Hiking and Wildlife Watching in Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone
Top reasons to hike in Yellowstone’s Norris Geyser
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Explore one of the most famous geyser basins in North America
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Hike Yellowstone’s most unique geothermal landscapes
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Hit up Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world
Yellowstone may be packed with geothermal wonders, but Norris Geyser takes the cake—it’s the oldest, hottest, and most active thermal area in the park. Roaring for over 115,000 years, Norris Geyser actually consists of two regions: Back Basin and Porcelain Basin. The Back Basin sprawls across dense forests and creeks, featuring easy-going boardwalk hikes full of epic vistas, wandering wildlife, and colorful thermal features. Porcelain Basin is more barren and compact, a patchwork of sulfur yellow, green, orange, and sky-blue hues accompanied by the constant hissing of the ancient Roaring Mountain. If you’re looking to meet unique species and visit some record-breaking geysers, you can’t go wrong with the Norris Geyser Basin.
SeasonApril through November |
Nearest cityJackson, WY, is 2 hours away from Yellowstone NP |
Duration1 day |
Skill levelBeginner to advanced |