Norris Geyser Basin
Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone National Park, WY, 82190
The hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of Yellowstone's 11 geyser basins, Norris Geyser Basin may not contain an icon like Old Faithful, but it still serves as a wild portal to the Earth’s underworld. Home to Steamboat Geyser—which erupts upwards of 300 feet (91 meters)—and dozens more, visitors here float along boardwalks just inches above this active supervolcano.
The basics
The hottest temperatures in Yellowstone were recorded here in the Norris Geyser Basin: 459°F (237°C). Believed to be 115,000 years old, the area’s geothermal features—vents, geysers, and fumaroles—are unpredictable, even more so than most of the park.
Two miles (3.2 kilometers) of boardwalks crisscross the basin, with many visitors pressing their luck at witnessing the never-timely Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest. There’s also Echinus Geyser (the largest geyser in the world), Porkchop Geyser, Emerald Spring, and dozens of other steamy, sulphur-y marvels to gawk at. There’s a large parking lot on site, restrooms, and the Norris Geyser Basin Museum for amenities.
Things to know before you go
Steamboat Geyser has been pretty active since 2018—cross your fingers on your visit.
The parking lot can fill; come early in the day to nab a spot.
Overflow parking is approximately a half-mile (.8 kilometers) from the basin.
Portions of the basin are wheelchair-accessible with assistance.
How to get there
The Norris Geyser Basin sits at the junction between the Upper and Lower Loops of the Grand Loop Road on the park's western side. It can be accessed from May through November via the Grand Loop and Norris Canyon Road. You can access it in winter via tour, snowshoe, snowmobile, or cross-country skis.
When to get there
Most visitors will experience Yellowstone’s Norris Geyser Basin from May through November when the main roads are open. Avoid summer (June through August), and you’ll avoid the brunt of the park’s crowds. If you can visit in winter and go to the basin, odds are you’ll have it mostly to yourself.
Geology rocks
Almost everything is boiling at Norris Geyser Basin—this place is hot, hot, hot. It sits at the intersection of two faults plus a ring fracture, which makes this basin incredibly steamy, chaotic, and dynamic. Features can switch form, like from hot spring to fumarole, or dramatically change their eruption schedules. There’s always some sort of show going on at Norris Geyser Basin.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!