Old Faithful
Undoubtedly the world's most publicized geyser (although it is neither the largest, highest nor most regular one in Yellowstone), Old Faithful is aptly named. Old Faithful has been remarkably consistent. Unlike most thermal features in the park, its heights, intervals and length of play have changed very little in 100 years. Old Faithful does not erupt every hour on the hour; however, it does erupt 18 to 21 times every day. The column normally reaches maximum height, averaging 130 feet but as high as 184, in 15 to 20 seconds. After about 20 more seconds, the water column lowers rapidly. The eruption ends with a few puffs of steam for an always appreciative crowd of visitors from across the globe. On the average, about 5,000 to 8,000 gallons of water are discharged.
Canyon Area
Many people claim that this is Yellowstone's most scenic view. The sheer walls drop 700 feet to the bottom of the canyon, and upriver the Lower Falls can be viewed. This point offers a spectacular view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
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Lake Junction Area
This geyser gets its name from the manner in which the water surges out from the superheated source – like a flicking, liquid dragon's tongue. more...
Madison Junction Area
The major attractions at Midway Basin are the Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser – once the most powerful in the park. It spouted in 1888, then waited more than 100 years before going off again with a 300 foot column of water and steam. more...
Mammoth Area
The terraces are made of variously colored travertine, a form of calcium carbonate, which has been dissolved from the limestone beneath the ground and carried to the surface by rising springs of hot water. more...
Norris Junction Area
To many people, the most exciting thermal area in the park is Norris Geyser Basin. The geyser basin is Yellowstone's most compact thermal area, with literally hundreds of geysers, pools, hot springs and other features, many of which can be viewed on a walk of less than two miles. more...
Tower Junction Area
North and west from Tower Junction inside Yellowstone National Park is a side road leading south approximately one mile west of Roosevelt Lodge. This half-mile spur road leads to Petrified Tree, a stump more...
West Thumb Area
Isa Lake is one of the world's most unusual lakes because its water drains to both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans – and does it backwards. more...
On either side of Wyoming's Teton Range are two of North America's most iconic ski resorts known for steep runs, deep powder and an absence of crowds: Jackson Hole on the east and Grand Targhee on the west. read more
Five Springs Falls Recreation Site, along Hwy 14A about 25 miles east of Lovell, provides unique vertical cliff habitat that is kept moist by the spray from a 100 foot waterfall. The granite walls surrounding the falls provide a home for four rare and sensitive plant species. read more
