Old Faithful

Old Faithful Geyser

Yellowstone's most famous geyser, erupting roughly every 60 to 110 minutes. Its water column rises 30 to 55 metres, and its predictable eruptions make it the park's emblem.

Old Faithful is located in the Upper Geyser Basin. It was named by an expedition party in 1870 for its regular eruptions. It erupts about every 60 to 110 minutes (about 90 minutes on average). Each eruption lasts 1.5 to 5 minutes, sends a column of water 30 to 55 metres high, and ejects tens of thousands of litres of boiling water. The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center predicts the next eruption time based on the length of the last one, with an accuracy of about plus or minus 10 minutes. The forecast is posted on the center's screen, the NPS app and official social media. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to secure a seat in the semicircular viewing area. After the eruption, don't rush off. The Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk from the visitor center is about 3 to 5 km and takes in Castle Geyser, Beauty Pool, Morning Glory Pool (whose colour has changed because of coins tossed by visitors) and the large Grand Geyser, which erupts up to 60 metres every 6 to 8 hours. For a panoramic view, climb the Observation Point trail (about 3 km return) to watch Old Faithful erupt from above. Next to it, the Old Faithful Inn (1904) is one of the largest log buildings in the world. Its lobby has a stone fireplace more than 20 metres high, and you can go inside to look around even if you don't stay there.

Getting there: It is about 50 km (1 hour) from the West Entrance. The car park is very large, but it is still crowded between 10:00 and 15:00. Entry is included in the park pass, and the geyser is open all day.

Old Faithful

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