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    Hikes/United States/Wyoming/Yellowstone National Park

    Norris Geyser

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Easy
    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
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    4.0 km
    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
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.2
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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    Directions to Trailhead
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    Trail of the Norris Geyser Hike in Yellowstone National Park

    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.

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    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 22.0 km. Turn left towards the Norris Geyser Basin. This narrow road goes up to the parking lot and visitor center.

    Route Information

    • 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

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    Norris Geyser Reviews

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