Grand Prismatic Spring

Welcome to Yellowstone National Park, a staggering wilderness spanning over three thousand five hundred square miles across three states. You are standing within the boundaries of the world's first national park, established in…

Our analytical journey begins here at the Fairy Falls Trailhead, located just a five minute drive south of the main Midway Geyser Basin parking area. This specific starting point is strategic. …

Roughly a mile into our walk along the Fairy Falls trail, you will encounter a distinct fork in the path. The main trail continues onward toward the distant two hundred foot cascade of Fairy Falls. …

You have reached the viewing platform. Step to the railing and look out over the Midway Geyser Basin. …

Having descended from the overlook and driven the short five minute distance north, we arrive at the main parking area for the Midway Geyser Basin. Because this is one of the most photographed and revered locations in…

As you crest the short hill on the boardwalk, a massive, steaming abyss opens up immediately to your left. This is the Excelsior Geyser Crater. …

Leaving the dramatic, boiling crater of Excelsior behind, the boardwalk curves gently to the south. We are now approaching the main attraction, the Grand Prismatic Spring. …

We have arrived at the edge of the Grand Prismatic Spring itself. The boardwalk takes you intimately close to the perimeter of the three hundred foot diameter pool. …

Continuing along the wooden boardwalk, we gently curve away from the massive expanse of the Grand Prismatic Spring. The trail now guides us toward the final two thermal features of the Midway Geyser Basin loop. …

We have completed our exploration of the Midway Geyser Basin, having witnessed this incredible landscape from both the sweeping heights of the overlook and the intimate proximity of the boardwalk. Take a moment to pause near the…