
Castle Geyser
Witness Castle Geyser's powerful eruptions, a majestic cone-shaped geyser in Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos

Castle Geyser
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness Castle Geyser's powerful eruptions, a majestic cone-shaped geyser in Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin.
"Awesome Geyser! Worth the wait to see it erupt!!"

🎯 Check Eruption Times
Erupts every 10-12 hours. Check predicted times to avoid missing the show!
👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed
Explore boardwalks around Castle Geyser and other geysers.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Castle Geyser Eruption
Upper Geyser Basin
Witness a powerful water column reaching 90 ft, a truly spectacular natural display.

Rainbows During Eruption
Near Castle Geyser
With the right conditions, eruptions can create magical rainbows, adding to the spectacle.

Cascading Water Feature
Castle Geyser
Observe the unique sight of water cascading down the geyser's rocky cone during an eruption.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Castle Geyser
Navigating the Upper Geyser Basin
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Geyser Basin in the evening?
🎯 Check Eruption Times
Erupts every 10-12 hours. Check predicted times to avoid missing the show!
👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed
Explore boardwalks around Castle Geyser and other geysers.
What are your Yellowstone life hacks for visitors?
Thoughts on parking when trying to see multiple springs/geysers in one day?
📸 Capture the Magic
Great photo ops, especially with good weather for rainbows!
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Geysers
It's on the boardwalk near Old Faithful.
Itinerary advise for first timers
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Eruption Times
Erupts every 10-12 hours. Check predicted times to avoid missing the show!
👟 Comfortable Footwear Needed
Explore boardwalks around Castle Geyser and other geysers.
📸 Capture the Magic
Great photo ops, especially with good weather for rainbows!
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Geysers
It's on the boardwalk near Old Faithful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Castle Geyser for its impressive eruptions and unique cone structure. Many highlight the opportunity to get closer than to Old Faithful and the potential for stunning rainbow photos during an eruption. Some note that eruption times can be infrequent, requiring patience and planning.
"Castle Geyser is my favorite of all the geysers in Yellowstone! If you catch an eruption at the right time of day with the right weather conditions you can get some amazing pictures! We even got a rainbow in the one viewing!
We spent 4 months living and working in Yellowstone and got to see so many amazing things. Yellowstone does not disappoint, there are so many spectacular things to see."
Complete Randomness
"I decided to read a little bit and ended up camped on a bench in front of Castle Geyser. There is a nice walking path in front of the geyser leading into the upper geyser basin. Be sure to check when this geyser will erupt because it only goes off twice everyday. Worth seeing if you can, especially to see the water cascading down the sides of the rocks"
Amanda Reiser
"Probably one of the nicer geysers if you're lucky to catch the eruption. It's on the boardwalk near old faithful."
Matthijs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castle Geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. It's easily accessible via the boardwalks, situated near the iconic Old Faithful. You can reach the Upper Geyser Basin by car, following park signage. Parking is available, but can fill up quickly during peak times.
While there isn't direct public transportation to individual geysers, Yellowstone National Park offers a shuttle system in some areas during peak season. It's best to check the official Yellowstone National Park website for the most current information on shuttle routes and schedules.
Castle Geyser is a short walk from Old Faithful along the well-maintained boardwalks of the Upper Geyser Basin. It's a scenic stroll, allowing you to see other geothermal features along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a separate ticket to see Castle Geyser. Access to the geyser and the Upper Geyser Basin is included with your Yellowstone National Park entrance fee.
Castle Geyser is a natural phenomenon and is accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, its eruptions are unpredictable and occur on a cycle of approximately 10 to 12 hours.
Castle Geyser erupts every 10 to 12 hours. It's recommended to check the predicted eruption times at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center or through the Yellowstone National Park app to plan your visit.
No special passes or reservations are required for Castle Geyser itself. However, standard park entrance fees apply, and lodging or camping reservations are highly recommended if you plan to stay overnight in the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
An eruption of Castle Geyser can last for a significant period, often with a powerful water column reaching up to 90 feet. The duration can vary, but it's a substantial and impressive display.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be on boardwalks. Layers are recommended as weather in Yellowstone can change rapidly. Bring rain gear, sunscreen, and a hat.
Yes, you can get relatively close to Castle Geyser via the boardwalks, much closer than to Old Faithful. However, always maintain a safe distance and stay on designated paths for your safety and to protect the fragile environment.
Restroom facilities are available in the vicinity of the Upper Geyser Basin, including near the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. It's advisable to use them before or after viewing the geyser.
The boardwalks in the Upper Geyser Basin, including the paths around Castle Geyser, are generally accessible. However, some areas might have slight inclines. Check with park rangers for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hours) offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors. If conditions are right, you might even capture a rainbow during an eruption.
For eruptions, a faster shutter speed is recommended to freeze the water. Consider using a tripod for stability, especially in low light. Experiment with aperture for depth of field.
The boardwalks offer various vantage points. Experiment with different angles, but always stay on the designated paths. The area in front of the geyser provides a good, unobstructed view.
Absolutely! Modern smartphone cameras are capable of capturing great shots. Ensure your lens is clean and utilize any available zoom features cautiously to maintain image quality.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for different colors in the hot springs and listen for the rumbling sounds before an eruption. It's a great opportunity to teach them about geology and the power of nature in a safe and accessible environment. Remember to bring snacks and water, as facilities can be spread out.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Keep an eye on the weather; a bit of mist from the eruption combined with sunlight can create stunning rainbows, a truly magical shot. While you can get relatively close, remember to respect safety barriers and stay on the boardwalks. A tripod can be helpful for capturing eruptions in lower light conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Geyser Eruptions
Predicting geyser eruptions can be challenging, but rangers and park services provide estimated times based on historical data and current observations. Castle Geyser's cycle of 10 to 12 hours means you might need to be patient or plan your visit strategically. The intensity and height of an eruption can vary, influenced by factors like the amount of water in the system and underground pressure.
Witnessing an eruption is a highlight for many visitors. The sheer power and beauty of the water column, especially when illuminated by the sun or creating rainbows, is an unforgettable experience. Remember to always stay on the boardwalks to protect the fragile geothermal features and ensure your own safety.
Exploring the Upper Geyser Basin
Beyond Castle Geyser, the Upper Geyser Basin is home to hundreds of other geysers, many of which erupt on predictable or semi-predictable schedules. Taking the time to wander the boardwalks allows you to discover hidden gems and witness a variety of geothermal phenomena. The sheer diversity of colors and textures, from the milky blues of hot springs to the bubbling grey of mudpots, is astounding.
Planning your exploration of the Upper Geyser Basin is key. Grab a map from the visitor center, check eruption prediction times for various geysers, and wear comfortable shoes. Allow at least half a day, or even a full day, to truly appreciate the geological marvels this area has to offer. The experience is both educational and awe-inspiring.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit