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Hikes/United States/Wyoming/Yellowstone National Park
Trail of the Norris Geyser Hike in Yellowstone National Park

Norris Geyser Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
100 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1-1.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
9.2 (13 reviews)
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Google Maps
Apple Maps
See Map
Measurement:

Table of contents

The Norris Geyser is a flat trail in Yellowstone that will guide you through several roaring geysers and colorful inkpots. Though it is busy, this hike is far superior to the Artist Point pots trail, as escaping the crowds takes a matter of minutes.

Route Description for Norris Geyser

From the trailhead, walk down the only path, passing by the visitor center. You have many options to explore this natural wonder, allowing you to customize this hike to fit exactly how much energy you have. If you are feeling more tired, walk down to the right towards the Porcelain Basin. You will be able to see several geysers, including Pinwheel Geyser, Ledge Geyser and the large Black Growler Steam Vent. This short loop is on a boardwalk, and remains mostly flat.

A longer option is to do the circuit around Back Basin to the left. Starting along this trail, you will quickly leave the large crowds, and pass by several beautiful geysers. There is also the option of cutting this trail short and returning before you cross Tantalus Creek, however doing the full loop offers several stellar views.

We advise doing the Back Basin loop, then heading down to Porcelain Basin, as the routes throughout this trail system remain almost entirely flat.

Insider Hints for Norris Geyser

  • The roadway leading up to the parking lot is frequently closed due to full capacity. Arrive early to snag a spot.
  • The Norris Geyser Basin Museum is a great place to bring children, as is the cute bookstore.

Getting to the Norris Geyser Trailhead

From Madison Junction, head north along Highway 89 for nearly 22 km. Turn left towards the Norris Geyser Basin. This narrow road goes up to the parking lot and visitor center.

Route Information for Norris Geyser

  • When to do:

    May through October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Toilets:

    At Parking Lot

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Circuit

Norris Geyser Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Norris Geyser

9.2
13 reviews
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Dahlia T.August 2020

Steam from the geysers looks like magic. My fondness of this place is beyond words to describe.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
MamaBearAugust 2020

Easy trail and great to bring the kids along.

Overall Rating
8
Trip Length
01:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Matty E.July 2020

Good hike. Trail was short and easy. So nice to be here even when it's cloudy.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Tati MaxJuly 2020

The geyser was fantastic however the air in the area was quite dry.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Polina IvanovJuly 2020

This is my second geyser. Can I call myself an official Geyser-Chaser now?

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Peter McGuinessJune 2020

The roaring geysers were incredible. The colorful inkpots were impressive as well.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
MissGigglesJune 2020

This was a nice short trail with multiple views of geysers, not too difficult mostly flat.

Overall Rating
9
Trip Length
01:15
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Harold P.August 2019

The steam looks great! Nice circuit trail route. It was an amusing adventure.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Carmilla ShzmAugust 2019

Did this hike with my husband few years back. It was a nice place. I'm fond of geysers so I enjoyed it a lot.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
mountaincatMay 2019

We've visited the museum and bought some souvenirs. Nice spot, easy to visit, right next to the road.

Overall Rating
8
Trip Length
01:15
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

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Last Updated: August 17, 2026

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