Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
200.00 ft (60.96 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
1.00 mi (1.61 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Wandering among the thermal features of the Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is a must-do activity when visiting Yellowstone National Park. After exploring the basin, a short hike up to Observation Point gives a different perspective.

From the Old Faithful area, the footpath leads over a bridge to cross the Firehole River to Geyser Hill. Just after the bridge, take the signed trail to the right up the hill. Switchbacks and steps make the climb pretty easy up to the hillside clearing overlooking the whole geyser basin. Expect a good crowd up here around the time of an Old Faithful eruption. From up here the geyser dwarfs the people filling the viewing stands nearby and shows how large the geyser really is. Beautiful views of the entire Upper Geyser Basin and beyond are a great reward for this climb.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

A different perspective of Old Faithful. Great views.

Cons

Steep in places. Busy.

Trailhead Elevation

7,340.00 ft (2,237.23 m)

Features

Hot springs
Bird watching
Wildlife
Big Game Watching
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers
Geologically significant
Big Game Watching

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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