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Geyser · West Yellowstone, Montana
Old Faithful Geyser
Yellowstone’s best-known geyser, which erupts several times a day in the Upper Geyser Basin, with boardwalks among dozens of other geysers.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Old Faithful Geyser
Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most famous geyser and sits in the Upper Geyser Basin, which contains the world’s greatest concentration of geysers. It was named in 1870 by the expedition that explored the area, for the regularity of its eruptions.
Eruptions generally occur about every hour and a half, with variations of roughly one to two hours, and shoot boiling water to heights typically between 30 and 55 meters for a few minutes. Park rangers publish the next eruption time at the visitor center, on the park website and in the park app. Semi-circular benches surround the geyser at a safe distance.
Boardwalks around the area lead to dozens of other geysers and hot springs, such as Grand Geyser, Castle Geyser and Morning Glory Pool. Observation Point, a short trail up the hill, offers a view of eruptions from above.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to four hours, including the basin boardwalks.
Best time
All year, but the road is open to cars only from April or May until early November. For fewer crowds, prefer the first eruption of the morning or the late-afternoon one.
How to get there
By car, about 50 km from the west entrance (West Yellowstone) and 160 km from Jackson via the south entrance.
Tip
Always stay on the boardwalks: the ground around geysers is thin and the water is boiling. Check the eruption prediction when you arrive and use the wait time to walk the boardwalks.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Old Faithful Geyser
How often does Old Faithful erupt?
Generally about every 1.5 hours, with a variation of roughly one to two hours. The next predicted eruption is posted at the visitor center and on the park website.
How long does an Old Faithful eruption last?
From about one and a half minutes to around five minutes, on average.
What else is there to see near Old Faithful?
Dozens of other geysers and hot springs along the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks, such as Castle Geyser and Morning Glory Pool, and Observation Point, with views from above.