Ever wondered how hot are the geysers in Yellowstone? Norris Geyser Basin, which is the hottest basin in Yellowstone, has recorded temperatures of up to 459 degrees Fahrenheit (237 degree Celsius) just over 1000 feet below the surface! Most geysers in Yellowstone are just below boiling point at 96 degrees Celsius.
It may not be as popular as Upper and Midway Geyser Basins in Yellowstone, but the diversity of springs, geysers and other thermal features in Norris Geyser Basin is definitely unique and worth the trip. We highly recommend spending at least half a day exploring this area.
Along Highway 89 on the way to Norris Geyser Basin, there are three attractions you will not want to miss:
- Gibbon Falls is a quick pit stop on the way to Norris, Gibbon Falls Overlook by the parking lot is not to be missed. If you’d like to spend more time here, there is also a 0.5 mile hiking trail.
- Beryl Spring is a very active spring that you can see right off the Highway 89 next to the pullout. The sight, sound, and smell of this spring make it hard to miss as you’re driving by!
- Artists Paintpots is a small geothermal area consisting of several colorful mudpots with a 1 mile loop trail. On this trail is a viewpoint overlooking the basin, which is a great place for some awesome pictures!
Visiting Norris Geyser Basin
The area has two distinct basins – the Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin. Both these areas are easily accessible via a boardwalk that runs through the entire basin. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here doing the entire walk around the basin on the boardwalk.
The most popular geyser in the area is Steamboat Geyser, the tallest geyser in the world, with eruptions up to 300 feet high! Even though it attracts many crowds, you have to be extremely lucky for it to erupt when you are near it as it only erupts once in few days and eruptions only last a few minutes. (We missed it by a quarter mile unfortunately).
Make sure to check out the Norris Geyser Museum on the way to the basin. Located right at the entrance of the basin, it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the geology of the area before heading in to the basin.
Norris Basin And Surrounding Areas In Pictures
Surrounding Areas
Share your experience
If you have been to Yellowstone, let us know about your experience in the comments below. We would love to hear from you! If you are planning on visiting Yellowstone, check out our day by day itinerary of our trip.
Thanks for sharing this information this is very helpful