Ultimate Guide to Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park

Grand Prismatic Spring is Yellowstone’s star attraction, captivating visitors from around the globe with its breathtaking colors. As the largest hot spring in the United States, it offers a geometric masterpiece that is a must-see for anyone exploring Yellowstone National Park. To enhance your visit beyond just viewing it, consider the following tips.

How to Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

Are you ready to discover the mesmerizing Grand Prismatic Spring? Let’s go!

For an unforgettable experience at Grand Prismatic Spring, continue reading to discover essential tips, the best times for optimal viewing, and answers to all your questions regarding this stunning natural wonder.

Where is Grand Prismatic Spring?

Situated in the Midway Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring is located south of Madison Junction and north of Old Faithful, nestled along the Firehole River. Its kaleidoscopic beauty was named during the 1871 Hayden Expedition.

Midway Geyser Basin features spectacular prismatic springs, including Excelsior Geyser and Opal Pool. A visit to Yellowstone is incomplete without witnessing the unique geological phenomena in this area, which happens to be the most photographed thermal feature in the park.

Although a large parking lot is available at Midway Geyser Basin, it frequently fills up, prompting many visitors to park alongside the road. When we parked, we joined a short wait of around 20 minutes to enter the lot, which turned out to be a minor inconvenience. The added benefit was being close to the hot springs, allowing us to continue on to Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin efficiently.

From the parking lot, follow the boardwalk spanning Firehole River and explore Midway Geyser Basin. It is crucial to remain on the designated paths, as wandering off can be dangerous due to the fragile geothermal features.

When to Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring

The recommended time to visit Grand Prismatic Spring is from May through September. For the most vivid colors, aim for June to August when steam levels are lower, allowing for clearer visibility. Cooler temperatures result in thicker steam clouds, diminishing the vibrant colors.

The best time of day for your visit is late morning to early afternoon, as the sun’s position enhances the spring’s colors. Early mornings or late afternoons may result in fewer crowds, but they can also produce less optimal viewing due to steam buildup in the cooler temperatures.

The park is accessible from April to November, depending on road conditions. Be sure to check the National Park’s website for current conditions and accessibility updates.

We visited in September and noted that warmer weather would have provided even more remarkable views. The steam was thick that day as it mingled with the cool autumn air. Most importantly, when scheduling multiple days in Yellowstone, choose sunny days for your excursions. We witnessed the colors dramatically fade under cloudy and rainy conditions.

Can you visit Grand Prismatic Spring in Winter?

During winter, Yellowstone’s only accessible entrance is the North Entrance, and visiting the Grand Prismatic Spring typically requires a snow coach or snowmobile. While private multi-day tours are available, most regular tours visit locations like Mammoth Hot Springs. Expect to encounter significant fog when visiting in winter, as the hot springs clash with freezing conditions.

What Causes the Colors of Grand Prismatic?

Though stunning to behold, Grand Prismatic is both delicate and potentially hazardous. As the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest globally, it is outshined only by Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand and Boiling Lake in Dominica. However, few natural wonders can match the beauty of Grand Prismatic.

The water at the center of the spring reaches temperatures of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70C). Such extreme heat limits the survival of most organisms, leading to the clear appearance of the water. The blue wavelengths scatter light, creating a striking blue hue that enchants visitors.

The vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic spring from microscopic heat-loving organisms known as thermophiles, which thrive in extreme temperatures. When aggregated, these microorganisms produce striking bands of color, each indicating specific temperature ranges and organism types.

The vivid blue water represents the hottest section, characterized by its crystal clarity. As temperatures decrease towards the outer bands, we see shifts to yellow and orange hues due to varying organisms that thrive in those conditions. The yellow bands contain bacteria that flourish at approximately 149 degrees. Consequently, the colorful displays are the result of diverse microbiological interactions. For more intricate explanations, refer to the Smithsonian.

What It’s Like to Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

Upon arriving, we found a prime parking spot right near the entrance to Grand Prismatic. The boardwalk was just a short walk away, leading us directly toward the iconic hot spring.

The boardwalk is well-maintained and easy to navigate, spanning less than a mile (0.8 miles or 1.2 km) in a clockwise direction. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it an excellent option for all visitors.

Despite the initial crowd at the entrance, we found our experience relatively uncrowded, allowing for unobstructed views of the area. If we encountered a cluster of visitors, we simply patiently waited for them to move on. Observing the immense scale of the Midway Geyser Basin was a striking experience, especially when viewed from different angles.

Other Hot Springs to See at Midway Geyser Basin

We dedicated about an hour to exploring all of Midway Geyser Basin by walking along the boardwalk. Although a 30-minute visit is ample, this experience is rare and deserves thorough enjoyment, allowing time for observing other geysers and hot springs.

Excelsior Geyser Crater

Our first stop while walking through Midway Geyser Basin was Excelsior Geyser. Approaching it, we were met with a rush of steam. Even though the air was cool, the heated steam created a dynamic of hot and cold that was fascinating. With water discharging about 4000 gallons (18,000 liters) per minute at a temperature of 99 degrees Fahrenheit (93 Celsius), we experienced an enveloping curtain of steam.

Walking through Midway Geyser Basin

The turquoise water flows into the neighboring Firehole River, generating wisps of steam along the riverbanks. Once a formidable geyser, Excelsior Geyser has transitioned into a massive crater of consistently bubbling hot water.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Next along the boardwalk is Grand Prismatic Spring. The pathway appears suspended over a brilliant white expanse. Following the trail, visitors traverse alongside the vast hot spring, yet it can be challenging to grasp the full scale from this perspective.

With a diameter of 200 feet (61 meters), fully capturing its grandeur proved difficult. To maximize our view, we extended our arms and utilized a GorillaPod for an aerial shot. This section tends to draw the largest crowds, and there are benches available for elevated views. While not optimal, we found creative ways to capture overall photos of the magnificent spring.

Opal Pool

After Grand Prismatic Spring, we continued to Opal Pool, another geological gem. Despite its smaller size, it attracts attention with its vivid colors. One visitor humorously remarked, “Couldn’t I just take a photo of this and pretend it’s Grand Prismatic?” While strikingly beautiful, Opal Pool is a unique geyser that erupts only a few times each year.

Turquoise Pool

Finally, we passed the Turquoise Pool, living up to its name with a clear turquoise hue. This picturesque spring, although stunning, went mostly unappreciated due to the nearby colorful springs that capture visitors’ attention.

Grand Prismatic Overlook

For those interested in seeing Grand Prismatic from above, the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook offers a breathtaking vantage point. This viewing platform requires a 20-minute walk from the parking lot, providing a comprehensive view of the largest spring in the United States.

We highly recommend visiting the Grand Prismatic Overlook for an unparalleled view of the spring and its colorful companions. To make the most of your visit, if you see inclement weather on the horizon, head directly to the overlook before exploring the Grand Prismatic below.

To access the Grand Prismatic Overlook trail, turn right out of the parking lot and proceed 1.6 miles (2.5 km) to Fairy Falls Parking Lot. After reaching the lot, cross the bridge and follow the marked path.

The trek to Grand Prismatic Overlook takes approximately 20 minutes and includes an uphill segment. The trail is clear-cut and easy to navigate. At a fork, you can veer right for Fairy Falls or continue left to reach Grand Prismatic Overlook. Note that this gravel path is unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers; however, for those in decent shape, it is considered an easy hike, with a total length of 1.2 miles (1.9 km) and a 105-foot (32-meter) elevation gain.

Upon arrival, a small platform awaits, providing prime viewpoints. To capture the magnificent colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, head to the center of the platform to frame the perfect shot. You can use a wide-angle lens or even your smartphone for fantastic photos, including memorable selfies.

As visitors typically form lines, be mindful not to linger too long. Keep moving in and out as spots free up, noting that many others also quickly snap their quick pictures.

Staying Safe at Grand Prismatic Spring

Safety Note: When hiking in Yellowstone, always walk in pairs and make noise to alert wildlife of your presence. Bear spray is highly recommended for safety, and rentals are available around the park.

It’s essential to stay on marked paths, boardwalks, and trails at Grand Prismatic Spring. Venturing off can be hazardous and illegal, as these delicate environments require protection. The boardwalks exist for your safety and to maintain the integrity of the ecosystems.

Excessive wind can make it necessary to secure loose items like hats to avoid losing them to the waters of the nearby hot springs. Foreign objects can severely damage the delicate geothermal features in the park. Clogged vents can kill the ecosystems thriving within these remarkable springs.

Can you Swim in Grand Prismatic Spring?

Swimming in Yellowstone’s hot springs, including Grand Prismatic, is prohibited. There are only two designated swimming areas in the national park: Boiling River and Firehole River. Additionally, swimming in Yellowstone Lake and its rivers is dangerous due to cold temperatures and the risk of scalding from geothermal areas.

How to Get to Grand Prismatic Spring

We traveled to Cody, Wyoming, a fantastic jumping-off point for exploring Yellowstone. Cody, Wyoming is situated 50 miles from the East Entrance, making it a worthwhile stop for at least two days. The closest access to Grand Prismatic Spring is through West Yellowstone, a mere 30-minute drive away.

Yellowstone Park has five entrances, all accessible from nearby airports. Reaching Grand Prismatic is possible from any of these access points:

• Cody Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming.
• Yellowstone Airport, located just outside the West Entrance.
• Jackson Hole Airport, an hour from the South Entrance.
• Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, 1.5 hours from the North Entrance.

Upper Geyser Basin

After visiting Grand Prismatic, consider heading to Upper Geyser Basin to see Old Faithful. This location is just a short distance from Midway Geyser Basin, making them ideal to visit in tandem.

I would recommend waiting to use the restroom facilities at Old Faithful; while available at Midway Geyser Basin, those in the Old Faithful area are generally superior and see less foot traffic.

Yellowstone is a place where you could easily spend weeks exploring its diverse beauty. Just viewing Grand Prismatic alone can take a couple of hours. When you factor in the hike to Fairy Falls, you have an entire half-day planned within Yellowstone National Park. Although witnessing the rainbow colors of Grand Prismatic Spring is extraordinary, there remains so much more to discover.

Now that you’ve equipped yourself with essential information, are you ready to visit Grand Prismatic Spring? Experiencing the site in person is truly awe-inspiring. Though we had seen captivating images online, nothing compares to witnessing the vibrant beauty of Grand Prismatic and Yellowstone’s numerous hot springs first-hand.