Field Notes: Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone
Where Yellowstone’s Most Reliable Wonder Lives Up to Its Name
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Old Faithful erupting under a dramatic sky — Yellowstone’s most iconic geyser, true to its name
Old Faithful is the most famous stop in Yellowstone, and it lives up to the name — it erupts more or less on schedule, every day, like it has for decades. But it’s just one part of a much bigger area.
The Upper Geyser Basin has hundreds of geysers and thermal features. Some are tucked into quiet corners. Others erupt more powerfully or more often. If you take a little time to wander, you’ll see a lot more than just one big eruption.
It’s probably the most touristy stop in the park, and it gets crowded. But it’s something you have to stop and see. There’s a reason it’s been drawing people for over a century.
About Old Faithful
The sign that lets you know you’ve arrived — Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park.
Old Faithful erupts roughly every 90 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 180 feet in the air. It’s a classic — and for many, the first thing they think of when they hear “Yellowstone.”
For me, it’s not the most impressive spot in the park. It is what it is — but you have to see it while you’re there. The real appeal is in its dependability over time.
You can usually tell when it’s about to erupt — the crowd starts to gather.
If you want a great view without the full crowd, try to show up 10–15 minutes before the next scheduled eruption and head to the benches on the far side of the geyser. Most people gather close to the lodge, so the back side is usually calmer. There’s also a deck in the lodge where you can sit and watch from above.
Morning and late evening are the quietest times overall — especially if you’re staying nearby. Midday can be a madhouse.
Exploring the Upper Geyser Basin: Beyond Old Faithful
Just behind Old Faithful is a section of the park packed with thermal features — the Upper Geyser Basin. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know to look for it. But this area has some of the most memorable sights in Yellowstone. Here are a few worth your time:
Morning Glory Pool
It’s a bit of a walk (1.5 miles round-trip from Old Faithful), but it’s one of the most photographed thermal features in the park for a reason. The colors are unreal. Sadly, it’s also a reminder of what happens when people throw things in — the spring has partially cooled and changed color because of that.
Grand Geyser
The tallest predictable geyser in the world. It doesn’t erupt as frequently as Old Faithful, but when it does, it’s bigger and often lasts longer. Worth checking the posted eruption times.
Castle Geyser
Looks like a medieval tower. Loud, steamy, and dramatic — and the setting feels cinematic.
Castle Geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin. It erupts less often than Old Faithful, but with more drama.
Riverside Geyser
One of the most scenic geysers in the park. It arcs water over the Firehole River during an eruption, which is beautiful to watch late in the day.
You can see a lot of this by walking the loop trail from Old Faithful. It’s mostly flat and on boardwalks. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours if you want to take your time and not rush it.
Behind Old Faithful is a whole section of the park I didn’t know about. The Upper Geyser Basin is packed with thermal features that go way beyond the main eruption.
You’ll walk past steaming vents, quiet bubbling pools, and geysers that erupt without warning. Most people skip these. The trail is easy, mostly flat, and follows a boardwalk loop. Depending on your pace and how often you stop, the full loop can take 1.5 to 2 hours.
Some areas feel open and wide with panoramic views. Others are tucked into tree-lined bends with steam rising around you. It’s a good way to understand just how active the ground is under your feet.
How to Time Geyser Eruptions in Yellowstone
The National Park Service posts eruption predictions for major geysers each day. You can check those here. For example, today's schedule includes:
Old Faithful: 12:51pm ± 10 minutes
Castle: 1:30am ± 45 minutes (next day)
Grand: 4:00pm ± 90 minutes
Daisy: 1:08pm ± 10 minutes
Riverside: 1:30pm ± 45 minutes
These times shift daily, so it’s smart to check the Geyser Times website.
Old Faithful Inn: A Step Back in Time
Don't skip the Old Faithful Inn. Built in 1904, it's one of the most iconic lodges in any national park. The massive stone fireplace, exposed logs, and multi-level balconies give it a timeless feel — like it belongs here and always has.
You can grab a drink, browse the gift shop, or just wander the lobby. It's a great place to sit for a bit and take in the scale of the day — especially after walking through steam and sun for a couple of hours.
While you're inside the Inn, stop by the gift shop and ask about the National Parks Passport Stamp Book. They keep a special stamp behind the counter — it’s been used for decades and is as old as the Inn itself. You won’t see it out on display; you have to ask for it.
Collecting stamps from every park — my National Parks Passport Book
National Park
Passport Stamp Book
Track each park you visit and collect stamps along the way — including the hidden one at Old Faithful Inn.
Read more about why I recommend it and how to use it in
National Passport Stamp Book: A Traveler's Must-Have for National Parks.
Final Thoughts
Old Faithful might be the most photographed feature in Yellowstone, but it’s just the start. The surrounding basin holds more than most people realize. If you take the time to walk the boardwalk, linger at the quieter geysers, and step into the historic lodge, you’ll leave with a better sense of how strange and powerful this place really is.
This area surprised me. It’s busy, yes — but it’s also worth slowing down for.
National Park Scratch-Off Poster
National Parks Scratch-Off Poster
Scratch Off Each Park After You Visit
Track your national park adventures visually — scratch off each
one after you visit. Designed for display. Printed in the USA.
