Norris Geyser Basin

Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest and most changeable thermal area in Yellowstone. You can discover the location of the tallest active geyser, colorful hot springs, and microscopic life in one of the most extreme environments on earth.

Your tour should start at the Norris Museum. The museum houses exhibits relating to the origins of the geothermal features found at the basin. Two loop trails leave from here. They provide a safe route for viewing the Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. Rainbow Colors, hissing steam, and pungent odors combine to create an experience unique in Yellowstone. Porcelain Basin is open terrain with hundreds of densely packed geothermal features; in contrast, Back Basin is forested and its features are more scattered and isolated.

Content Provided by the National Park Service

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