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Morning Glory Pool

4.9
·1k reviews·Yellowstone National Park, United States

A breathtakingly colorful hot spring in Yellowstone, tragically altered by human impact but still a mesmerizing natural wonder.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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広角レンズでないと入りませ〜ん フルサイズ16mm相当で撮影

Morning Glory Pool

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtakingly colorful hot spring in Yellowstone, tragically altered by human impact but still a mesmerizing natural wonder.

4.9
(1k reviews)

"Still breathtaking, even in its changed state, Morning Glory Pool is a must-see."

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TIP

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walk, Big Reward

The 1-mile walk from Old Faithful is mostly flat and paved, offering views of other geysers.

🚫 Leave No Trace

Do NOT throw anything into the pool; it damages the ecosystem and its colors.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Morning Glory Pool's Mesmerizing Colors

Morning Glory Pool's Mesmerizing Colors

Yellowstone National Park

Witness the stunning, swirling blues, greens, and yellows of this iconic hot spring, a testament to nature's artistry.

The Boardwalk Trail Experience

The Boardwalk Trail Experience

Path from Old Faithful

Enjoy an easy, scenic walk past numerous geysers and thermal features on the well-maintained boardwalk.

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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Pool's Fragile Beauty

Morning Glory Pool's vibrant colors are due to thermophilic bacteria, sensitive to pollution. Visitors have historically thrown trash and coins, damaging its delicate ecosystem and altering its appearance. Please help preserve this natural wonder for future generations by staying on boardwalks and not discarding anything into the water. Reddit

Plan Your Walk from Old Faithful

Accessing Morning Glory Pool involves a pleasant, mostly flat walk or boardwalk trail, approximately one mile from the Old Faithful area. Allow ample time for this scenic stroll, which also passes other geysers and thermal features. Check weather conditions, especially for smoke from wildfires, which can impact air quality. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
September
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Morning Glory Pool at Yellowstone! Definitely underrated compared to the other geysers and pools. If you are in Yellowstone its worth seeing.

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walk, Big Reward

The 1-mile walk from Old Faithful is mostly flat and paved, offering views of other geysers. Reddit

🚫 Leave No Trace

Do NOT throw anything into the pool; it damages the ecosystem and its colors. Reddit

reddit.com

Morning Glory Pool in Yellowstone National Park

reddit.com

Morning Glory Pool, Yellowstone National Park. [4427x3318] [OC]

💧 Check Air Quality

Wildfire smoke can affect breathing; check conditions before your visit. Reddit

📸 Capture the Colors

The vivid hues are best appreciated up close, but remember to respect the viewing areas.

reddit.com

The colors of Morning Glory Pool, Yellowstone National Park.

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walk, Big Reward

The 1-mile walk from Old Faithful is mostly flat and paved, offering views of other geysers. Reddit

🚫 Leave No Trace

Do NOT throw anything into the pool; it damages the ecosystem and its colors. Reddit

💧 Check Air Quality

Wildfire smoke can affect breathing; check conditions before your visit. Reddit

📸 Capture the Colors

The vivid hues are best appreciated up close, but remember to respect the viewing areas.

What Travellers Say

4.9
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Morning Glory Pool for its stunning, vibrant colors and the scenic walk to reach it from Old Faithful. However, many express sadness and disappointment over the pool's diminished beauty due to past vandalism and pollution, serving as a poignant reminder of the need for conservation. Despite this, it remains a must-see geological attraction in Yellowstone.

"This is a beautiful spot. Its about 30 min hike starting from old faithful geyser. Its mostly flat road or can go on the boardwalk. You get to see a lot more geysers along the boardwalk. The morning glory pool at the end is beautiful and bright. Worth the hike."

Nidhi Kikkeri

"We visited in Sept. '23 and it did not disappoint. Absolutely stunning - and truly one of the most beautiful thermal features in the entire park. The vivid blues, greens, and yellows swirl together like a painting in motion. Standing at the edge of it feels almost sacred. But it’s also bittersweet. Morning Glory has faded from its once-brilliant sapphire hues because of trash and debris thrown in over the years, blocking its vents and cooling the water. People literally treated this natural wonder like a garbage can. It’s heartbreaking - and a powerful reminder of how fragile these places are. Still, even in its changed state, Morning Glory Pool is breathtaking. I’m so glad I got to see it… and I hope future visitors treat it with the awe and care it deserves."

Whitney Leach

"This is one of the most beautiful and stunning hot spring pools in Yellowstone Park. It is said it used to be entirely blue and now has colours of yellow and green at the edges due to vandalism and pollution from people throwing coins into the pool. Will require an easy hike of 20-30 minutes from the Old Faithful Geyser."

CK Cheong

What People Like

Vibrant, swirling colors
Scenic boardwalk walk
Unique geothermal feature

What People Dislike

Past pollution damage
Loss of original blue hue

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Morning Glory Pool is located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. The most common access point is a scenic, approximately one-mile walk from the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. The trail is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

Direct parking at Morning Glory Pool is limited. The primary parking is at the Old Faithful area, from which you will walk to the pool. Be prepared for potential parking challenges, especially during peak season. Reddit

Yellowstone National Park does not have a dedicated shuttle service that stops directly at Morning Glory Pool. The best way to reach it is by walking from the Old Faithful area. Reddit

The walk from Old Faithful to Morning Glory Pool is about one mile (1.6 km) each way. The trail is generally flat and follows a boardwalk or paved path, making it a relatively easy hike. Reddit

Yes, the walk to Morning Glory Pool is part of a larger boardwalk system in the Upper Geyser Basin. You'll pass numerous other geysers and hot springs, making the journey itself a significant part of the experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Morning Glory Pool is located within Yellowstone National Park, which requires an entrance fee per vehicle. Once inside the park, there is no additional ticket needed to access the pool and its surrounding boardwalks. Reddit

Morning Glory Pool is accessible year-round during park operating hours. However, access may be limited during severe winter weather conditions. The boardwalks are generally open from dawn until dusk. Reddit

There is no separate admission fee for Morning Glory Pool itself. The fee is for entry into Yellowstone National Park. Current park entrance fees can be found on the official Yellowstone National Park website. Reddit

No, tickets are not required for Morning Glory Pool. You only need to pay the general entrance fee for Yellowstone National Park. It's recommended to purchase your park pass upon arrival or online in advance. Reddit

The main restriction is to stay on the designated boardwalks at all times to protect the fragile thermal features and ensure visitor safety. Do not throw anything into the pool. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best lighting for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong contrasts. Consider the direction of the sun to capture the pool's vibrant colors effectively. Reddit

No, drone usage is strictly prohibited in Yellowstone National Park, including at Morning Glory Pool, to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Reddit

Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water's surface and enhance color saturation. A tripod can be helpful for sharper images, especially in lower light conditions. Experiment with aperture settings to control depth of field. Reddit

You must stay on the designated boardwalks, which provide excellent vantage points. Do not step off the boardwalks, as this is dangerous and damages the delicate ecosystem. Reddit

Experiment with different perspectives from the boardwalk. Shots looking down into the pool often highlight its colors, while wider shots can capture the surrounding thermal landscape. Reddit

🎫 ⚠️ Visitor Etiquette & Safety

The most important rule is to stay on the boardwalks. Do not throw anything into the pool, as this pollutes the water and harms the bacteria that create its colors. Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Reddit

The walk is generally safe as it's on a well-maintained path. However, be aware of your surroundings, stay on the boardwalk, and be cautious of thermal areas. Inquire about wildfire smoke conditions, as this can impact air quality. Reddit

Politely inform them of the rules and the damage they are causing. If they are unresponsive, report the incident to a park ranger or visitor center. Reddit

Restroom facilities are available at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, which is the starting point for the walk to Morning Glory Pool. There are no restrooms directly at the pool itself. Reddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for paved paths and boardwalks. Dress in layers, as weather in Yellowstone can change rapidly. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is recommended. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The walk to Morning Glory Pool is generally family-friendly, with a mostly flat, paved path and boardwalks. It's a great opportunity to teach children about geothermal features and the importance of conservation. Encourage them to observe the colors and discuss how they might have formed. Remember to keep a close eye on children, especially near thermal areas, and ensure they stay on the boardwalks. Reddit

Pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited at the pool itself. The journey from Old Faithful offers other geysers to see, which can keep younger attention spans engaged. Consider visiting during less crowded times to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

Morning Glory Pool is an accessible and rewarding destination for solo travelers. The well-marked trail from Old Faithful makes navigation straightforward. It's a perfect spot for quiet contemplation and photography, allowing you to fully absorb the natural beauty without the rush of a group. Reddit

Consider combining your visit with a longer exploration of the Upper Geyser Basin to make the most of your time. Always inform someone of your plans and check park conditions, especially regarding weather and potential wildfire smoke, for your safety.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tragic Transformation of Morning Glory Pool

Morning Glory Pool, once a brilliant sapphire blue, has undergone a dramatic color shift due to human interference. Its stunning hues are a result of thermophilic bacteria that thrive in specific temperature ranges. The pool's deep blue color was due to clear, hot water, while the vibrant oranges, yellows, and greens at its edges were caused by cooler water supporting different types of bacteria. Reddit

Unfortunately, visitors began throwing coins, trash, and other debris into the pool, blocking its vents and cooling the water. This disruption allowed different, less vibrant bacteria to flourish, altering the pool's iconic coloration. This sad transformation serves as a stark reminder of the impact human actions can have on delicate natural environments. Reddit

Despite the loss of its original blue, Morning Glory Pool remains a breathtaking sight. The swirling patterns of color are still mesmerizing, and the pool is a powerful symbol of Yellowstone's unique geothermal activity. Visitors are urged to appreciate its beauty while respecting the park's rules to prevent further damage. Reddit

Exploring the Upper Geyser Basin

The walk to Morning Glory Pool is part of a larger exploration of the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the highest concentration of geysers in the world, including the famous Old Faithful. As you stroll along the boardwalks, you'll encounter a variety of geothermal features, each with its own unique characteristics and beauty. Keep an eye out for steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and other colorful hot springs. Reddit

This area is a prime example of Yellowstone's dynamic geological landscape. The heat from the Earth's mantle fuels these incredible displays, creating a surreal and unforgettable experience. Taking the time to explore beyond just Morning Glory Pool will reward you with a deeper appreciation for the park's geothermal wonders. Reddit

Remember to stay on the designated paths to ensure your safety and to protect the fragile environment. The boardwalks are designed to guide visitors through these sensitive areas, offering incredible views without disturbing the natural processes at play. Reddit

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