Biscuit Basin is a hydrothermal area located next to the Upper Geyser Basin. It is known for its colorful and active geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. The area was named after biscuit-like deposits that were created by the hot springs' mineral-rich water.

One of the most famous features of Biscuit Basin is the Sapphire Pool, which has deep blue waters and is surrounded by colorful bacterial mats. Another unique feature is the Jewel Geyser, a cone geyser that erupts water up to 20 feet high. There are also several other notable features in the area, such as the Shell Geyser, Avoca Spring, and Mustard Spring.

You can access Biscuit Basin via an easy boardwalk trail that loops through the area, providing views of the various geothermal features. 

Biscuit Basin

Fairy Falls Trail is a scenic hiking trail culminating in the spectacular Fairy Falls, which plunge 197 feet into a misty pool below. A quick mid-way detour leads to the Grand Prismatic Overlook, so you can kill two birds with one hike.

The trail is a 5.4-mile roundtrip hike that takes you through lush forests, over a meandering stream, and past geothermal features before reaching the waterfall. The trail is relatively flat and shaded, making it a pleasant hike.

The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly Fairy Falls themselves. You can stand in awe of the impressive cascade and feel the cool mist from the pool below. For those who want to extend their hike, there is a trail that continues on to Imperial Geyser, a picturesque and not crowded pool with the geyser erupting every few minutes.

Overall, Fairy Falls Trail's combination of stunning natural beauty, geothermal features, and easy accessibility make it a must-visit for any explorer.

AllTrails

Fairy Falls & Prismatic Overlook

Firehole Lake Drive is a 3-mile one-way scenic drive that takes you past a series of geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features. It winds through a forested area and offers stunning views of colorful hot springs, geysers, steam vents, and bubbling mud pots.

We recommend stopping at White Dome Geyser, then Great Fountain Geyser, and Firehole Lake.

Firehole Lake Drive

The Fountain Paint Pot Trail is a unique and colorful boardwalk trail located in the Lower Geyser Basin area of the park. The trail features a variety of geothermal features for its short length, including bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and colorful hot springs.

One of the most notable features on the Fountain Paint Pot Trail is the namesake "paint pots," which are small pools of boiling mud that create colorful mud "paints" that bubble and gurgle. You can also see the beautiful Celestine Pool, which has an unusual blue coloration due to its high temperature and mineral content.

The Fountain Paint Pot Trail is a great option if you are looking for an easy and accessible walk through some of Yellowstone's most unique geothermal features. It's also a great place for photography, as the vibrant colors of the mud pots and hot springs create a stunning contrast against the surrounding landscape.

Fountain Paint Pot Trail

This scenic hiking trail provides stunning panoramic views of the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring. The trail is a moderate 1.6-mile roundtrip hike that takes you through a beautiful forested area before ascending a steep hill to a viewing platform overlooking the Grand Prismatic Spring.

The viewing platform offers spectacular views of the multicolored spring from above, showcasing the vivid hues of blue, green, yellow, and orange created by the microorganisms living in the hot spring.

We like this trail because it gives a bird's eye view of the entire spring and its surroundings which is different from what most visitors see from ground level.

Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail

The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most iconic and stunning geothermal features in the world. It is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world, with a diameter of 370 feet and a depth of 121 feet.

The spring is known for its striking rainbow colors, which are created by the unique bacteria that live in the mineral-rich waters. The colors are particularly vibrant during the summer months when the water temperature is at its highest.

Take a boardwalk trail that leads around the edge of the spring for a closer view. One unique feature of the spring is its constantly changing colors, which shift based on the water temperature, time of day, and weather conditions. Despite its beauty, be careful to stay on designated paths and boardwalks, as the water can be dangerously hot and acidic.

Grand Prismatic Spring

The Lone Star Geyser Trail is a moderate 5-mile round-trip hike that offers a great way to see the park's geothermal features up close and without the crowds.

The Lone Star Geyser erupts every three hours and can shoot water up to 45 feet high. The geyser is located in a secluded clearing in the forest, which makes the experience even more special. Along the way, you will also see several other smaller geysers and hot springs.

The hike itself is a beautiful walk through a forested area with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is a great option for those looking for a slightly more off-the-beaten-path hike in Yellowstone National Park.

Lone Star Geyser Trail

Old Faithful is one of the most famous geysers in the world and is known for its predictability, erupting approximately every 91 minutes. Old Faithful was named by explorers in the 19th century for its consistent eruptions, which they found to be "faithful" in timing.

The eruptions of Old Faithful typically last between 1.5 and 5 minutes, with an average height of around 130 feet, although some eruptions can reach up to 185 feet high. The geyser's water temperature can exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and the steam and spray from an eruption can be visible from miles away.

Old Faithful

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.

Upper Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin is a small geyser basin that offers a diverse range of hydrothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. You can explore it along a boardwalk trail that is approximately 1/4 mile long.

This basin is quite unique because many of the thermal features are located underwater in Yellowstone Lake and you can observe them through the clear water at the edge of the lake. The colors of the hot springs and geysers are particularly vivid and striking, ranging from brilliant blues to deep greens and oranges.

Some of the major features at the basin include Abyss Pool, Black Pool, Fishing Cone, and Thumb Paint Pots. Fishing Cone is particularly notable because it was once used by early visitors for cooking fish caught in the lake. While visitors are no longer permitted to use the cone for cooking, it remains a popular attraction at the geyser basin.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

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I’d pick 1872 Inn for an adults-only stay. The spa is a nice bonus.

Even after exploring the geothermal valleys of Iceland and New Zealand, Yellowstone managed to impress. Truly one of the most stunning geothermal parks in the world. If you love nature and unique landscapes, it will make you feel on another planet.

The 1872 Inn is a boutique bed and breakfast located just a few blocks away from the west entrance to the park. This historic inn features unique and charming guest rooms, each with its own distinct personality and style. Some rooms offer antique furnishings, while others feature modern amenities like whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.

You can enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast each morning, featuring homemade pastries, fresh fruit, and hot entrees. The inn also offers a comfortable common area with a fireplace, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the park.

1872 Inn

Explore everything Yellowstone has to offer, plus the stunning Grand Teton.

Yellowstone & Grand Teton

A short trip filled with some of the most outworldly landscapes on our planet.

Yellowstone Highlights

It's the gateway to geothermal wonders, where geysers and hot springs await to amaze you. Don't miss the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, where you can come face-to-face with some of the park's most majestic wildlife.

1872 Inn

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