Riverside Geyser erupting 9/2019
1 / 10

Riverside Geyser Yellowstone National Park

4.9
·16 reviews·, United States

A powerful geyser erupting into the Firehole River, offering spectacular shows and a scenic hike from Old Faithful.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Every ~6 hours

Predictable eruption times

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Riverside Geyser erupting 9/2019

Riverside Geyser Yellowstone National Park

Best Time

Every ~6 hours

Predictable eruption times

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A powerful geyser erupting into the Firehole River, offering spectacular shows and a scenic hike from Old Faithful.

4.9
(16 reviews)

"Absolutely spectacular. One of the most predictable geysers in the park!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Eruption Times

Predictable ~6-hour intervals. Check visitor center or online for exact times!

👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes

A ~1-mile hike from Old Faithful. Enjoy the scenic trail!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.9 · 16 reviews

Type

River

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Geyser Eruption

Riverside Geyser Eruption

Upper Geyser Basin

Witness a powerful, predictable eruption lasting ~20 minutes, shooting water into the Firehole River.

Scenic Hike to the Geyser

Scenic Hike to the Geyser

Upper Geyser Basin Trail

Enjoy a pleasant ~1-mile walk from Old Faithful, passing other geothermal features.

Rainbow in the Mist

Rainbow in the Mist

Riverside Geyser viewing area

On sunny afternoons, the mist from the eruption can create stunning rainbows.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Riverside Geyser

Riverside Geyser erupts roughly every 6 hours, so check predicted times at the Old Faithful Visitor Center or online. Catching an eruption is key to the experience, and planning around it avoids disappointment. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer fewer crowds and beautiful light for photos.

The Journey to Riverside Geyser

While not as famous as Old Faithful, Riverside Geyser is a gem. It's about a mile hike from Old Faithful, offering a scenic walk through the Upper Geyser Basin past other geysers and pools. Wear comfortable shoes for this rewarding trek.

Best Times

When
Every ~6 hours
Why
Predictable eruption times
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, potential rainbows
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What are your Yellowstone life hacks for visitors?

We’re planning a June trip and looking for advice

🎯 Check Eruption Times

Predictable ~6-hour intervals. Check visitor center or online for exact times! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes

A ~1-mile hike from Old Faithful. Enjoy the scenic trail! Reddit

reddit.com

Geyser Basin in the evening?

We will be in Yellowstone in the thick of July. My understanding is that this is when crowds are the worst. We are staying in the park (two nights at Grant campground and one night at Old Faithful Inn). I am trying to plan how we will tackle the two loops and am wondering if it…

reddit.com

Visiting the Geyser Basins

Hi All! Some of my family and I will be visiting Yellowstone later this summer. Im trying to plot out a day at the Geyser basins, and I am looking for some information regarding parking at Lower, Mid and Upper Geyser Basins. Is it possible to park at one location and visit all…

📸 Capture the Rainbow

Late afternoon sun can create rainbows in the geyser's mist. Magical! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Yellowstone can be dry. Carry water, especially during your hike. Reddit

reddit.com

Thoughts on parking when trying to see multiple springs/geysers in one day?

We will have 2 full days in Yellowstone in mid-September. For the first day we want to see the springs/geysers on the western side of the park, and on the 2nd day we plan to go to the "Grand Canyon" of Yellowstone. The logistics of day 1 are making my brain hurt, so I thought…

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Eruption Times

Predictable ~6-hour intervals. Check visitor center or online for exact times! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes

A ~1-mile hike from Old Faithful. Enjoy the scenic trail! Reddit

📸 Capture the Rainbow

Late afternoon sun can create rainbows in the geyser's mist. Magical! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Yellowstone can be dry. Carry water, especially during your hike. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(16 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Riverside Geyser's spectacular and predictable eruptions, often describing it as a 'must-see' in Yellowstone. The scenic hike from Old Faithful and the beautiful setting on the Firehole River are frequently praised, with many highlighting the chance to see rainbows in the mist. While less famous than Old Faithful, its unique charm and impressive display make it a highly recommended stop.

"Awesome geyser. Definitely worth the stop and hike through the Upper Geyser Basin to get here!"

Jeff G

"Riverside Geyser is one of the ‘must see’ geysers in the YNP! It currently erupts every 5 1/2-6 1/2 hours, so check the day before you are planning to go. The setting, on the bank of the Firehole River is beautiful and usually less crowded. It’s little over a mile from Old Faithful, a great hike between several other Geysers and pools and you’ll get rewarded with a ~20min eruption, that’s about 5 times Old Faithful."

Alex Stoklas

"Absolutely spectacular. One of the most predictable geysers in the park - you can find the predicted eruption times at the Old Faithful Visitor Center, or online. You'll have tons of opportunities for pictures - it erupts for 22 minutes!"

Tyler Thornton

What People Like

Spectacular eruptions
Predictable timing
Beautiful river setting

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Riverside Geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. It's approximately a 1-mile hike from the Old Faithful area. You can park at Old Faithful and follow the boardwalks and trails towards the Firehole River. Reddit

Direct parking at Riverside Geyser is limited. The most common approach is to park at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center and then walk. This allows you to see other geysers along the way. Reddit

No, Riverside Geyser is not directly accessible by car. It requires a walk from the Old Faithful area. This hike is part of the charm, allowing you to experience the geothermal landscape. Reddit

Follow the well-maintained trails from Old Faithful. Signs will guide you towards the Firehole River, where Riverside Geyser is located. The path is generally flat and easy to follow. Reddit

The hike is considered moderate and is about 1 mile each way. It's mostly on boardwalks or paved paths, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no separate ticket required to see Riverside Geyser. Your Yellowstone National Park entrance fee covers access to all geysers and attractions within the park. Reddit

Riverside Geyser operates naturally and does not have set operating hours. It erupts on its own schedule, typically every 5.5 to 6.5 hours. Reddit

The best way to know the predicted eruption times is to check with the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center staff or look for posted schedules. You can also often find this information on the official Yellowstone National Park website or app. Reddit

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Yellowstone National Park. This fee is per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. Check the NPS website for current pricing. Reddit

Riverside Geyser can be visited year-round, but access and trail conditions may vary depending on the season. Winter visits may require snowshoes or skis, and some trails might be closed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, and the angle of the sun can create stunning rainbows in the geyser's mist. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer crowds. Reddit

Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water spray. Consider a tripod for stability, especially in lower light. A polarizing filter can help manage glare on the water. Reddit

Yes, the area along the Firehole River offers several good viewpoints. You can get close enough to capture the power of the eruption and the surrounding scenery. Reddit

A versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm or 70-200mm) is ideal. It allows you to capture both the wide landscape and closer details of the eruption. Reddit

Be mindful of the mist, especially during eruptions. It's advisable to use a lens hood and consider a rain cover for your camera to protect it from moisture. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

An eruption of Riverside Geyser typically lasts for about 20 minutes, offering ample time to observe and photograph. Reddit

Riverside Geyser erupts less frequently than Old Faithful but its eruptions are often larger and more sustained, lasting around 20 minutes compared to Old Faithful's shorter bursts. Reddit

The hike from Old Faithful to Riverside Geyser passes by numerous other geysers and hot springs in the Upper Geyser Basin, including Grand Geyser and Castle Geyser. Reddit

Restroom facilities are available at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. There are no restrooms directly at the Riverside Geyser viewing area, so plan accordingly. Reddit

Yes, viewing areas are designated and safe. Always stay on marked trails and boardwalks, and maintain a safe distance from geothermal features. Reddit

You may also like

Riverside Geyser Yellowstone National Park (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide