Lone Star Geyser Erupting
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Lone Star Geyser

4.9
·40 reviews·, United States

A cone geyser erupting up to 40 ft, reached by a scenic 2.5-mile hike along the Firehole River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-morning

Catch an eruption, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Lone Star Geyser Erupting

Lone Star Geyser

Best Time

Mid-morning

Catch an eruption, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A cone geyser erupting up to 40 ft, reached by a scenic 2.5-mile hike along the Firehole River.

4.9
(40 reviews)

"Worth the wait for the eruption after a beautiful, easy hike along the Firehole River!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check the Logbook! 📝

Find eruption times logged by previous visitors at the geyser itself. It's your best bet for timing!

Bug Spray is Key 🦟

The trail follows a river, making it a prime spot for mosquitoes. Don't forget to pack some!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lone Star Geyser Eruption

Lone Star Geyser Eruption

Geyser Basin

Witness a powerful eruption reaching up to 40 feet, a rewarding sight after a pleasant hike.

Firehole River Trail

Firehole River Trail

Trailhead to Geyser

Enjoy a scenic, flat hike alongside the beautiful Firehole River, offering peaceful natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Lone Star Geyser erupts roughly every 3 hours. Arrive about 30 minutes before an expected eruption to catch the initial spurts. Check the logbook at the geyser for recent eruption times, as official schedules aren't always posted.

Trail Options & Essentials

Choose between a 2-mile paved trail or a 3-mile route from Old Faithful. Both are relatively flat and follow the Firehole River. Remember bug spray and water, especially during warmer months.

Best Times

When
Mid-morning
Why
Catch an eruption, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, eruption possible
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Lonestar Geyser, Yellowstone

Check the Logbook! 📝

Find eruption times logged by previous visitors at the geyser itself. It's your best bet for timing!

Bug Spray is Key 🦟

The trail follows a river, making it a prime spot for mosquitoes. Don't forget to pack some!

reddit.com

Lesser known...

reddit.com

Checking into Old Faithful for one night from Jackson, WY. What attractions can I hit while at Old Faithful that require no driving?

Paved vs. Scenic Trail 🚶‍♀️

Opt for the 2-mile paved path or the 3-mile route from Old Faithful for different views.

Bring Water & Snacks 💧

Stay hydrated and fueled for the 2.5-mile hike to the geyser and back.

reddit.com

yellowstone advice for foreigner/national park newbie

Tips

from all over the internet

Check the Logbook! 📝

Find eruption times logged by previous visitors at the geyser itself. It's your best bet for timing!

Bug Spray is Key 🦟

The trail follows a river, making it a prime spot for mosquitoes. Don't forget to pack some!

Paved vs. Scenic Trail 🚶‍♀️

Opt for the 2-mile paved path or the 3-mile route from Old Faithful for different views.

Bring Water & Snacks 💧

Stay hydrated and fueled for the 2.5-mile hike to the geyser and back.

What Travellers Say

4.9
(40 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Lone Star Geyser to be a rewarding destination, offering a beautiful hike alongside the Firehole River culminating in a spectacular eruption. The ease of the trail and the unique experience of checking the logbook for eruption times are frequently praised. Some visitors note that timing the eruption can be a challenge if the logbook isn't consulted.

"This is an easy hike, with a great reward. We unfortunately missed the geyser go off by the time we got there, so we waited the 2 hours and explored the surrounding area. Worth the wait!"

Jamie

"Flat trail & parking is easy. 2 trail options, 2 miles (paved and starting from main trailhead) or 3 miles (from old faithful) Easily accessible. Running water, beautiful—bring bug spray! Erupts every ~3 hours. There is log book that people will document what time is last erupted."

Daniel Carlisle Brown, DPT, COMT, OCS

"Eruptions are about every 3 hours, although it starts spurting about a half hour earlier. The trail leading out to it is fairly flat, following the Firehole River. They don't post eruption times for this geyser (at least, not that I saw) and we happened to luck out that it went off about a half hour after we got there. There is a logbook there (at the geyser, not the trailhead) where people who've witnessed an eruption log it so you know if/when to expect it to go off when you get there."

Valerie Pinnette

What People Like

Beautiful river hike
Impressive geyser eruption
Easy, flat trail

What People Dislike

Eruption timing can be tricky

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lone Star Geyser is accessible via a 2.5-mile hike. You can start from the main trailhead near Old Faithful or take a longer, scenic route from the Old Faithful area itself. The trail is generally flat and follows the Firehole River.

There are two trail options: a 2-mile paved trail starting from the main trailhead, and a slightly longer, unpaved route from Old Faithful. Both offer a pleasant walking experience.

Parking is described as easy at the main trailhead. Given its proximity to Old Faithful, arriving earlier in the day can help secure a spot.

Yes, the paved trail is suitable for biking, offering a quicker way to reach the geyser. This is a popular option for those wanting to cover the distance more rapidly.

The 2-mile paved trail is generally accessible, making it a good option for those with mobility challenges. However, always check current park conditions for any closures or specific accessibility notes.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no specific ticket required for Lone Star Geyser. Entry to Yellowstone National Park requires a park pass, but the geyser itself is free to visit once inside the park.

Lone Star Geyser is accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, the best experience is during daylight hours to enjoy the hike and eruption.

The only fee is the standard Yellowstone National Park entrance fee. The hike itself and viewing the geyser are free once you are inside the park.

While official park tours might not specifically highlight Lone Star Geyser due to its unpredictable schedule, many private tour operators in Yellowstone may include it as part of a broader geyser basin tour.

No, the trail leading to Lone Star Geyser is part of Yellowstone National Park and does not have a separate admission fee beyond the park entrance.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Lone Star Geyser erupts approximately every 3 hours. It begins to spurt about 30 minutes before a full eruption, which can reach up to 40 feet.

There isn't a posted schedule. The best method is to check the logbook located at the geyser itself, where visitors document recent eruption times. This is your most reliable indicator.

The hike is generally described as easy and flat, following the scenic Firehole River. It's a 2.5-mile round trip from the main trailhead.

Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and especially bug spray, as mosquitoes can be prevalent near the river. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Restroom facilities are typically available at the trailhead near Old Faithful. There are no facilities directly at the geyser itself, so plan accordingly.

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the natural scenery. However, any time you can capture an eruption will be spectacular.

Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the water. Consider a tripod for stability, especially in lower light conditions. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the eruption and surrounding landscape.

The area around the geyser offers open views. You can also frame shots with the Firehole River or the surrounding landscape in the foreground for added depth.

Maintain a safe distance from the geyser to avoid scalding water and steam. The designated viewing areas provide excellent photographic opportunities without compromising safety.

A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details of the eruption, while a wide-angle lens is great for landscape shots. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance colors.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lone Star Geyser is a fantastic family-friendly destination in Yellowstone. The 2.5-mile round trip hike is relatively flat and easy, making it manageable for children. The paved trail option is particularly good for strollers or younger walkers. The excitement of waiting for and witnessing a geyser eruption provides a memorable experience for kids, turning a hike into an adventure.

Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and definitely bring bug spray, as the riverside trail can attract mosquitoes. The logbook at the geyser is a fun way to involve kids in tracking eruption times. It’s a great way to experience a less crowded part of the park while still seeing a spectacular natural phenomenon.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Lone Star Geyser is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers in Yellowstone. The primary cost is the park entrance fee, as the hike and geyser viewing are free. The relatively short and easy hike means you don't need specialized gear, and you can pack your own food and water to save on dining expenses within the park.

Opting for the hike instead of paid tours is a significant cost-saver. The accessibility of the trail and the natural spectacle of the geyser provide a high-value experience without breaking the bank. It's a perfect example of Yellowstone's natural wonders being accessible to everyone.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Lone Star Geyser Experience

Lone Star Geyser offers a unique Yellowstone experience, combining a moderate hike with the thrill of witnessing a natural geothermal spectacle. Unlike some of the more famous geysers with predictable schedules, Lone Star's eruptions occur roughly every three hours, adding an element of surprise and discovery to your visit. The trail itself is a significant part of the appeal, providing a peaceful journey alongside the picturesque Firehole River. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the park's natural beauty before reaching the main attraction.

The hike is accessible, with a paved 2-mile option and a slightly longer route originating from the Old Faithful area. This makes it suitable for a wide range of visitors, from families to solo hikers. A key piece of advice from seasoned visitors is to check the logbook located at the geyser. This community-driven resource provides the most up-to-date information on recent eruption times, helping you time your visit for the best possible viewing experience. Remember to bring essentials like water and bug spray, as the riverside environment can be a haven for insects during warmer months.

Witnessing a Lone Star Geyser eruption, which can reach heights of up to 40 feet, is a truly rewarding experience. The anticipation builds as the geyser begins to spurt about half an hour before its main event. The surrounding landscape, with its geothermal features and the meandering Firehole River, adds to the overall ambiance. It’s a chance to connect with the raw power and beauty of Yellowstone in a slightly less crowded setting than its more famous counterparts.

Navigating the Trails to Lone Star

The journey to Lone Star Geyser is as enjoyable as the destination itself, thanks to the well-maintained trails. Visitors have two primary options: a 2-mile paved trail that is smooth and straightforward, or a 3-mile trail that begins near the iconic Old Faithful geyser. The paved path is ideal for those seeking an easier, more direct route, while the longer option offers a more immersive experience through varied terrain and potentially fewer people.

Both trails are characterized by their flatness, making them accessible for most fitness levels. They wind through scenic landscapes, often following the gentle flow of the Firehole River. This provides ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and enjoying the serene natural environment of Yellowstone. It's recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as even the paved trail can be long for those unaccustomed to hiking.

Crucially, remember that these trails are exposed, so sun protection and adequate hydration are essential, especially during the summer months. The presence of the river also means that insect repellent is a must-have item to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable hike. Planning your hike around the geyser's eruption schedule, using the logbook as your guide, will maximize your experience and ensure you don't miss the main event.

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