Upper Geyser Basin in West Yellowstone region of YellowstonePhoto by Emanuela Meli

Upper Geyser Basin

timer icon1-3h
Must tag iconMUST-DO
Highlights
checkmark grey iconGeothermal valleys
checkmark grey iconEpic views
checkmark grey iconGeysers
checkmark grey iconWalking trails
checkmark grey iconHot springs
Curated byRomanUpdated

I’d include Upper Geyser Basin for a hot spring stop.

More about this place

The Upper Geyser Basin is home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. It covers an area of approximately 2 square miles and has over 500 geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots.

You can explore the basin through a network of boardwalks that provide easy access to the various geysers and other hydrothermal features. The basin is also home to a visitor center, which provides information about the geysers and the geological processes that create them.

We recommend visiting this basin later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and catch perfect lighting that amplifies all the features of this geothermal field. Start your trip from the main Old Faithful parking lot and slowly make your way up to the last (and our favorite) Morning Glory Pool – a stunningly beautiful hot spring.

Another tip is to continue on foot for another 15 minutes beyond the Morning Glory Pool and reach the Biscuit Basin, cutting extra driving and parking time.

The Upper Geyser Basin is a fascinating natural wonder and a must-see attraction.

Explore Yellowstone itineraries

checkmarkExpert-curated
checkmarkDay-to-day
checkmarkPerfect logistics

Curated stays in West Yellowstone

checkmarkTop reviews
checkmarkGreat value
checkmarkLocation fits your route
Under Canvas preview image
Under Canvas
8.8 ⁄10
From $204
Luxury tents
Boutique hotel
Stylish
Scenic views
Restaurants
Yoga
Live music
Horseback riding
Sustainable
1872 Inn preview image
1872 Inn
9.6 ⁄10
From $469
Boutique hotel
Downtown
Adults only
Spa
Breakfast buffet
24h desk
The Evergreen preview image
The Evergreen
8.9 ⁄10
From $179
Motel
Downtown
Stylish
Rustic
Breakfast buffet
Sustainable
The Adventure Inn preview image
The Adventure Inn
9.6 ⁄10
From $156
Bed & breakfast
Downtown
Stylish
Rustic
Charming hosts
Sustainable
Moose Creek Inn preview image
Moose Creek Inn
8.8 ⁄10
From $149
Motel
Downtown
Stylish
Rustic
Grant Village preview image
Grant Village
6.8 ⁄10
From $230
Lodge
Historic
Mountain lakes
Restaurants
Scenic views
arrow left icon
arrow right icon