Morning Glory Pool is a hot spring in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, reached on foot from Old Faithful. Its flower-like basin holds blue and green water ringed with yellow and orange, colored by microorganisms that live at different temperatures. The walk follows a boardwalk past other geysers and thermal pools, so the journey is part of the visit. The spring’s colors have changed after debris blocked some of its vents. Stay on the path and leave the water untouched.
A hot spring at the end of the boardwalk
Morning Glory Pool sits at the northern end of the Upper Geyser Basin, a geothermal area near Old Faithful. The route passes geysers and smaller hot springs before reaching the pool, so leave time to stop along the way. From Old Faithful, the walk takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes according to the route described in the visit information; other route estimates put it at about a mile one way.
The mostly flat path runs along a boardwalk and paved sections. The Artemisia Trail from the Biscuit Basin parking area is an alternative approach, with a shorter round trip noted in route advice. One description also recommends it as a way to visit Biscuit Basin from the same parking area. Check the route you plan to take before setting out.
How the pool gets its colors
The basin resembles a morning glory flower, which inspired its name. The name was in common use by 1889; in 1883, the wife of an assistant park superintendent called it “Convolutus,” after the Latin name for the flower.
Microorganisms living in the water form bands of color according to temperature. Blue marks hotter water, while cooler areas can appear yellow, green or orange. The spring was once a stronger blue. Objects thrown into it over time blocked vents and affected the water’s flow and temperature, changing its appearance. The visible colors remain striking, but the change is also a reminder to keep the water free of debris.
What to look for on the walk
The boardwalk route takes you past several geysers and other thermal features in the Upper Geyser Basin. Depending on your route, landmarks include Geyser Hill and Castle Geyser. Eruptions from geysers along the way are unpredictable, so treat them as a possibility, not a timed part of the visit.
At the pool, the boardwalk brings you close enough to see the full basin without needing a higher viewpoint. Pause to look at the color bands and the shape of the spring, then continue along the marked path. Do not lean over barriers or put anything into the water.
Planning a responsible visit
There are limited amenities along the trail, so bring drinking water and snacks if you will be walking beyond a short stop. The walk is exposed to the elements, and the pool is at the end of the route from Old Faithful. An early visit is suggested for a quieter experience.
Stay on the boardwalk and leave coins, litter and other objects out of the spring. Debris has blocked parts of the pool’s vents in the past, contributing to its change in color. Protecting the water means future visitors can see the thermal feature as it is, rather than adding to that damage.
Perguntas frequentes
How do you get to Morning Glory Pool?
Walk north from the Old Faithful area through the Upper Geyser Basin, following the boardwalk past geysers and thermal pools. The walk takes about 20 to 30 minutes each way.
Can you reach Morning Glory Pool from Biscuit Basin?
Yes. The Artemisia Trail from the Biscuit Basin parking area is an alternative route. Route advice recommends it for a shorter round trip.
Why has Morning Glory Pool changed color?
Objects thrown into the spring blocked some vents and affected the water’s flow and temperature. Microorganisms living in the water create color bands that vary with temperature.
How long should you allow for a visit?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for the walk from Old Faithful and time to look around the basin. The route passes other geothermal features along the way.
