Table of Contents
Updated September 2023
What is the best way to view the stunning Norris Geyser Basin? How do I make the most of my time? We thought Norris Geyser Basin was one of the most dynamic of the hydrothermal areas we experienced in Yellowstone National Park. Looking over this area, you can see how this is only a small part of the larger Yellowstone caldera. You can imagine the explosive power. It makes you feel small when you think of the sheer size of this giant caldera.
Norris is one of the most active earthquake areas, it is also one of the hottest, with most springs and fumaroles having temperatures above the boiling point (200°F). Seismic activity and water fluctuations are changing the landscape here. Your first stop needs to be at the Basin Museum & Information Station. There is significant information about the history of the geyser basin on many of the interpretive signs.
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Exploring Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone: Start at the Museum & Information Station
The Norris Geyser Basin Museum & Information Station is a National Historic Landmark. Designed by Herbert Maier and constructed in 1930. Named for Philetus Norris, who was the second superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, serving from 1877 to 1882. I would highly recommend checking this out early morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds, since parking can be an issue. You will need to set aside 1-3 hrs to walk the 2.9-mile loop and see both basins. This ecosystem is extremely delicate, so be sure to stay on the path or boardwalk.
PRO Tip: For a donation of fifty cents, you can pick up a copy of the Norris Geyser Basin Trail Guide before walking the trails.
What to Bring on Your Tour of the Geyser Basin: Essentials for a Safe and Comfortable Visit
- Stay on Designated Boardwalks and trails: The ground around geysers is thin and extremely dangerous. Never step off the marked paths—even for photos. Thermal burns can be fatal.
- Don’t Touch the Water: Geysers and hot springs may look inviting, but many are well over 180°F (82°C). Even shallow puddles can cause serious injury. No joke, we watched some visitors do this?
- Pets Are Not Allowed on Trails or Boardwalks: For their safety and the protection of the ecosystem, pets are not permitted in geothermal areas. Keep them safely secured in your vehicle if necessary.
- Be Patient With Parking: Geyser basin parking lots are often small. Allow time to circle or wait for a spot—especially at Midway and Norris.
- Dress in Layers: Mornings in Yellowstone can be chilly, and strong gusts are common across geyser fields. A hooded fleece or lightweight jacket you can remove later in the day is ideal.
- Wear Sturdy Walking or Hiking Shoes: Trails are made of boardwalks and gravel paths. Supportive walking or hiking shoes will keep you comfortable and safe.
- Carry a Refillable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially if you’re walking long loops. Bring a refillable water bottle — there are no water stations along the basin trails.
- Bring Snack Food: Light, high-energy snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit can keep your energy up during your geyser exploration.
- Pack Bear Spray: While bear sightings in popular geyser areas are rare, carrying bear spray is still recommended in all parts of Yellowstone for safety.
- Don’t Forget a Hat and Sunscreen: Much of the geyser basin is exposed to the sun. Protect yourself with a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, bug spray, and sunscreen.
- Optional: Lightweight Backpack: A small daypack makes it easier to carry all your essentials while keeping your hands free for photos and balance on uneven ground.
The first time you look over this geyser basin, you can hear it spitting and smoking. The sign states:
Solfatara Springs: Exploring Yellowstone’s Sulphuric Wonderland
Among its many captivating features here, one stands out for its surreal and otherworldly beauty: Solfatara. This unique geothermal area transports you to a sulphuric wonderland where steam hisses and fumaroles release their pent-up pressure. The air is tinged with the unmistakable scent of sulfur, a reminder of the powerful forces that shape our planet. As you wander the boardwalks that wind through this mesmerizing landscape, you’ll encounter a breathtaking array of colors and textures, from vibrant oranges and yellows to delicate pinks and greens. The geothermal activity is a constant reminder of Earth’s dynamic nature, and witnessing it at Solfatara is an experience that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. It’s a place where the primal forces of the Earth are on full display, and where you can’t help but marvel at the beauty and power of the natural world.
Porcelain Trail: Exploring Yellowstone’s Striking Thermal Features
The basin has two trails. We started on the Porcelain Basin raised boardwalk that is a 1.75-mile loop. I suggest starting on a smaller loop before doing the larger loop in the Porcelain Basin. Many active geysers that provide a sensory experience in sound, color, and smell. Kinda an assault on the senses, for sure. The smell, in particular, is what I remember most. The geysers here have cool names such as Whirligig, Pinwheel, Black Growler Vent, and Congress Pool.
The trail for the Porcelain Basin starts at the Museum. The entire basin laid out before you as you exit the museum. The basin appears otherworldly as you look over this desolate landscape surrounded by green forest. The Porcelain Basin derives its name from white mineral springs, which result from siliceous sinter mineral deposits. Taking the main trail is a 1-mile loop. On the boardwalk, you will spot small geysers, hot springs, and vents, many unnamed as they develop and change. The geysers we visited had names such as Constant Geyser, Whirligig Geyser, and Pinwheel Geyser before looping back toward Museum and Ledge Geyser.
Must-See Geysers on the Porcelain Trail in Yellowstone
- Ledge Geyser- if you are lucky, you will see the eruption of water 125 feet into the air. It produces a constant flow of erupting water from its rust-colored vent.
- Black Growler Vent – this fumarole vent is one of the hottest in Yellowstone. The super-heated steam measures 199 to 280 degrees F. Above all, you hear the growler long before you actually see it. Spooky sounding like a growling animal, thus the name.
- Whirligig Geyser – Named for the swirling waters near the geyser entrance. The orange-yellow iron oxide deposits distinguish this geyser from many of the others.
- Pinwheel Geyser – Named for the green cyanidium algae and yellow cyanobacteria that color its depths. This is a fountain type geyser.
- Whales Mouth – Named by Park naturalists for the wide blue-colored gaping mouth it resembles. I liked the deep blue color.
- Crackling Lake – these emerald marine waters boil and bubble in many places. The pools actively billowing steam. Amazing to see the earth bubble, hiss & roar to the surface.
Don’t forget to take the shorter Porcelain Basin Overlook trail 0.5-mile loop to get an even better view of the overall Basin and see Congress Pool is on this loop. This is best to start with, as the descent is not as steep.
Exploring the Geysers in the Porcelain Basin Loop at Norris Geyser Basin
- Congress Pool – this is a beautiful blue pool that erupts on a relatively constant basis. It is breathtaking to see.
- Porcelain Spring – This area around the geyser is devoid of plant life, the sulfuric acid leaves behind a strong sulfur smell. Plug your nose.
- Hurricane Vent – is a small murky blue steam vent
- Colloidal Pool: – a large, shallow, blue-colored, funnel-shaped double pool that is mesmerizing.
- Constant Geyser – it appeared in 1891 and it erupts every 20-minutes. So wait if you can, I would. So worth it!
- Sunday Geyser – a long narrow pool named in response to its large initial eruption Sunday, July 12, 1964. However, now since then, it rarely erupts.
Discover the Hidden Wonders Along the Back Basin Trail
The heavily forested Back Basin is a sharp contrast to the desolate-looking Porcelain Basin. I love the geysers are spread out among the pines. The tallest active geyser in the park is Steamboat Geyser and when it erupts, it is mesmerizing to see! The water vapor will soak you if the wind is blowing in your direction. This section of the basin is a good finish to your walking tour, since it is more serene and has less of an elevation gain.
The back basin is (1.2 mi) is the southern trail. The forested basin is less crowded, and for us extremely quiet. We took refuge here after a busload of tourists with selfie sticks rudely took over the Porcelain trail. This was my favorite place in the park. Walking along the forested trail, a Snowshoe Hare hopped out of the trees towards us. Standing absolutely still as the hare walked right up to us was a priceless moment indeed!
Notable Geysers in the Back Basin of Norris Geyser Basin
- Vixen Geyser is a deep-throated bubbling geyser with a dry gray surface
- Veteran Geyser smolders in steam.
- Emerald Spring – The light blue water caused by the sunlight filtering in and reflecting off the yellow sulfur minerals creates the green hue in the 27-foot deep pool.
- Cistern Spring – it is connected to Steamboat geyser. After steamboat erupts, Cistern drains. Encrusted with white sulfur deposits that coat the lodge-pole pines that linger too close to the edge of the pool, cause the magnificent blue pool.
- Steamboat Geyser – Steamboat is the world’s tallest geyser, spraying water up to 380 feet into the air. This geyser only recently became extremely active.
- Echinus Geyser – It is the largest, most predictable geyser at the Basin. The crater fills with water and gushes just prior to the eruption. The water shooting and cascading into the air was 100 ft.
- Puff ‘n Stuff Geyser -consistently chugs a gush of water
- Green Dragon Spring -walk the short path to see this sulfur lined gassy geyser.
- Pork Chop Geyser –A pork chop-shaped crater. On September 5, 1989, Porkchop exploded, sending rock and debris 100 to 220 feet away. Startled visitors described the event. This geyser is a lower temperature of approximately 100°F.
Additional Planning Resources for Your Norris Geyser Basin Adventure
To ensure a smooth and memorable visit to Norris Geyser Basin, consider these helpful resources and tips:
- Official Yellowstone National Park Website: Visit the official site for up-to-date information on park hours, road conditions, and alerts specific to Norris Geyser Basin.
- Norris Geyser Basin Trail Maps: Download or pick up detailed trail maps to help you navigate the various boardwalks and geothermal features safely.
- Weather Forecasts for Yellowstone: Check the latest weather reports to plan your visit around optimal conditions, especially since weather can change quickly in geothermal areas.
- Guided Tours and Ranger Programs: Look into ranger-led walks or guided tours focused on Norris Geyser Basin to deepen your understanding of the geology and ecology.
- Safety Guidelines for Geothermal Areas: Familiarize yourself with safety tips and park regulations related to thermal features to protect yourself and the environment.
- Wildlife Viewing Tips: Learn how to safely observe and respect local wildlife that might be present near the basin.
- Packing Checklist: Prepare with essentials such as layered clothing, water, snacks, bear spray, and sturdy shoes to make your hike comfortable and safe.
- Mobile Apps: Download apps like the official NPS Yellowstone app or GyPSy Guide for offline maps, audio tours, and real-time updates.
Final Thoughts: Visiting the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone
Visiting the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone is an exploration of the Earth’s most dynamic and untamed forces. At Norris Geyser, you get a superb view into the Earth’s inner workings, a place where nature’s forces are on full display. Whether you’re mesmerized by the porcelain-like formations, the bubbling mud pots, or the powerful geysers, this is an experience that will forever remind you of the planet’s incredible beauty and the awe-inspiring forces that continue to shape it. Enjoy your adventure in this geothermal wonderland!
What did you think of this geyser basin? Was it otherworldly for you? Please leave a comment below on your experience.
