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One of the most densely-packed geyser areas in the world, Old Faithful provides a front-row view to the spectacular eruptions of Old Faithful, which shoots hundreds of gallons of boiling water up to 180 feet in the air at consistent intervals.
Begin your journey with Old Faithful and meander around this geothermal marvel, investigating several geysers from the strong Grand Geyser, famed for its higher outbursts, to the rhythmic displays of Castle Geyser. Encounter lesser but equally interesting geothermal phenomena along the journey, including boiling hot springs and colorful prismatic pools like the Chromatic Pool.
Discover the geology driving these natural wonders and the complex subterranean networks supporting them. Among the highlights are the hot Firehole River, Beehive Geyser, and Lion Geyser. Ending back at Old Faithful, the tour captures the core of Yellowstone’s geothermal activity, so rounding off an amazing experience for your park visit.
Visiting Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park is a straightforward experience, easily accessible for all visitors. This iconic geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin and is one of the park’s most famous attractions. It can be reached via the park’s West Entrance, making it a convenient stop for those traveling through this area of the park.
West Yellowstone
Yellowstone Airport (WYS) in West Yellowstone, Montana, is conveniently located about 30 miles from the park’s West Entrance, making it a practical option for visitors planning to see Old Faithful. Operating primarily during the peak summer months, the airport offers flights mostly from Salt Lake City, providing easy access to this iconic geyser as well as other attractions in the park.
Jackson
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson, Wyoming offers a scenic approach to Yellowstone. Located about 71 miles from the park’s South Entrance, it allows visitors to enjoy a drive through Grand Teton National Park en route to Yellowstone. This airport operates year-round, providing more flight options and rental car services, enhancing access to major park attractions like Old Faithful.
Bozeman
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Bozeman, Montana, located about 139 miles north of Old Faithful, offers extensive connectivity with flights from major U.S. cities. It serves as a convenient entry point for exploring various parts of Yellowstone, including the West Thumb area, with access through both the North and West Entrances of the park. This airport provides flexible travel options for park visitors year-round.
Accessing Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park is primarily done by car due to the absence of public transit within the park. Nearest airports—Jackson Hole, Yellowstone Airport in West Yellowstone, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport—provide rental cars for a scenic drive to Old Faithful via the Grand Loop Road. Alternatively, private bus tours offer a convenient option, managing all travel logistics and featuring guided visits to iconic attractions like Old Faithful, ideal for those who prefer not to drive.
Visitors to the Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park must purchase a park pass, valid for seven consecutive days, at the park entrances or visitor centers, or online in advance. Depending on your travel plans and if you intend to visit multiple National Parks within a year, the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass might be more cost-effective. This pass grants access to all U.S. National Parks, over 2,000 National Monuments, National Wildlife Refuges, National Historic Sites, and other federally managed lands.
Passes are complimentary for current U.S. military members and available at a reduced price for seniors aged 62 years or older. Seniors can also enjoy a 50% discount at certain campgrounds.
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A historic site inside Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful Inn welcomes visitors from May to October. The Inn is known for its unique country design and lack of modern distractions like TVs and the internet, making it feel like you’re really in a park. It has a range of places to stay, from simple rooms in the Old House to luxury suites with views of the geyser basin. The Inn has some nice features, like heating, phones, and private toilets. However, cooking and pets are not allowed to keep the historic feel of the place.
Early booking is highly advised since demand is great, especially during peak seasons. The Yellowstone National Park Lodges’ official website lets you make reservations and gives you a lot of information about the rooms and services they offer. If you have worries about accessibility or specific requests for accommodations, please call the reservation office.
For more details on accommodations and bookings, visit Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
Outside of the Park
Securing lodging in Yellowstone National Park can be a challenge, especially during peak summer months. However, several accommodation options are available just outside the park to suit various budgets and preferences.
The town of West Yellowstone, Montana, which is close to the park’s West Entrance, is a great choice for people who would rather not remain inside the park. This town is a popular starting point for tourists because of the variety of places to stay, eat, and play. Near the North Entrance, in Gardiner, Montana, you’ll find a variety of lodging options and quick access to the park. Cooke City and Cody, Wyoming, are other great options for those who want to see the eastern parts of Yellowstone. Both villages provide a wide variety of places to stay and are great starting points for exploring the park, especially the area around Old Faithful.
A historic site inside Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful Inn welcomes visitors from May to October. The Inn is known for its unique country design and lack of modern distractions like TVs and the internet, making it feel like you’re really in a park. It has a range of places to stay, from simple rooms in the Old House to luxury suites with views of the geyser basin. The Inn has some nice features, like heating, phones, and private toilets. However, cooking and pets are not allowed to keep the historic feel of the place.
Early booking is highly advised since demand is great, especially during peak seasons. The Yellowstone National Park Lodges’ official website lets you make reservations and gives you a lot of information about the rooms and services they offer. If you have worries about accessibility or specific requests for accommodations, please call the reservation office.
For more details on accommodations and bookings, visit Yellowstone National Park Lodges.
Outside The Park
Securing lodging in Yellowstone National Park can be a challenge, especially during peak summer months. However, several accommodation options are available just outside the park to suit various budgets and preferences.
The town of West Yellowstone, Montana, which is close to the park’s West Entrance, is a great choice for people who would rather not remain inside the park. This town is a popular starting point for tourists because of the variety of places to stay, eat, and play. Near the North Entrance, in Gardiner, Montana, you’ll find a variety of lodging options and quick access to the park. Cooke City and Cody, Wyoming, are other great options for those who want to see the eastern parts of Yellowstone. Both villages provide a wide variety of places to stay and are great starting points for exploring the park, especially the area around Old Faithful.
June through September is prime season for a visit to Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park. During this time, the park will maintain optimal functioning of all roads and facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy Old Faithful and other popular sites without any obstructions.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, the best times to visit Old Faithful during these months are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when temperatures are cooler. Not only are the crowds lighter during these times, but geyser outbursts are more frequent, making for a more enjoyable viewing experience. Or, if you prefer a more peaceful getaway, the period between the beginning and middle of September is perfect. Pleasant weather persists, but fewer tourists visit in the summer, making it easier to appreciate Yellowstone’s natural attractions, such as the breathtaking Old Faithful eruptions, in peace and quiet.
In Yellowstone National Park, a visit to Old Faithful usually takes around two to four hours. Every 90 minutes or so, Old Faithful erupts for 1.5 to 5 minutes, giving tourists the opportunity to witness the natural phenomenon firsthand. You should either get there early or look at the visitor center’s posted eruption predictions to figure out when to go.
In addition to marveling at the geyser’s spectacular outbursts, visitors can also explore the Upper Geyser Basin, which contains numerous other noteworthy geothermal features like as hot springs, fumaroles, and geysers. Several points of view and informative exhibits about the area’s geological history can be reached via the area’s network of boardwalks and paths.
Strategically planning your visit to Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park will help you dodge the throng. To avoid the throngs of tourists and tour groups, it is recommended to visit Old Faithful either before 10 am or after 6 pm. The peak hours for traffic are from noon to 6 pm. If you’re looking for a less crowded spot to see an eruption, Observation Point is a good bet. It’s higher up and usually less crowded than the main viewing locations next to Old Faithful.
If you can stay in the area just after an eruption, you might be in luck because most tourists depart right after. You may enjoy the peace and quiet while exploring the nearby trails and geothermal attractions. Going during the shoulder seasons, like late spring or early fall, can also provide a more peaceful experience because less people tend to be there compared to the summer. When you use these tactics, you can go closer to this famous geyser and have a more memorable experience overall.
Beehive Geyser
Unassuming as it may seem, the Beehive geyser looks like a big beehive right up until it shoots 100 feet of hot water into the air. The “Beehive’s Indicator,” which is commonly present and produces a stream of water just before its 5-minute eruption every 10 to 20 hours, is a common indication. In the 1990s, while Beehive was in its slumber era, its Indicator tried to reawaken it with eruptions that lasted an hour. The geothermal features of Yellowstone are even more fascinating because of this fascinating connection.
Heart Spring
Park geologist George Marler gave Heart Spring its name because of its heart-shaped shape; the spring’s azure waters reach an average temperature of 184 degrees Fahrenheit. The colonies of microbes, not mineral deposits, are responsible for the bright yellow-orange hues that surround the pool. Heart Spring does not release boiling water like geysers do; instead, it releases steam. This variation exemplifies how diverse the thermal characteristics are in Yellowstone National Park, each molded by its own set of geological circumstances and processes.
Grand Geyser
The most powerful predictable geyser on Earth, Grand Geyser, displays breathtaking outbursts that can reach heights of 200 feet. Grand, in contrast to cone geysers, is of the fountain type, defined by a pool rather than a cone. Accompanying its eruptions are those of Turban Geyser and Vent Geyser. Applause is bestowed upon these trio for their synchronized performance, which frequently surpasses even Old Faithful. The performance typically lasts an hour. Seeing their show is a rare pleasure, though, because of the lengthier wait time—every 7 to 15 hours.
Chromatic Pool
The bright hues of Chromatic Pool, which is around 30 feet wide, are produced by microbes that thrive in hot environments. Around 133 degrees Fahrenheit is the mark of the hottest water in the blue-green center, with yellow, orange, and reddish-brown hues associated with various thermophiles on the outer rings. These hues represent life flourishing in harsh environments; they are also aesthetically pleasing. Contrary to popular belief, the cyanobacteria discovered here did not cause algae or bacteria to bloom; rather, they helped oxygenate Earth’s atmosphere billions of years ago, paving the way for life on our planet.
Giant Geyser
The majestic cone of Giant Geyser, built from geyserite or sinter and standing at around 12 feet in height, resembles Rome’s Coliseum. It is one of the tallest geysers in Yellowstone and is associated with a group of related and infamously unpredictable features, including the Platform Vents, Mastiff, Turtle, and Catfish Geysers.
As an example, Giant had 54 eruptions in 2007, but only 6 from 2010 to 2017, and then 28 in 2018. Scientists are captivated by its unpredictable nature, which has led to substantial study on the subject.
Visit the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
This center offers interactive exhibits explaining the geothermal forces at work beneath Yellowstone. Learn how geysers form, explore real-time eruption predictions, and visit the Young Scientist Exhibit Room—perfect for families and curious minds.
Tour the Old Faithful Inn
Built in 1904, the Old Faithful Inn is a masterpiece of national park architecture. Inside, you’ll find a massive stone fireplace, hand-crafted woodwork, and an awe-inspiring lobby. Guided tours reveal stories about the inn’s history and design. Don’t miss the second-floor observation deck with views of the geyser.
Hike to Observation Point
This short but moderately steep 1.1-mile round-trip hike leads to a panoramic view of Old Faithful and the entire geyser basin. It’s a great way to avoid the crowds and see eruptions from a higher vantage point, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layers are key, as temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. Include a waterproof jacket for sudden rain showers and a warm layer for cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Footwear: Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction, suitable for walking on potentially wet boardwalks and uneven terrain.
Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun can be intense at higher elevations, and there’s often little shade available on the boardwalk.
Portable Phone Charger and Cable: Since cell service can be spotty, having a portable charger ensures you can keep your phone charged, especially useful if you plan to take photos.
Camera and Binoculars: Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and thermal features. Binoculars can be handy for viewing distant wildlife safely and clearly.
Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and keep your energy up with water and healthy snacks. There are no food services directly at Old Faithful, so bring sufficient supplies.
Daypack: Carry a lightweight backpack to keep your hands free and to store your essentials like water, snacks, extra clothing, and your camera.
First Aid Kit: Always good to have on hand for minor injuries. Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Eco-Friendly Trash Bag: Keep a small trash bag to carry any waste until you can dispose of it properly, helping to keep the park pristine.