Key Info
Price & Hours
Details
- Natural Wonders, Recreation, Sightseeing Type
- 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Scorecard
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Value5.0
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Facilities4.0
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Atmosphere4.5
Read about how we rank Things to Do.
Old Faithful may be Yellowstone's most well-known geyser, but this geothermal hot spot in the Norris area is the park's oldest and hottest. From its boardwalks, visitors can see rare acid geysers like Echinus Geyser, as well as the tallest active geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser.
Although the basin's geysers rarely erupt, recent travelers highly recommend checking out this geothermal area, saying it's an "other-worldly place" and the "best geyser basin in Yellowstone." A few, however, caution that it can get crowded and run out of parking spaces at the main lot, so consider arriving early or late in the day. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to visit.
North Geyser Basin sits near two museums and a campground, which are open daily between mid- or late May and late September or early October, though exact hours may vary by season. Meanwhile, the basin's geysers can be visited 24 hours a day during the summer season. All of the region's facilities are free to use, but a Yellowstone park pass (valid for seven days) is required.
The only way to reach the area (which sits about 20 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs) is by car or tour bus. Travelers can reference the National Park Service's Norris Geyser Basin Online Tour when planning their North Geyser Basin itineraries. Additional information is provided on NPS' Norris Area page.
