Great Fountain Geyser
A majestic geyser erupting in grand bursts, cascading water down a unique terraced platform. Less crowded than Old Faithful, it offers a patient visit...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Eruptions often occur then
Great Fountain Geyser
Best Time
Eruptions often occur then
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic geyser erupting in grand bursts, cascading water down a unique terraced platform. Less crowded than Old Faithful, it offers a patient visitor a spectacular show.
"Phenomenal. One of the best geysers in Yellowstone, better than Old Faithful but nowhere near as crowded."
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
Eruptions are infrequent; bring chairs, snacks, and entertainment for a 1-3 hour wait.
👂 Listen for Eruption Signs
Audible 'hot tub jets' and water flow on the right indicate an eruption is near.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Eruption
Main geyser basin
Majestic bursts of water cascading down a terraced platform, lasting over 30 minutes.
Terraced Platform
Geyser basin
Watch water flow down natural terraces, a beautiful sight even between major eruptions.
Boytroidal Geyser
Across the road from Great Fountain Geyser
A smaller, explosive geyser erupting every 5-8 minutes, a fun diversion while waiting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Patience is Key for Great Fountain Geyser
Timing Your Visit for the Show
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Geyser Basin in the evening?
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
Eruptions are infrequent; bring chairs, snacks, and entertainment for a 1-3 hour wait.
👂 Listen for Eruption Signs
Audible 'hot tub jets' and water flow on the right indicate an eruption is near.
📍Fountain Geyser, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
🅿️ Parking is Limited
Arrive early or be prepared to park further up the road.
📚 Bring a Book or Game
Make the waiting time enjoyable with activities.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
Eruptions are infrequent; bring chairs, snacks, and entertainment for a 1-3 hour wait.
👂 Listen for Eruption Signs
Audible 'hot tub jets' and water flow on the right indicate an eruption is near.
🅿️ Parking is Limited
Arrive early or be prepared to park further up the road.
📚 Bring a Book or Game
Make the waiting time enjoyable with activities.
👀 Watch for Boytroidal Geyser
A small, fun geyser erupts frequently across the road while you wait.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Great Fountain Geyser for its spectacular and lengthy eruptions, often deeming it superior to Old Faithful. The unique terraced platform adds to its visual appeal. However, the significant waiting time (1-3 hours) and limited parking are common drawbacks that require careful planning.
"We waited 3 hours for this geyser to erupt but it was worth it. They have a couple of benches but you may as well bring some chairs, a cooler and a good book to read while you wait.
Nice experience to see and hear the buildup to the eruption."
Matthijs
"This geyser was amazing! We waited here for over an hour and were fortunate enough to run into someone who loves this geyser and knows the tells of when an eruption is imminent! This geyser goes off once every 15-16 hours or so. If you can audibly hear water on the right side as you go on the walkway, you are 1-2 hours away from it going off. You will start to notice the equivalent of hot tub jets going on in the top pool and that you will start to hear water flowing down on the left. And then there will be more activity in the top pool until the activity really increases and gets big and then the show is on! The show lasted for 13 minutes! Then paused for 4 minutes, and then went on for an additional 5 minutes. The show reminded me of a fireworks show. Definitely worth it if you can time it up!"
Corey Fronek
"This was an amazing geyser and was well worth the wait. The window is quite large (4 hours) so it may be a bit of a wait. The major part of the eruption lasted for a bit over 30 minutes and was quite large for about the first fifteen. Plenty of seating, not so much parking so you may have to park up the road a bit."
Curtis Lannom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Great Fountain Geyser is located in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. It's accessible via a spur road off the main Grand Loop Road. Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, it's well-signed from the Grand Loop Road. Look for the turn-off for Great Fountain Geyser.
Access to Great Fountain Geyser is typically closed in winter due to snow. It's best visited during the park's open season, generally from late April to October. Check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current road status.
The Grand Loop Road connects all the major geyser basins. Driving is the most common method, but be aware of potential traffic delays, especially during peak season.
Yellowstone does not offer specific shuttle services to individual geysers. You will need your own vehicle or to join a guided tour that includes this stop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no separate ticket required for Great Fountain Geyser. Your Yellowstone National Park entrance fee covers access to all geysers and thermal features.
Great Fountain Geyser is accessible during Yellowstone National Park's operating hours, which are typically from early morning until late evening. The geyser itself erupts on its own schedule.
The only cost is the standard Yellowstone National Park entrance fee, which is per vehicle and valid for 7 days.
No, eruptions are natural and unpredictable. You must wait for it to erupt within its general 4-hour window.
The geyser basin is part of Yellowstone National Park, so the park entrance fee applies. There are no additional fees for the geyser basin itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The wait can be significant, often 1-3 hours, as it erupts only once or twice a day within a 4-hour window. Patience is key!
Bring comfortable chairs, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a book or games to pass the time while waiting for the eruption.
Yes, there are restrooms available near the geyser viewing area.
There are some benches, but they fill up quickly. It's highly recommended to bring your own portable chairs for comfort.
Great Fountain Geyser eruptions are often longer and more varied, with water cascading down its unique terraced platform, offering a different kind of spectacle than Old Faithful. It's also less crowded.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for geyser photography. Golden hour can create dramatic shots of the steam and water.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water spray. Consider a tripod for stability, especially in lower light. Experiment with aperture for depth of field.
The main viewing area offers good perspectives. For unique shots, explore the surrounding boardwalks cautiously, but always stay on designated paths.
Maintain a safe distance from the geyser and thermal features. The boardwalks provide safe viewing areas. Never step off the boardwalk.
A versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm or 70-200mm) is ideal for capturing both the overall scene and details of the eruption. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The viewing area is generally safe and accessible via boardwalks, but always supervise children closely near thermal features. The nearby Boytroidal Geyser, with its frequent, short eruptions, can be a great way to keep kids engaged while waiting for the main event. The sheer scale of the eruption, when it happens, is often awe-inspiring for all ages.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider using a versatile zoom lens to frame both wide landscape shots and close-ups of the water's intricate patterns as it cascades down the terraces. Early morning or late afternoon light can provide dramatic effects, enhancing the steam and water's texture. Be mindful of safety and stay on designated paths for the best and safest vantage points.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Great Fountain Geyser's Eruptions
Observing the subtle signs of an impending eruption is key to maximizing your experience. Experienced visitors and park rangers often point out indicators such as audible 'hot tub jets' in the upper pool and the sound of water flowing on the right side of the walkway, which can signal an eruption is 1-2 hours away. As the eruption nears, activity in the top pool intensifies, culminating in the grand display. The entire event can last for over 30 minutes, with the most powerful bursts occurring in the initial stages.
While the wait can be long, many visitors find it to be one of the most rewarding experiences in Yellowstone. The relatively fewer crowds compared to Old Faithful also contribute to a more serene viewing experience. It's a prime example of the raw, untamed power of Yellowstone's geothermal features, offering a unique and memorable encounter with nature's artistry.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers
Parking is another frequently mentioned challenge. The parking area is relatively small and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Visitors are advised to arrive early in the day or be prepared to park further up the road and walk. Asking fellow visitors or rangers about the eruption's proximity can also help gauge the remaining wait time.
For those seeking a bit of pre-eruption entertainment, the nearby Boytroidal Geyser is a popular recommendation. This smaller geyser erupts explosively every 5-8 minutes, providing a fun and engaging distraction while you await the main event. This tip, shared by seasoned visitors, adds another layer of enjoyment to the Great Fountain Geyser experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit