The Old Faithful Area in Yellowstone National Park is filled with wonder. Our epic trip to see old Faithful geyser began by arriving via the Jackson Airport. For us the easiest access to Yellowstone was through the South Entrance.
Yellowstone National Park is 31-miles north of Grand Teton National Park. Driving from Jackson, WY to Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park is along the John D. Rockefeller Parkway. Catching our last views of the majestic Tetons we followed this scenic route through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the western United States.
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South Entrance Yellowstone National Park
They established Yellowstone as a national park in 1872. The southern park is one of the five entrance gates to Yellowstone National Park, This entrance sits beside the Snake River. This is a great place to get out of the car and stretch your legs. Remember to take a photo in front of the Yellowstone park sign. Our blog signature is to have our photo at each National Park entrance with the park sign.
Note: One way to support our National Parks is to purchase an annual park pass. America the Beautiful pass gains you entrance into all the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands. The pass costs $80 for one year.
We began our journey into the park from the South Entrance head north toward the Grand Loop Road, The rain started as we drove further along the park road- looking into the ominous ravine on the right side of the car. The ravine is created by the Lewis River as it flows toward the confluence with the Snake River. The first 20-miles of the park road has no turnoffs or pull-outs until you come to Lewis Falls.
Beautiful Lewis Falls in Yellowstone National Park
As the rain/hail ended, we stopped at Lewis Falls; the sun emerged from the clouds. Walking the trails, it is advisable to have proper walking or hiking shoes, as this trail is mostly mud and rock. A good trekking stick provides stability on the trail. We wore our hooded fleece in order to stave off the chilly air. Took water and snack food on the short hike. We always use a refillable water bottle. The sun emerged from the clouds as we started the trail.
Note: Bears are highly active along Yellowstone trails. Be bear aware, carry bear spray or travel in a group.
We found only a few onlookers had stopped on the road to enjoy the beauty of the Falls. The waterfall is named after Meriwether Lewis, who was an American explorer and one of the leaders of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Parking is along either side of the road. I suggest parking on the far side of the bridge. These waterfalls can be viewed directly from the road. However, I suggest you get a much better view of the falls by climbing to the top hill. The falls are located on the Lewis River, which flows through a canyon before dropping over a 30-foot waterfall. The view up the creek on the other side of the bridge is worth a photo, too. One of the most popular trails is the Lewis River Channel Loop (10.9-miles) which offers opportunities to see wildlife such as elk and bison.
Follow the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park
The southern road continues past Lewis Lake. Lewis Lake is a pleasant place to stop for a picnic lunch. The lake covers an area of about 4,200 acres and has a maximum depth of 220 feet, making it one of the deeper lakes in the park. It is the third-largest lake in Yellowstone. There are several pullouts and picnic areas along the way, where you can stop and take in the scenery or enjoy a picnic lunch. There are spectacular views of the lake
Fishing is the most sought after activity at Lewis Lake. Most anglers targeting species such as cutthroat trout, lake trout, and mountain whitefish. The lake is open to fishing year-round, but some areas may be closed or restricted during certain times of the year to protect spawning fish. There is also a boat launch, and a pier for easier access to the lake.
Just past Grant Village, the south road intersects with Grand Loop Road. The Grand Loop Road-Old Faithful, West Thumb, climbs toward Craig Pass. The pass is named after Dr. William Craig, who was a geologist and explorer in the Yellowstone region during the late 19th century. The scenic mountain pass is the situated at an elevation of 8,391 feet. The Continental Divide, is the line that separates the watersheds that flow to the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Take the time to take pictures with the sign in the background. From here, the road descends into the valley toward the old Faithful complex.
South of Old Faithful Stop at the Kepler Cascades in Yellowstone National Park
We decided to make the brief stop at the Kepler Cascades. Taking a short hike from the parking area the hike to the Kepler Cascades is relatively easy. The trail took us through a beautiful forested area with views of the surrounding mountains. The impressive waterfall drops 150 feet over a series of terraces. The waterfall is named after Kepler’s Nova, a star that exploded in 1604 and was observed by Johannes Kepler.
Visit the Black Sand Basin in Yellowstone National Park
Black Sand Basin is located just a few miles south of the Old Faithful complex. The name “Black Sand” comes from the dark, volcanic sand that lines the edges of some of the pools in the basin. The sand was formed by the erosion of the surrounding rhyolite rock, which is rich in volcanic ash.
The boardwalk is an enjoyable hike, maybe about twenty minutes (1/4 mile). The rising steam from geothermal pools and vents in this area is striking. the most notable geyser in Black Sand Basin is the Opal Pool. With its deep, blue-green pool it gets its color from the presence of silica and other minerals. The Cliff Geyser is the most active from a steep cliff face many times during the day. It has a relatively short eruption cycle. Rainbow Pool bright colors of its waters. We noticed a faint partial rainbow shining in its steamy mist. Emerald Pool-edged in orange-colored algae, and Sunset Lake is shallow and iron-colored. Both are really beautiful and worth the quick stop.
Beautiful Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park
Two miles north of Black Sand Basin situated in the Upper Geyser Basin, just a few miles from the Old Faithful area is Biscuit Basin. The boardwalk is a 1-mile loop that winds through the geothermal features. Signs indicate that Biscuit Basin was named for the biscuit-like deposits that were once formed around some of the hot springs. These pebble like deposits, are made of silica and other minerals, are now referred to as “sinter.” Stunningly beautiful Sapphire Pool with its deep, blue-green pool gets its color from the presence of minerals such as copper and arsenic.
Jewel Geyser erupts every 10-minutes with short bursts from its crater reaching over 20 feet high. Other geysers and thermal pools located here Black Opal Pool, Black Diamond Pool, and Avoca Spring. Most interesting to me was Mustard Spring, which gets its name from the yellow-orange color of its thermal waters.
Mystic Falls a short 2-m.5ile hike along a flat forested, trail along the Firehole River. The water in the river is warm; heated by the thermals with a constant steam rising off it. At the end of the trail, a stunning 70-foot waterfall that plunges into a deep pool greeted us. The natural beauty of the falls surrounded by colorful wildflowers in the early spring make it incredibly picturesque. This is a basin worth stopping for a visit!
Old Faithful Inn Complex in Yellowstone National Park
It was early afternoon when we reached the Old Faithful complex interchange on the Grand Lake Loop road. We took a right turn onto the ramp leading to the Old Faithful Inn. Immediately we were confroned by crowds. Finding parking is difficult we had to circle the parking area a few times to find a spot.
Note: It is easier to find parking after a geyser eruption as many people leave immediately afterward. Luckily, we arrived during that timeframe and found parking close to the Old Faithful Inn, our accommodations for the night.
History of the Old Faithful Inn
In the National Park System, the Inn is one of the most famous and recognizable log lodges. They constructed the building between 1903 and 1904. With its distinctive rustic style that blends with the surrounding natural environment, architect Robert C Reamer designed the inn.
The first thing you notice entering inside the massive lobby, is the high ceilings. Well over 76 feet high the central feature is a large stone fireplace and the grand staircase made of lodgepole pine. I was in awe of the unbelievable craftsmanship, specifically the unique clock made of antlers. The porch on the second floor allows visitors a full view of Old Faithful geyser and the upper geyser basin. We spent a good many hours just relaxing and chatting.
While we registered we were delighted to hear the sounds of a pianist playing the piano. The ambiance of this hotel is incredible. Whether you’re staying overnight or just stopping in for a meal or to admire the historic architecture, the inn is a testament to the natural beauty and rich history of the park. Although the inn is crowded during the day, in the evening it is much nicer. Be sure to take one of the free guided tours of the hotel. They give the tours four times a day from 9:30 am (first tour) and 3:30 pm (last tour).
Rooms in the Historic Old Faithful Inn
The Old Faithful Inn offers a variety of accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, and cabins. Many of the rooms offer views of Old Faithful or the surrounding mountains and meadows. Our room was on the second floor in the “old” section of the hotel. There is no elevator, but a staff member helped us to take the larger suitcase up the stairs.
Note: no coffee maker, TV or radio in the rooms. You will need to go down to the café to get coffee.
The room was small, cozy with a queen bed. The room had a heavy wooden door, and the walls were the original logs. We had our own bathroom. The charming old bathtub gave it so much character. The deep claw-footed tub held a lot of hot water and I found it was wonderful to soak in on a chilly, rainy evening. The fluffy bathrobes were an unexpected treasur.e on a cold . I must say the bed was very comfortable we slept well. The radiator provided a tremendous amount of heat during the rain drizzly evening.
The ice and vending machines are located very close to our room. Despite it the room being overpriced and lacking in amenities, we loved the old part of the hotel with its historical charm.
Old Faithful Complex Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park
Attracting millions of visitors each year I recommend walking the basin early or later in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds. The Upper Geyser Basin is home to over 500 active geysers, hot springs, and other hydrothermal features. Of these, Old Faithful is the most famous. It is a cone geyser that erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water and steam up to 185 feet in the air.
The Upper Basin-south section, which was discovered in 1870 by the Washburn Expedition. The boardwalk-constructed of wood for easy access takes you past the Anemone, Plume, Giantess, Aurum, Double pool, Heart, and the Beehive geysers. These are just some hydrothermal wonders.
The north section includes Daisy, Grotto, Castle, Grand, Riverside, Morning Glory Pool, and Giant Geysers. The north section geyser seems to have fewer crowds in the early morning or late evening. I found these geysers to be more dynamic and unique. Morning Glory Pool is only a short walk west of the Giant Geyser and Grotto Geyser. The colors are so vivid.
Note: Beware of bison on the boardwalk. Give them plenty of space, especially during the rut.
Geysers in the Southern Section of the Basin
Beehive Geyser, the sign says it erupts every 10 hours to 5 days, very unpredictable. Beehive roars as it spews a torrent of water, rising 50 to 75 feet. Aurum Geyser erupts about 20 feet in the air. The rangers say on average about every 3 hours. The edges of the geyser are a golden brown color from the bacteria that thrive on the edges. Castle Geyser erupts twice a day, eruptions last for about twenty minutes, so it’s impressive. Grand Geyser is higher than Old Faithful and the eruption lasts longer. Eruptions usually last 9 – 12 minutes. The Upper Geyser basin differs greatly from those you see at Mammoth Hot Springs.
There is plenty of wildlife to view here. We watched Mountain Bluebirds and Marmots in the meadow along the upper boardwalk.
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
This is a new primary visitors’ center in the old Faithful complex. Well designed to blend in with the surrounding area.
Year-round, the center offers extended hours during the peak summer season. Visitor information is available at the center, including geothermal features, natural history, recreational activities, and safety tips.
Children can take part in immersive hands-on activities at the center, as well as ranger-led walks and talks. In the interactive displays, videos, and artifacts, you’ll learn how geysers form, how bacteria live in the hot pools, and more. During our visit, we also spent time in the Yellowstone bookstore, which sells books, maps, and other educational materials.
Watch Old Faithful Geyser Erupt in Yellowstone National Park
From the outdoor deck on the second floor of the Inn, we found two rocking chairs away from the crowds and waited approximately 90 minutes for the geyser to erupt. Since it’s one of the few predictable geysers in the park, if you want to see something erupt, this is probably your best bet. Check the eruption schedule posted at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. Although there is viewing stand directly in front of the Education center we preferred the balcony. To avoid the crowds you may also consider finding a spot along the boardwalks that lead to other geysers and hot springs in the area.
Note: If you want to get a closer look at the eruption, bring a pair of binoculars. You can also rent binoculars at the visitor center
Watching Old Faithful Geyser erupt is an unforgettable experience. You can expect the geyser boiling water plume to go up 100 to 185 feet high. It is not the tallest or largest geyser in the park, but it is truly a remarkable sight. The geyser sends 8,400 gallons of water into the air during each eruption. Although it is impressive, it gets overshadowed by the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Dining Options at the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park
The Old Faithful Dining Room is inside the historic Old Faithful Inn. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner I would recommend making a reservation early. We made ours a few months ahead of our trip.
This dining room is beautiful, although the tables have very little spacing between them. The menu features classic American dishes and regional specialties, such as bison meatloaf and huckleberry ice cream. I had the pheasant-elk sausage. Barry had the shepherd’s pie. Food was delicious, served promptly and our server, although busy, was quick to get us in and out. There was no view in the restaurant where we were seated. There is a section with views of the Old Faithful Geyser. However, the ambiance of being in the historic dining room was enough.
The Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria & Bake Shop is a cafeteria-style. The restaurant that offers a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including sandwiches, salads, and hot entrees. There is also a small market where we purchased our snacks and drinks.
The Bear Pit Lounge
This is on the backside of the hotel, behind the stone fireplace. It had a pleasing ambiance and beautifully etched windows. They serve several craft beers, including a few local brews. In addition, they have a full bar and a specialty of huckleberry Margarita. The Bear Pit Lounge also has a limited selection of foods, bison burgers, bratwurst sandwiches, and wings. This would be a good place to have a quick lunch.
Bear Paw Deli
We loved that this opens early for breakfast. Not a lot of seating, but folks take most items to go. Coffee is decent and there is an extensive selection of breakfast items. We grabbed a quick breakfast: an egg, ham and cheese sandwiches, a blueberry muffin, and some coffee for the road as we left Yellowstone for West Yellowstone. Bear Paw Deli egg sandwiches have to be heated in the microwave. They loaded the sandwich with thick, lean ham, a good portion of an egg, and plenty of cheese. This is the only place to get a quick bite early in the morning.
Other Dining Options Old Faithful Complex
The Old Faithful Complex in Yellowstone National Park offers several dining options for visitors. Here are some of the other options available:
- The Geyser Grill is a quick-service restaurant located near the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, and other fast-food items.
- The Obsidian Dining Room is located inside the nearby Lake Yellowstone Hotel and offers upscale dining with a focus on regional cuisine.
- there are also several snack stands and coffee shops located throughout the Old Faithful Complex.
Old Faithful General Store
The Old Faithful General Store offers a variety of merchandise, including snacks, camping supplies, souvenirs, and clothing. The store is also home to a post office, where visitors can send postcards or letters to friends and family. Their specialty is pizza.They offer a variety of toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, and cheese. The pizza is made fresh on-site and is a popular choice for visitors who are looking for a quick and convenient meal while exploring the park.
Visitors can choose to eat at the store’s indoor seating area or take their food to-go for a picnic or hiking excursion. We sat inside at the lunch counter, today it was not very crowded. We found the staff was very friendly. This store has probably the best selection of souvenirs in the park. Additionally, the large store with a grocery area for purchasing needed supplies. They have a filtered water refilling station for your refillable water bottle.
Remember that Yellowstone National Park is a protected natural area. Stay on the boardwalks and trails, and do not throw anything into the geysers or hot springs. Respect wildlife and other visitors by keeping a safe distance and speaking quietly.
Planning Resources
- Lodging options available within Yellowstone National Park – visit this website to see the options available in the Park. Book at least a year in advance.
- Rent an RV–this is a great way to experience the park.
- Campground information is available through the official Park website
- Map of Yellowstone National Park–a great resource to plan your trip and understand the distances you need to travel.
- Yellowstone National Park Official Site–Plan your visit, get updates on road conditions and general information.
- Free Yellowstone National Park Planner–free trip planning guide, a digital version is available.
- Dining Options in Yellowstone-Looking for places to get a good meal. Visit the website to see what options are available. There are 52 picnic areas throughout the park.
- Download the Yellowstone GyPSy Guide Tour App before you leave town or use the official NPS Yellowstone App features live updates to the status of lodges, campgrounds, roads, and geyser predictions when in cell service. On the App Store and on Google Play
Final Thoughts on An Epic Trip To Old Faithful Geyser In Yellowstone National Park
For us this epic trip to Old Faithful Geyser was an experience that left a lasting impression. The Old Faithful geyser itself, with its towering plumes of steam and water, was a sight to behold as one of the most iconic landmarks in the park.
The geyser however is not the only aspect we found memorable. Exploring this landscape filled with amazing geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots offered us glimpse into the park’s volcanic past. Regardless of how you choose to explore the area, you will have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves. This is a bucket-list experience that is not to be missed.
What did you think of the drive from Jackson, Wyoming to Old Faithful? Where did you hike along the way? Let us know in the comments below, we love your feedback!
