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    Hikes/United States/Wyoming/Yellowstone National Park

    Upper Geyser Basin

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    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.
    2-3h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    8.2 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.
    190 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.
    9.6
    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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    Views from the Upper Geyser Basin Hike in Yellowstone National Park

    One of the classic hikes in Yellowstone National Park, you cannot miss the Upper Geyser Basin trail. Starting at Old Faithful, this trail will grant you wonderful views of a new geyser every few minutes!

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    Route Description for Upper Geyser Basin

    From the visitor center head towards the famous geyser and go around it to the right. At the first junction turn right and head down to the murmuring Firehole River. Cross the bridge and continue along the trail.

    You have the option to turn up to Observation Point and Solitary Geyser if you wish, if not continue straight along the trail. After traveling along a flat boardwalk and seeing several geysers you will be joined by the trail from Solitary Geyser.

    From here on out the trail is entirely flat and passes beside dozens of beautiful geyser and inkpots. The historically renowned geological beauty of Yellowstone is clearly visible on this hike. Explore as far up the boardwalk as you want to go. If you go so far as to join a paved trail, you have the option of taking this back to the visitor center if you wish.

    Insider Hints for Upper Geyser Basin

    • If you are physically fit and looking for more seclusion head towards Observation Point and Solitary Geyser. Turn right just after Firehole River to get up there. It is magnificent.
    • Stop by the incredible Old Faithful Inn afterwards and see the spectacular interior. There is a fine deli here that's good for a quick sandwich or a lovely ice cream on a hot day.
    • There is also a wonderful viewing deck for Old Faithful on the 2nd level of the Old Faithful Inn. Grab a coffee and relax.

    Getting to the Upper Geyser Basin Trailhead

    This hike begins right outside the visitor center in Old Faithful. There is ample parking here, however, because this is such an iconic sight it fills up very fast. Get here bright and early or after 4pm to guarantee a spot. From the parking lot, head towards the large building with flags flying high on its roof – this is the Old Faithful Inn with the visitor center to the right.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      May through October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Toilets

      At Parking Lot

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Extreme

    • Route Type

      Circuit

    Upper Geyser Basin Elevation Graph

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    Upper Geyser Basin Reviews

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