Upper Geyser Basin
Upper Geyser Basin
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Most of the geysers in Yellowstone Park can be found here.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
1,356 reviews
Excellent
1,138
Very good
191
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20
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6
Terrible
1
db7477
Carlsbad, CA3,462 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We spent a day exploring the UGB. We took a seat and patiently waited for Old Faithful. After about thirty minutes I was sure that it wasn’t going to happen and then the assembled, masked, COVID-19 crowd started the wave. Old Faithful woke up and ceremoniously delighted those assembled.
Next we decided to walk to Morning Glory Pool and were treated to five (5) additional eruptions and beautiful pools along the Firehole River. We came to see Old Faithful but the other features are the true stars of the show.
Four (4) suggestions:
1. Go early and get predictions for eruptions
2. Plan your stops and walk to Morning Glory Pool
3. Go to the Gift Shop/Store while everyone’s waiting for Old Faithful - it gets mobbed just after it erupts
4. Leave you pet at home. It’s a federal offense if your dog wanders off the boardwalk onto the environmentally protected area
Next we decided to walk to Morning Glory Pool and were treated to five (5) additional eruptions and beautiful pools along the Firehole River. We came to see Old Faithful but the other features are the true stars of the show.
Four (4) suggestions:
1. Go early and get predictions for eruptions
2. Plan your stops and walk to Morning Glory Pool
3. Go to the Gift Shop/Store while everyone’s waiting for Old Faithful - it gets mobbed just after it erupts
4. Leave you pet at home. It’s a federal offense if your dog wanders off the boardwalk onto the environmentally protected area
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Di J
Pittsburg, CA204 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I thought this is just a short walk like the Midway basin. Oh wow it’s so huge! Study the hike route before you go to decide how far you want to walk and what do you want to see, especially if you have limited time or with young children.
It’s very impressive in many ways, the open view of the basin, many types of geothermal features, the gorgeous morning glory pool and the heart pool. We spent a good three hours here. And my son fell asleep during the walk (he is 2 yo)
It’s very impressive in many ways, the open view of the basin, many types of geothermal features, the gorgeous morning glory pool and the heart pool. We spent a good three hours here. And my son fell asleep during the walk (he is 2 yo)
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wrateman
Boston, MA28 contributions
Jun 2021
I have to think this is the 2nd or 3rd most popular spots in Yellowstone; if you don't get there before mid-morning beware, the traffic backups trying to get into the parking lot are horrendous.
But once in, you're rewarded w/ some spectacular geysers and the colors. If possible, also recommend hiking the trail above the basin (separate entrance) as that will give you a unique vantage point.
But once in, you're rewarded w/ some spectacular geysers and the colors. If possible, also recommend hiking the trail above the basin (separate entrance) as that will give you a unique vantage point.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristy W
Owasso, OK50 contributions
Aug 2022
This was a nice basin to explore while waiting for Old Faithful. If you time it right you can view Old Faithful from another viewpoint and still get a great show. There are plenty of thermal features to see here.
I recommend bringing your own lunch to avoid spending a lot of time in the restaurants.
I recommend bringing your own lunch to avoid spending a lot of time in the restaurants.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeaAnne O
16 contributions
Jun 2021
My biggest advice is to download the Yellowstone app to see when the expected eruptions are set to occur. We saw that there were multiple eruptions in a 2 hour window so we booked it there to see them all. We saw Grand, Castle, Riverside, Daisy (from the trail) all before heading to Old Faithful. Old Faithful is the most frequent so plan around the rest and save it for the end. Also lots of shops and food nearby so you can plan a good deal of time here.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MGQ
Buffalo, NY526 contributions
Sep 2022
Never seen anything like it...amazing. Of Old Faithful is the main attraction here but the number of geysers and thermal ponds in unbelievable. We were fortunate to see Beehive erupt as well as watching Old Faithful 3 times. Walking along the boardwalks through the park of geysers and thermal ponds is unforgettable...such beautiful colors and depth in the pools. Pictures don't capture the beauty or amazement of it all.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nyormirror
Bay City, MI2,072 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Starting from the visitor center of Old Faithful there is 1.5 mile paved asphalt handicap accessible track to the Morning Glory Pool. You can branch off on several boardwalks that take you by certain geysers.
I would suggest checking geyser times on your NPS Yellowstone app by the Old Faithful Inn (one of the few spot in the park with WiFi) or check the board near the ranger station.
So depending on how many active geysers you want to try to see this could take 2-6 hours.
Restrooms available. Lots of parking but super-crowded in August and during peak times (10a-6p). Don’t forget water, sun hat and snacks.
I would suggest checking geyser times on your NPS Yellowstone app by the Old Faithful Inn (one of the few spot in the park with WiFi) or check the board near the ranger station.
So depending on how many active geysers you want to try to see this could take 2-6 hours.
Restrooms available. Lots of parking but super-crowded in August and during peak times (10a-6p). Don’t forget water, sun hat and snacks.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,223 contributions
Jan 2022
The basin is spectacular, in a very different way, in winter. It was like a visit to Jenny Lake (Grand Tetons) or Crater Lake - every couple of steps I stopped and wondered if this was the most beautiful view, then repeated it several steps later. The geothermal features combined with the basin formation and heavier cold air causes rime on the trees and anything upright, making it look like the entire area has been flocked for the holidays. Other than Old Faithful, the geysers aren't monitored for timing by the Park Service and the features aren't as striking without snow cover and ice - but the rime adds a wonderful new dimension that I think is undersold by the NPS. Add to that, the walk around the upper basin is packed down, easy to follow, and solitary. I encountered just four other people the entire three+ hours I was out on a gorgeous, sunny morning.
Written January 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kdawg282
Doylestown, PA1,591 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
What an awesome experience going through the basin and looking at all of the many geysers! I’m many ways, much better than Old Faithful as much more to see. I recommend going early to avoid the crowds and also because on a chilly morning the view is much better with all the steam! There are restrooms and food nearby at this stop. Highly recommend!
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
moecat2020
12 contributions
Jul 2020
This was by far my favorite part of Yellowstone! We walked from Old Faithful to the Morning Glory Pool because I'd heard it was a must-see. It truly was spectacular, but it took an hour and a half for my kids, ages 5 and 7, to make it there, and then they had to walk back. Take a stroller if you have littles. Bonus is that there is a bathroom near Morning Glory Pool. We saw multiple geysers erupt, steam vents, and gorgeous colors in the hot pools. Definitely a must-see!
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is it easy to find parking during the peak season e.g. July? is it available to use stroller from parking spot to the geysers? thanks
Written May 9, 2018
What's it like in early November is there a time of year better than another?
Written October 30, 2017
Some experienced visitors say that mid winter is the best time as few visitors at that time and everything will be via ski! Plus the park is even more enchanting in winter!
Written October 30, 2017
How much time would it take to cover the boardwalk loop thru Upper Geyser Basin? Not counting waiting for any geysers to erupt.
Written March 8, 2017
Hi Daniel: This is kind of a loaded question. That is if you are to go directly from Old Faithful up to the Morning Pool (near the end of the upper geyser basin) it is 1.5 miles. Depending on how often you stop, how fast you walk, will determine the amount of time you need. My opinion, give this ENTIRE walk (you can find a trail map of the area online search, or even here in Trip Advisor) about 3 hours. I enjoy photography and there are many places for picture taking. Early morning is the BEST time to go- less crowds. Better yet, going to Yellowstone during the shoulder seasons, less heat, less crowds altogether. This is what we found. If going in summer- definitely hit this area EARLY. Whatever you do, if you can, spend a couple days in the Old Faithful area, you will not be board or without things to do and see.
Written March 9, 2017
Where would be a great place to get a room for the week to visit these areas in Yellowstone? Any tips appreciated. Is Jackson Hole close enough to see all these great places in yellowstone .
Written October 14, 2016
West Yellowstone is about 30 miles from Old Faithful. Most of the geysers are between these two points. These are also the most crowded sites. Not to say other areas aren't wonderful, just not as crowded. We took four day trips from West Yellowstone and all were easily done, the shortest in miles: Old Faithful, took the longest.
Written October 19, 2016
what would happen if u fell in2 the pools
Written September 20, 2016
Yes you can ...I believe you can see this on tours and on a permit obtained by park service for snow mobiles
Written August 19, 2015
Can you drive to the geysers in Yellowstone in the winter?
Written January 22, 2015
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