Grand Prismatic Spring - Yellowstone National Park
Boardwalk near Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park
As we close out 2021 this is the perfect time to take a look back at arguably one of my favorite adventures this year. I have explored every National Park located in California (all 9 of them), but this year I made my first trip to America’s original National Park, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed…join me this week as we explore Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park.
Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park
Boardwalk near Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park
Grand Prismatic Spring
Midway Geyser Basin may be one of Yellowstone’s smaller geyser basins, but it is home to the largest hot spring in North America (the third largest in the world). Named for its striking rainbow colors, Grand Prismatic is nearly 370 feet in diameter and 120 feet deep. The NPS has created a beautiful boardwalk (just under one mile long) so you can enjoy this natural wonder up close. It’s incredibly important to stay on the marked path…not only is it illegal to leave the boardwalk path, but the water temperature here hovers at a dangerous 160 degrees.
Turquoise Pool in Yellowstone National Park
Excelsior Geyser in Yellowstone National Park
Surrounding Features
While Grand Prismatic is the star of the show at Midway Geyser Basin, Excelsior Geyer is located just steps away. This was once the largest geyser in the world, but is now considered a hot spring since it has been dormant since the 80s. At one time its eruptions would reach up to 300 feet in height. Another highlight in this basin is the Turquoise Pool, which was named for its gem-like blue water. It’s also quite incredible to watch the hot water flow into Firehole River here.
Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin from the overlook.
Grand Prismatic Overlook
Once you’ve enjoyed the striking boardwalk views, consider taking the short but steep hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. Starting from the Fairy Falls Trailhead, you can reach one of the best (and most photographed) views of Grand Prismatic in just 1.5 miles out and back. At the base of this trail you can also stop to see the backside of this spring steaming. It’s important to note that this trail can be closed at times due to wildlife activity (particularly grizzly bears).
Boardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park
Know Before You Go
• Before your visit, I encourage you to learn about and take the Yellowstone Pledge.
• Always check the NPS website for the most accurate and up-to-date park information, specifically weather/closures and park details. Many of the roads through Yellowstone are closed to traffic during the Winter.
• While roads close to vehicles in the Winter, it’s also one of my favorite seasons in Yellowstone National Park (and a great way to avoid the giant tourist crowds). Consider taking one of the many guided tours in the Winter to experience areas closed to general traffic in the snowy months.
• It’s incredibly important to stay on the official trail & boardwalk, not only for your personal safety (falling in could be deadly), but also to protect these fragile formations. Never touch or attempt to enter any hydrothermal areas and please secure all your personal belongings. On my most recent visit, one of the local rangers spent all morning removing hats, coins, gloves and dollar bills from the Grand Prismatic area. As foreign objects collect here they disrupt the temperature and damage micro-organisms living here, which can put these marvelous places in danger of disappearing one day.
• Be sure to wear proper footwear with good traction when walking the boardwalk during Winter months. It can get extremely slippery and handrails are not always present, so plan accordingly.
• Midway Geyser Basin is a wonderful place to see wildlife…I’ve seen bald eagles, golden eagles & bison in the area (just to name a few). Elk and grizzly bears are also frequent visitors here.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles on your visit. It is illegal to collect, remove, deface or destroy any natural objects (plant, animal or mineral) inside Yellowstone National Park.
Top 10 Yellowstone Attractions
Grand Prismatic
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Lamar Valley
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Hayden Valley
Firehole Lake Drive
Mammoth Hot Springs
Gibbon Falls
Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Yellowstone. For more information on Grand Prismatic Spring, watch my full Behind the Blog YouTube video below. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement where you go.
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