Lower Geyser Basin
Enjoy a wide variety of geothermal features in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, making sure not to miss the Fountain Paint Pots, Clepsydra Geyser and much more.
- Hike around the Lower Geyser Basin to see all the various geothermal features available here.
- Explore the Fountain Paint Pot area to see intriguing colors and forms.
- Watch geysers shoot water and steam high into the air in magnificent displays of nature’s wonders.
- Watch geysers perform right from your car.
Overview
Between the Old Faithful area and Madison Junction, you’ll find the popular Lower Geyser Basin, including the easy trails that surround it. You’ll find this the only area in the whole park where geysers can be viewed right from the road.
Location
Lower Geyser Basin is located between Madison Junction and Old Faithful Village on the Grand Loop Road.
Seasons
Yellowstone National Park is open 365 days a year, but many interior roads close during winter months. You can still access the Lower Geyser Basin with snow vehicles.
Activities
The Lower Geyser Basin is almost 12 square miles with most of the thermal features scattered into small groups. There are a wide variety of these geothermal features, from colorful mud pots, spouting geysers and emerald pools to hot springs and steaming fumaroles.
You’ll see some significant thermal features in this basin. It’s a real experience in Yellowstone to view the Pocket Basin Mud Pots. Others are Spray Geyser and Silex Spring, popular with all visitors. See Fountain Paint Pots and the Clepsydra Geyser.
Great Fountain Geyser is the only predicted geyser in the Lower Geyser Basin, and its grand eruptions shoot up to 200 feet into the air. White Dome Geyser has one of the largest pink and white streaked cones in the park. Clepsydra erupts frequently, and offers a spectacular and colorful display.
