Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
| Address: | Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA |
| GPS: |
44°30'54.2"N 110°49'56.8"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Wyoming |
| Trails/Routes: | 2.0 mi |
Streams Trails Ponds National Park Pet Friendly
Hike
The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail gives hikers an opportunity to see the famous aerial view of the Grand Prismatic Spring. The vibrant rainbow waters of the Grand Prismatic Spring are best viewed from above.
The forested trail provides for a invigorating, short hike up to the overlook. From the overlook hikers have a sweeping view of the entire Midway Geyser Basin. Seeing this active geothermal area from above provides a unique perspective that you don't want to miss. This geyser basin is famous for the variety of color that can be seen here.
The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail is a 1.2 mile out and back hike that can be completed in less than 2 hours. The trail has some steep incline to get to the viewing point, but most hikers can tackle the hike. This trail is open in the winter, summer and fall, and closed in the spring. This hike is one of the more popular hikes in Yellowstone, so hikers will not be hiking alone.
The trailhead is located in the Fairy Falls Parking Lot, one mile south of the Midway Geyser Basin.
The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail is the best trail to take for view of the Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
- Head east on Pyramid Rd (0.2 mi)
- Turn left onto Geyser View Ave (0.2 mi)
- Geyser View Ave turns left and becomes Old Faithful Rd (0.6 mi)
- Take the ramp to US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N/Hwy 20 W (0.4 mi)
- Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Madison and merge onto US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N/Hwy 20 WPartial toll roadParts of this road may be closed at certain times or days(4.4 mi)
- Turn leftMay be closed at certain times or daysDestination will be on the right(374 ft)
Trails
Distance ?
2.0 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
10 feetReal Ascent ?
54 feetReal Descent ?
44 feetAvg Grade (0°)
0%Grade (-2° to 2°)
-3% to 3%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.