Of course, everyone goes to see Old Faithful geyser but few walk even the short distance needed to cross the river and see Geyser Hill and even less spend time in the rest of the geyser basin. The entire geyser basin is well worth exploring.

The one square mile basin is home to hundreds of geysers and some very pretty hot springs. Take your time and explore. Sit, relax and watch some of the geysers. Only by taking your time can you experience Yellowstone's unique thermal wonders.

An interpretive pamphlet about the Upper Geyser Basin is available at the visitor center and at the start of the boardwalk behind Old Faithful. Pamphlets cost $0.25 (1997) but may be borrowed and returned to the trailhead at no charge. Besides describing some of the basins features the pamphlet also includes a map of the basin which shows the boardwalks and the locations of some of the major geysers and hot springs.

About four miles of boardwalks lead through the basin. These boardwalks provide safe access to the thermal features and protect delicate features from the trampling feet of the thousands of tourists that visit the area each year. For your safety, and the protection of the thermal features, PLEASE stay on the boardwalks.

The must-see geyser is Grand. Eruption predictions for this and a few other geysers are posted in the Old Faithful Visitor Center. Grand is the largest predictable geyser in the world. It is larger and lasts longer than Old Faithful. More importantly, it is very spectacular and quite pretty. Unfortunately, Grand can not be predicted as accurately as Old Faithful so some waiting is required. Grand is well worth the wait. The other predicted geysers are also worth seeing but not at the risk of missing Grand.

More information about the geysers.

My favorite pools in the basin are, Doublet Pool and Beauty and Chromatic pools. Doublet pool is located on Geyser Hill. If there are no people walking on the boardwalk, a condition usually limited to early morning or late evening, sit on the bench in front of the pool and you may feel thumping as steam bubbles collapse deep in the pool. Beauty and Chromatic pools, located between Grand and Giant geysers, are connected underground. Over a period of weeks one pool gets hotter and begins to overflow as the other gets cooler and stops overflowing. Then the process reverses. Usually the pool that is overflowing is the most colorful.

Many of the pools in Yellowstone are brightly colored. Blue is caused by the reflection of light off the white bottom of the pool and the lights refraction as it passes through the very clear water of the hot pool. The bright reds, yellows and greens seen in the hot water of the pools and in their runoff channels is due to cyano-bacteria living in the hot water. The park service has an interesting press release about these thermophilic organisms.

Consider taking a ranger led walk. These walks are usually informative and fun for children and adults. Rangers often route their "geyser walks" so that you will get to see some geysers erupt. You can find out about scheduled walks at the Old Faithful Visitor Center.

If you catch the geyser bug you will want to spend at least a day in the Upper Geyser Basin, if not you will still need a half day.

You can call the Old Faithful Visitor Center at (307)545-2750 to get current geyser prediction times. Please only do this if your time is very limited. Besides the visitor center, prediction times are also posted in the lobbies of the Inn and Lodge.

A tip about avoiding the crowds around Old Faithful.

Comments and Questions are Welcome.

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