance.
When is a good time to visit Upper Geyser Basin?
Early morning is a good time to begin, before the paths get busier and the viewing benches at Old Faithful fill.
