Old Faithful Geyser

The Basics

Most tours of Yellowstone National Park stop by Old Faithful to see one of the geyser’s spectacular eruptions. Day trips to Yellowstone can last up to 13 hours and typically leave from Jackson or Jackson Hole, and visit Old Faithful along with park highlights such as Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Small-group tours offer a personalized experience, while self-guided tours are also available if you want to explore the park at your own pace.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Old Faithful is a must-see for nature lovers and first-time visitors to Yellowstone National Park.

• You can find predicted eruption times in the adjacent visitor center.

• The geyser-viewing area is one of Yellowstone’s most accessible destinations, with bench seating, a large parking lot, and a ranger station.

How to Get There

Old Faithful is located in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin, in the southwest section of the park. The geyser is roughly a 50-minute drive from West Yellowstone, and 80 minutes from Mammoth Hot Springs and the park’s southern entrance.

When to Get There

You can visit Old Faithful from May to October, although summer is the most popular time. To beat the crowds, consider visiting in the early morning or in the moments just before dusk. If the eruption schedule aligns with sunrise, be sure to set an alarm so you can watch Old Faithful spout water at dawn.

Yellowstone’s Hot Springs and Geysers

There are more geysers in Yellowstone than any other place in the world. To visit the park’s geysers, enter through the West Entrance and continue to Madison, the jumping-off point for geyser basins to the north and south. The Lower Geyser Basin, which includes Fountain Paint Pot, and the Upper Geyser Basin, home to Old Faithful, are both to the south. The Mammoth Hot Springs and Steamboat geysers are in the Norris Geyser Basin to the north.

How often does Old Faithful erupt?

Old Faithful erupts about every 1-2 hours on average, with around 20 eruptions taking place daily. Each day a Yellowstone National Park worker will predict the next eruption time, which is then posted at the Old Faithful Visitor Center and online. The prediction is typically accurate within 10 minutes of the actual eruption.

What causes the eruptions at Old Faithful?

Like all other geysers, Old Faithful is a hot spring that erupts with water and steam. Geysers are found in very specific locations, where there is heat below the ground—hence why they’re often in volcanic areas—and plenty of water. Eruptions are caused when underground cavities fill with water and steam, causing pressure that accumulates and leads to the release of jets of boiling water and steam.

Are there viewing areas near Old Faithful?

Yes, there are viewing areas near Old Faithful. One of the most popular spots is the viewing boardwalk area, which has wooden benches. You can also watch eruptions from the viewing deck at the Old Faithful Inn.

How can I best photograph Old Faithful?

Although any time the geyser erupts offers a great opportunity for photographs, some of the best pictures come at the first eruption of the morning and during the midday sunlight. The least crowded times are dawn until 11am, then later in the day after 6pm.

Is there a visitor center near Old Faithful?

Yes, the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center is located at the Upper Geyser Basin. The center features information about the national park, including its geysers, while kids can enjoy the interactive Young Scientist exhibition room.

Are there hiking trails near Old Faithful?

Yes, there are many hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park, including routes close to Old Faithful. Some popular options include Observation Point Trailhead, Artemisia Trailhead, Howard Eaton Trailhead 0K2, Fairy Falls Trailhead, and Monument Geyser Basin Trailhead.

Ways to explore

Most tours of Yellowstone National Park stop by Old Faithful to see one of the geyser’s spectacular eruptions. Old Faithful is located along the park’s Lower Loop, along with highlights such as Hayden Valley, Yellowstone Lake, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Day trips to Yellowstone can last up to 13 hours and depart from Jackson or Jackson Hole; multi-day tours typically visit both the Upper and Lower Loop. Choose a small-group or private tour for a more personalized experience, or opt for a self-drive audio tour to explore the park at your own pace.

Accessibility

The Old Faithful Geyser viewing area is easily accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, with benches available at the viewing area. Assistive listening devices, braille, and captioning are available at the Old Faithful Visitor Centre. Wheelchair rentals are available from the Old Faithful Medical Clinic for a fee. Full accessibility information and maps are available at all Yellowstone visitor centers.

Age limits

None, but keep a close eye on young children around the geyser area. Interactive exhibitions and activity books are available at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.

What to pack

Waterproof jacket or windbreaker, warm fleece (even in summer), reusable water bottle and plenty of water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, bug spray (sandflies are a nuisance in summer), sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat

What to wear

Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and hiking boots or enclosed shoes with a good grip.

Not allowed

Pets (not permitted in all thermal areas of the park), leaving the designated viewing areas and boardwalks, touching or throwing any object into or at the geyser

Amenities

The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center has restrooms with baby-changing facilities, a water fountain, and a gift shop—you can also see predictions for the next eruption at Old Faithful and five more geysers here.

Address 

Old Faithful Geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin, in the southwest section of Yellowstone National Park. It’s clearly signposted and easy to reach by car along the park’s Lower Loop.

Driving

To reach Old Faithful Geyser, it’s about a 65–70 minute drive from the West Yellowstone Entrance: head east towards Madison Junction, then follow the Lower Loop south to the Upper Geysir Basin. Alternatively, enter via the park’s South Entrance and drive north to Grant Village, then continue west along the Lower Loop to the Upper Geysir Basin, about a 90-minute drive.

Public transportation

There’s no public transport within Yellowstone National Park, so you’ll need your own transport or to join a guided tour. However, buses run year-round from Bozeman to West Yellowstone.

Best times to visit

Consider visiting in the early morning or just before dusk to beat the crowds. If the eruption schedule aligns with sunrise, be sure to set an alarm so you can watch Old Faithful spout water at dawn.

Best days to visit

There’s often an increase in traffic and accommodation reservations during summer and on holiday weekends, meaning a midweek tour can be the best time to explore Yellowstone.

Best months to visit

May to October are popular times for visiting Yellowstone National Park, and the road to Old Faithful Geyser is typically closed to cars in winter. For a less crowded experience and a better chance of securing a camping spot, plan your trip for the shoulder months of May or October.

Special events

Winter visitors often gather at Old Faithful Geyser on New Year’s Eve for the long-standing tradition of watching the first geyser eruption of the New Year.