2.9
(2)
70
hikers
Upper Geyser Basin Trail
01:20
5.18km
20m
Hiking
Embark on an easy hike along the Upper Geyser Basin Trail, a 3.2 miles (5.2 km) route that guides you through Yellowstone National Park's most active geothermal area. You will gain a gentle 68 feet (21 metres) of elevation, making this an accessible journey that typically takes around 1 hour…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
460 m
Old Faithful Geyser
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
2.55 km
Giant Geyser
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
3.14 km
Morning Glory Pool
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
4.64 km
Tortoise Shell Spring
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
5.18 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.76 km
2.30 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.42 km
1.68 km
752 m
277 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Sunday 10 May
16°C
-2°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to hike the Upper Geyser Basin Trail?
The main loops on this trail typically take around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, covering about 3 to 5 miles. For example, the full Upper Geyser Basin Loop is about 3 miles, and a loop including Morning Glory Pool is around 5 miles. If you plan to detour to Observation Point, add another 45 minutes to an hour for the 1.5-mile round trip.
Is the Upper Geyser Basin Trail suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, this trail is generally considered easy and is very suitable for beginners and families. The main loops feature well-maintained boardwalks and paved paths with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors. The detour to Observation Point is slightly more challenging with some incline, but still manageable for those with basic fitness.
What is the terrain like on this trail?
The terrain primarily consists of wide, well-maintained boardwalks and paved asphalt paths, offering a smooth walking surface. Some sections may include sandy paths. While mostly flat, a detour to Observation Point involves some inclines and declines. Be aware that boardwalks can be icy in the mornings, especially outside of peak season.
What natural features and landmarks can I see along the route?
The trail immerses you in an extraordinary landscape with the world's highest concentration of geysers and hot springs. You'll see iconic features like the Old Faithful Geyser, Giant Geyser, and the vibrant Morning Glory Pool. Other notable sights include Castle Geyser, Grand Geyser, Riverside Geyser, and Tortoise Shell Spring. From Observation Point, you can get an aerial view of the Old Faithful area.
Where can I park to access the Upper Geyser Basin Trail?
The primary access point is near the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center in Yellowstone National Park. There are large parking lots available in this area, which serve as the main trailhead for the Upper Geyser Basin. Arriving early, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure a parking spot.
Is the Upper Geyser Basin Trail dog-friendly?
No, dogs are generally not permitted on trails or boardwalks in Yellowstone National Park, including the Upper Geyser Basin Trail. Pets are only allowed in developed areas, such as roads, campgrounds, and parking lots, and must be on a leash no longer than six feet. They cannot be left unattended.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The best time to hike is typically from late spring (May) through early fall (October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and all facilities are usually open. Summer offers the warmest temperatures but also the largest crowds. Spring and fall provide a quieter experience with beautiful seasonal changes, though some services might be limited, and mornings can be icy.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to hike this trail?
You do not need a specific hiking permit for the Upper Geyser Basin Trail itself. However, it is located within Yellowstone National Park, so you will need to pay the park's entrance fee. This fee grants you access to the entire park for a set number of days. Annual passes are also available.
Are there any tips for avoiding crowds or seeing specific geysers?
To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. For seeing specific geysers erupt, check the predicted eruption times at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center upon arrival. This allows you to plan your hike to witness eruptions of Old Faithful, Grand, Daisy, or Castle Geysers. The detour to Observation Point can also offer a slightly less crowded, elevated perspective.
What safety precautions should I take while hiking here?
Due to the presence of scalding hot water and thin, breakable ground crust, it is crucial to always stay on designated boardwalks and marked trails. Do not approach wildlife, and maintain a safe distance. Carry water, wear appropriate footwear, and be prepared for changing weather conditions, even in summer. Boardwalks can be slippery when wet or icy.
Does the trail intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, the route for the Upper Geyser Basin Trail also passes through sections of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the CDT - Wyoming Section. You'll also find it intersecting with the Upper Geyser Hill Trail and the Observation Point trail, which offers a scenic detour.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Even the approach to this spot made you realize that this must be a special highlight. The road is particularly wide and the road layout is significantly different. The first thing you see is a huge hotel that appears to be made 100% of wood both inside and out. A gigantically high entrance welcomes the visitor and even the bison graze completely unnoticed right in front of the entrance. Here is perhaps the most famous geyser, "The Old Faithful". And as the name suggests, its eruption can be predicted much more reliably than the arrival of the German railway. So we look at the "eruption plan" - we still have about 30 minutes until "The Old Faithful" opens its floodgates next time. We look at the landscape and see a huge cloud of smoke rising into the sky. Let's go. An impressive crater, reminiscent of a small volcano, bubbles loudly, rumbling and steaming. It becomes quieter, falls silent and spits. We are very impressed as we admire the spectacle, which (it feels like) repeats itself every two minutes. The sign says that an eruption takes place approximately every 16 hours. Since no one is standing here and marveling, I assume that this is just a normal activity. Since the "Castle", as the geyser is called, does not stick to any exact times, it is not worth waiting or coming back. On the way to "Old Faithful" we pass other smaller geysers. The area is crossed by a meandering river, which makes it even more special. To our surprise, the numerous buffalo also like it. The little grass here cannot be very tasty, but perhaps they enjoy the underfloor heating. Many people have already gathered around the eruption site, awaiting the big event with their cameras at the ready. Unlike many other geysers, this one does not steam constantly and so it begins to fog up almost to the minute. Everyone stares at the small hill until it finally starts. The column of steam rises higher and higher into the sky and although, contrary to our expectations, we don't see any water jets, we do get a little wet. Soon after, it's all over. The crowd applauds and disperses. "The Old Faithful" deserves its fame, but "Castle" and another one that we were to see a little later impressed us much more, both in terms of its shape and its noisy and surprising behavior. Konrad actually didn't want to walk the entire wooden plank route, expecting that nothing new would come and that we would see a much larger "geyser pool" than "The Morning Glory". However, it turned out that it was a good decision to take everything with us. The planned route to the outlook of the brightly colored hot spring fell victim to a closure once again.
This morning the whole area around our cabin was covered in snow. After yesterday's winter storm, temperatures dropped below freezing at night. I wasn't really prepared for such temperatures in the middle of summer. Luckily it was a bit warmer in Yellowstone and during the day the sun came out and warmed us even more. Regardless of the temperatures, at least a tour of Yellowstone had to be done. We took a short walk through the fields with geysers. The highlight for me was the Morning Glory Pool: the play of colors is amazing. We didn't see the eruption of Old Faithful until after the hike: a spectacular show. During the hike, however, there were also several smaller and larger eruptions to see. I don't have to recommend this tour. This is a well-known tourist attraction. So even in today's temperatures, you were never alone.