Old Faithful
Old Faithful is the most popular attraction of Yellowstone National Park. Although it is the most photographed and most talked about, Old Faithful is not the largest or most grand geyser. The Upper Geyser Basin, Black Sand and Biscuit Basin offer much more sights to see than just Old Faithful.
Old Faithful
© Vertical Media
The following are just some examples of the other geothermal features of the Old Faithful area. To truly experience all that Old Faithful has to offer, get out of your car and walk the boardwalks. The display of natural wonders is worth the short hike. There are boardwalk guides available for a 25-cent donation at the visitor centers and the entrances to the trails and boardwalks.
UPPER GEYSER BASIN
Old Faithful - This famous geyser got its name because of its punctuality and predictability. Old Faithful erupts more frequently than other large geysers. Contrary to popular belief Old Faithful is not the largest geyser in the park. Eruptions at Old Faithful last anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes, and sprays water and steam up to 184 ft vertically. The average interval of Old Faithful was every 76 minutes. An earthquake occurring in the winter of 1998, effected the time interval of Old Faithful. Eruptions now occur approximately every 80 minutes.
Anemone Geyser - The cycle of eruption of this geyser repeats every 7-10 minutes. The cycle of eruption is typical of most geysers. The pool fills and overflows and bubbles cause splashing. The rate of splashes increases and the water is thrown into the air. Anemone geyser spouts water ten ft in the air. Water then drains and the cycle begins again.
Plume Geyser - Plume Geyser erupts approximately every 20 minutes. You must pay attention because the eruption consists of 3-5, 25ft bursts.
Old Faithful Inn
© Vertical Media
Beehive Geyser - Beehive Geyser erupts twice a day. This fascinating eruption consists of a powerful stream of water projected up to 150 ft in the air.
The Lion Group - The Lion Group contains four separate geysers that are all interconnected underground. The group consists of the Lion, Lioness, Big Cub and Little Cub. The lion exhibits the largest eruptions. This geyser family got its name from the deep roaring sound the geyser makes after an eruption has occurred.
Giantess Geyser - If you miss this one, don't worry the infrequent and violent eruptions only happen 2-5 times a year. When an eruption does occur, the surrounding area may shake from the underground steam explosion. This fountain like geyser propels water 100-200 ft in the air in a series of bursts.
Castle Geyser - Castle may be the oldest geyser in the basin. It also has the largest cone of any geyser. Eruptions reach 90 ft and last approximately 20 minutes. The water phase is followed by steam, which can last 30-40 minutes. Castle Geyser erupts every 10-12 hours.
Grand Geyser - Often overshadowed by Old Faithful, Grand Geyser is the largest most predictable geyser in the world. Grand erupts from a large pool with powerful gusts. Eruptions occur every 7-15 hours and last 9-12 minutes.
Daisy Geyser - Daisy eruptions are unique in that they erupt on an angle, and reach a height of 75 ft. Daisy is predictable with eruptions occurring every 90-115 minutes.
Riverside geyser - The most picturesque geyser in the park is Riverside geyser. An eruption causes an arch of steam and water to cascade over the Firehole River. Eruptions are about 5-6 hours apart.
Old Faithful in Winter
© Vertical Media
Morning Glory Pool - Morning Glory was one the most glorious pool in the park, hence the name. Unfortunately man has destroyed the beautiful, clear, colorful spring. The ultimate example of the impact humans have on nature. Visitors have thrown rocks, coins, trash, logs, and other debris, which has clogged the natural plumbing of the pool. Water is unable to circulate and therefore thermal energy is lost. The drop in temperature has allowed yellow bacteria to grow in Morning glory. If you see any signs of vandalism to any of the geothermal features report them to a Ranger.
BLACK SAND BASIN
Only one mile from Old Faithful lies the Back Sand Basin. The area's sand is reminiscent of volcanic activity in Yellowstone. The main features of this basin are Emerald Pool, Sunset Lake, and Rainbow Pool.
BISCUIT BASIN
Biscuit Basin is located three miles north of Old Faithful. Main features here include Jewel Geyser, Shell Geyser, Avoca Spring, Mustard Spring, and Sapphire Pool. Biscuit Basin is named for the biscuit-like deposits that once surrounded Sapphire pool. The "biscuits" were blown away in the earthquake of 1959.
Visitor Center Trails and Distance
Old Faithful Geyser Loop - 0.7 miles
Geyser Hill Loop - 1.3 miles
Observation Point Loop - 2.1 miles
Morning Glory Pool - 1.4 miles
Lone Star Geyser - 4.3 miles
Fern Cascades Loop - 3.0 miles
Area Trails and Distance from Trailhead
Black Sand Basin - 0.6 miles
Biscuit Basin Loop - 0.6 miles
Mystic Falls - 1.1 miles
Lone Star Geyser - 2.3 miles
Mallard Lake - 3.3 miles
Yellowstone National Park, WY Weather
Currently Outside69F Mild. |
Other pages you might find helpful:
Mt. Rushmore
Mount Rushmore - Like Old Faithful, it's an icon of the American West!
