In addition to Grand Prismatic, Old Faithful is one of the most iconic landmarks in Yellowstone. I knew I had something to look forward to, but was still surprised with the size and variety of Upper Geyser Basin where Old Faithful is located. We ended up spending the whole day here.

The best advice we got was to stop by the visitor center immediately upon arrival as they have the schedule for expected geyser eruptions posted on the wall. We used it as basis for planning the day to ensure we didn’t miss out on any eruptions.

Erupting geyser

Old Faithful

Everyone is here to see the famous Old Faithful Geyser erupt. You will understand when she is getting close to erupting by the large crowd gathering in the viewing area around the geyser. She will erupt approximately every 90 minutes so you’ll have several opportunities to the world’s most famous geyser blow water 40 meter (130 ft) into the air.

old faithful yellowstone

Map over Upper Geyser Basin

But there are so many other thermal features you shouldn’t miss while exploring the area. The Grand Geyser is one of the predictable geysers that you’d likely find on the timetable in the visitor center. It is also the tallest predictable geyser known.

Erupting geyser

Grand Geyser

Continuing along the pathway there are numerous geysers – one that looks a bit different is the Grotto Geyser. This is a fountain type geyser where the cone has some very interesting shapes. This geyser is known to have very long eruptions, with recorded eruptions lasting more than 26 hours.

Erupting Geyser

Grotto Geyser

As you are getting to the northern part of Upper Geyser Basin you’ll find my personal favourite, the Morning Glory Pool. Its almost neon green colour leading into the core of the earth is out of this world.

Hot Spring Colourful Yellow Green

Morning Glory Pool

The multi-story lobby and largest fireplace I have ever seen is also something I’d highly recommend not missing out on at Old Faithful Inn. It is the perfect place for a coffee break. Make sure you notice the Crow’s Nest high up under the ceiling – it was once used by musicians to entertain guest at this fashionable rustic lodge.

Rustic lobby fireplace lodge

Old Faithful Inn

If you still have energy left after exploring the area you could do as we did. Take a small hike to the observation point and you’ll get an excellent birds eye view over Old Faithful erupting.

Geyser erupting Yellowstone

Old Faithful from Observation Point

After a long day of exploring my husband succeeded to bribe me with an ice cream to stay for one last Old Faithful eruption while the sun was setting behind the horizon.

Eating ice cream

Erupting Geyser Upper Geyser Basin

And one last comment – please stick to the walkways if you are headed to Yellowstone. The safety signs are there for a reason. And bring you bear spray. Surprisingly, despite the large crowd, a grizzly passed through the Upper Geyser Basin the day we visited.

Signature Inger

Reading suggestions for those visiting Yellowstone National Park