Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring
4.5
About
Brightly-colored hot spring, the result of algae that live in the water.
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37 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- tripska16 contributionsBreathtaking natural wonderThe Grand Prismatic Spring is truly a wonder to behold! The steam rising from the water creates a mystical atmosphere. The crowds can be overwhelming at times, it's worth braving the crowds to witness this natural wonder.Visited July 2022Written May 1, 2023
- GlobeTrotting595857Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida2 contributionsUphill grade with long ramps.I looked forward to seeing Grand Prismatic Spring but when we arrived I could not walk the entire long way up the ramps to the site. If there was a warning for those with mobility issues, it would have been helpful. This is no reflection on wonderful Yellowstone, just asking for notice when there could be a lengthy walk uphill. We had a wonderful trip to the park.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten May 22, 2023
- Kathy Z246 contributionsIncredible gem of the Yellowstone] geysers.This is one of the most popular attractions and lots of people, selfies and action-but understandably as it is a major geological landmark. Be careful on the boardwalk as it is busy and we thought a bit narrow and boards a bit slippery. Go early.Visited May 2023Written June 10, 2023
- Demon MikeMelbourne, Australia270 contributionsGrand Prismatic SpringWe saw numeroud geysers and springs including the Grand Prismatic Spring. It is intersting to view at ground level but you do not get to see or appreciate the cvlours untiul you go to the upper lookout and look down on it. The walk is a short drive down the roadVisited June 2023Written June 20, 2023
- Mandy12345Denver, Iowa18 contributionsMesmerizingDefinitely get an overlook view from Fairy Falls. Come on a sunny to partly sunny day. Intense experience with a few clouds and the changes in color! Decent hike - 8 year old made it. Buffalo sighting was a bonus. Go early- parking is difficult. Popular attraction.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten June 24, 2023
- 5inavanSouth Deerfield, Massachusetts863 contributionsKodachrome....6/25/23After first hiking to a perch overlooking the spring, where we could gain a real perspective on the vast colors of the area, we descended to the parking area for the half mile walkway around Grand Prismatic Spring. The lot was full so we parked on the side of the road and walked into the lot (really to use their facilities), then continued up to the spring. The loop walkway is one way which made for excellent control of one of the most busy spots we encountered on our 4 days in the Park. Plenty of room to take pictures and not be feeling like an imposition on anyone else's experience.Visited June 2023Written July 2, 2023
- rogersoberClermont, Florida28,520 contributionsOne of the Park’s Best FeaturesHow incredible to be able to see this historic and beautiful place in the park. I wished we did the vantage point hike to see it from above. The boardwalk was very nice and parking as difficult. The restroom was good and the bison was a nice see.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten July 14, 2023
- Gretz8 contributionsBeautifulIf you have the time, I would recommend taking the longer hike to an upper viewing area, so that you’re looking down at the springs. We walked the boardwalk area that puts you right next to the springs. This was amazing, but also hard to get a full view of how large these springs are. The contrast in colors was incredible.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten August 16, 2023
- CanuckAlberta605 contributionsGPS amazingGrand Prismatic Springs is a must see if visiting Yellowstone, especially if you are looking for more accessible activities. The parking lot was full when we arrived at 10AM so we had to park on the side of the highway which was not an issue for us. We did not find it overcrowded as the people are dispersed around the .5mile boardwalk. Even though it was a cool/cloudy day the colors were amazing, I can only imagine what it would look like on a sunny day. Because it was cool, which creates more steam and limits visibility, we did not hike up to the overlook.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten September 21, 2023
- barb777Chicago, Illinois144 contributionsIt's not close to the parking lot - be ready to hike.We had no idea that it was quite a distance to actually see the prismatic spring. There is no signage until you get to the trail you have to take, unfortunately. It would be helpful to list the distances in the park information from the parking lot to the actual viewing, so you could choose which attractions to see before you make a point of driving there and trying to find a parking spot. Nonetheless, we did attempt the walk to see the spring. However, we got about 100 yards from our car and once a beautiful sunny day, it started raining and hailing small ice pellets on us! So, we headed back to the car, soaked through to the skin. I am sure it is beautiful to see, but be sure to be ready to walk distances to get close to any of the major geysers in the park except Old Faithful. And have an umbrella in the car.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten September 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,187 reviews
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Xinyi Sun
Snellville, GA29 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
THIS Views is AMAZING ... It was the MOST BEAUTIFULEST THINGS EVER
in REALITY !!
DO NOT TOUCHED the Rocks !!
in REALITY !!
DO NOT TOUCHED the Rocks !!
Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kirbykirby
Junction City, KS75 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
You need a bright and sunny day to fully appreciate this. We did not get it but we still enjoyed seeing it. There is a boardwalk that you can walk up and get to see it from a birdeyes point of view. Its about a quarter mile walk.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barb777
Chicago, IL144 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
We had no idea that it was quite a distance to actually see the prismatic spring. There is no signage until you get to the trail you have to take, unfortunately. It would be helpful to list the distances in the park information from the parking lot to the actual viewing, so you could choose which attractions to see before you make a point of driving there and trying to find a parking spot. Nonetheless, we did attempt the walk to see the spring. However, we got about 100 yards from our car and once a beautiful sunny day, it started raining and hailing small ice pellets on us! So, we headed back to the car, soaked through to the skin. I am sure it is beautiful to see, but be sure to be ready to walk distances to get close to any of the major geysers in the park except Old Faithful. And have an umbrella in the car.
Written September 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seema60
Toronto, Canada910 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
We went to this group of geysers which also includes the Excelsior geyser. This is an amazing area to see. The grand prismatic is difficult to see from this viewpoint. I saw people at a higher viewpoint but I couldn’t make my way there. But it’s a beautiful area of geothermal activity
Written September 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CanuckAlberta
Alberta605 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Grand Prismatic Springs is a must see if visiting Yellowstone, especially if you are looking for more accessible activities. The parking lot was full when we arrived at 10AM so we had to park on the side of the highway which was not an issue for us. We did not find it overcrowded as the people are dispersed around the .5mile boardwalk. Even though it was a cool/cloudy day the colors were amazing, I can only imagine what it would look like on a sunny day. Because it was cool, which creates more steam and limits visibility, we did not hike up to the overlook.
Written September 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thehungryexpat2015
269 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
This is the most amazing, unreal place I have ever been too. It is totally worth it to do the 2 mile hike to the view point also. Take your time and take many photos.
The colors are just amazing.
The colors are just amazing.
Written September 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gretz
8 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
If you have the time, I would recommend taking the longer hike to an upper viewing area, so that you’re looking down at the springs. We walked the boardwalk area that puts you right next to the springs. This was amazing, but also hard to get a full view of how large these springs are. The contrast in colors was incredible.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MyBucketListTrips
242 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Park Service needs to implement timed entry like Rocky Mountain NP. Traffic jams in both directions, parking along both sides of the road for a mile in each direction. When we finally got to the pools, there was so much steam over each one that we could only faintly see blue at the edge. Walk ways are slippery and kids were running and pushing people out of the way. Some parents tried to control their kids. Many did not. No park rangers anywhere to control foot traffic either. Extremely disappointed.
Written August 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe Alejo
South Lake Tahoe, CA242 contributions
Jul. 2023
the colors...the sounds...the sensations...the wildlife...it IS worth the stop...whether one opts to hike or just was down below...no visit to Yellowstone NP would be complete without taking a peek
Written July 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
varneykr
Hancock, NH483 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
This was my favorite of all the things we saw in Yellowstone. It is a must see. Just another reminder to walk single file on the boardwalk and also bring bear spray.
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far is the hike/walk to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook from the parking area? Also it was stated "a small incline", how big is small. Can I make it on crutches?
Bob H
Watsonville, CA791 contributions
Real important to park at the Fairy Falls trail. The trail is relatively flat until you see the sign to the overlook. It does get a little steeper but it is manageable. I am telling you this as I had experience using crutches when I broke my foot in China. I "hiked" many trails including Yellow Mountain which has over 50,000- 60,000 steps. Granted, I was 49 years old and was in good shape.
One person recommended going early but there is one disadvantage. If you go early, you will see only steam due to the combination of cold air and hot water. If you can get to the viewpoint around noontime, you will see the grandeur of the multi-colors around the spring. On the other hand, finding a parking spot will be tough.
Good Luck and have fun!
Hey everyone, we are planing a road trip to Yellowstone for the last week of March, I wanted to know if we can see the Grand Prismatic at that time of the year? TIA
JenniferandAlan
Easton, PA745 contributions
The park should be open barring heavy snowfall. I have only visited in the summer and once in Oct on our honeymoon and as I remember one of the entrances to the park was closed by snow. You have to go up a boardwalk incline in the summer to see the spring. There may be snowmobiles to rent if you need to. The buffalo get there somehow--you can see their droppings. I'd call the visitor center for info. The spring is beautiful. Hope you get to see it.
Hello,
Do you remember the name of the snowmobile tour company that you used? I am only able to find tours to old faithful.
Thank you!
Rodney P
Pagosa Springs, CO78 contributions
The Prismatic Spring is on the way to Old Faithful from West Yellowstone. It is right on the river. They may not be stopping there because it is on the south side of the river from the road, which is on the north side of the river. See if they let you snowshoe to destinations on the way to Old Faithful.
How far is the hike round trip to the upper viewing for grand prismatic? This is one of the top places I'd like to visit on our trip. We plan to get there very early in the am but are novice hikers with a 4yr old. Any suggestions are appreciated!!!
kaylee m
Arkansas44 contributions
There is a short uphill part of the trail but people of all ages were hiking the trail. It is not long at all, less than I mike I would guess. There are a couple of geysers along the way too so it feels like a short trip. For sure go to the top the view is amazing! but yes if it is cold (morning time) there will be fog and not much of a view. I went around 12!
Hi, planning to visit on 23 May next week. According to weather report there will be snow; will the roads or trails be closed?
Shali
San Diego, CA153 contributions
Yes it will definitely be snow that time of the year . Best thing you could do is to call the park and ask for information about the roads. Yes most of the hiking trails will be close specially the prismatic area . hope this info help.
Try to contact them through their FB page they respond soon
Alex C
Haines City, FL17 contributions
Looking for late September air tours of Yellowstone , especially to see Grand Prismatic. Any suggestions?
CDH075
Atlanta32 contributions
Hello, September can be very unpredictable (weather) so hopefully you will luck out and get a clear day to enjoy the Grand Prismatic Spring! We visited in mid September and one day it was clear and warm (high 60's) and the next day there was snow and some roads in the park were closed. If you get to the Springs early in the morning you may have to deal with the mist and unless you are elevated you will not see much of the Spring. However, if you are taking an air tour as you suggest, on a clear day you will get the best views. It is truly a beautiful site if you can enjoy all of the colors. Good luck!
Robert P
Hobart, Australia4 contributions
I can't find anybody that runs tours to see the Grand Prismatic Spring in winter time. Can anyone help me? - looking to travel on 13 or 14 March 2019
jesse o
Jackson, WY6,613 contributions
Oversnow machine travel ends for the season the next day, I believe, 15 March.
What you need is a snowmobile tour to Old Faithful from the south or the west gate that will agree to let you walk in the Midway Geyser Basin trail alone or with one of their guides while the rest of the tour visits fountain paint pots, 3 km closer to west yellowstone. The overlook from the fairy falls trailhead would be a longer ski in or a snowshoe hike. My experience is that enough people walk on the snow covered boardwalk that you’ll not need snowshoes unless it has stormed recently.
The reason you don’t hear about it in the winter is the temperature difference is so great you generally see just a big gray cloud of vapor. If it’s a clear blue sky day, you’ll see a huge pale blue cloud. The broad mineral terraces and bacteria mats are fascinating at any time. But the amazingly colorful photos you see are taken in the summertime when the air is much warmer.
If no snowmobile or snowcoach tour company will help you, then you need to be staying two nights at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. From there a Xanterra snow coach may be chartered to drop you off and you can ski back or you may rent skis and ski in 10 km from old faithful, 1 km around the loop then return 10 km on your own.
Best wishes.
Sharry6668
Beaver, PA38 contributions
Is the high view an easy hike? Could someone old using a walker get to the higher view?
Shali
San Diego, CA153 contributions
this part is not handicap accessible.. so it will be hard for them to go. The uphill is about 1/2 mile but little hard for young and older people ! Hope this helps
Tasmanianatlarge
Hobart, Australia11 contributions
I am getting contradictory advice about whether it is possible to visit The Grand Prismatic Spring in Winter - most say it is not possible but there are a few reviews saying they have done tours there. Anybody know any tours that go to Grand Prismatic Spring in March?
Elizabeth H
28 contributions
We went over Christmas in a Snow vehicle, but some of the drivers don't go that far up past Old Faithful.
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Claim your listingGRAND PRISMATIC SPRING - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Prismatic Spring
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Grand Prismatic Spring:
- Yellowstone Lower Loop Full-Day Tour (From C$409.96)
- Private Yellowstone Tour: ICONIC Sites, Wildlife, Family Friendly Hikes + lunch (From C$3,085.01)
- VIP Private Boutique Tour of Yellowstone's Lower Loop - West Yellowstone, MT (From C$479.89)
- 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration (From C$891.22)
- Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful (From C$400.37)
- Restaurants near Grand Prismatic Spring:
- (7.63 km) Old Faithful General Store
- (7.58 km) Old Faithful General Store
- (7.60 km) Obsidian Dining Room
- (7.28 km) Bear Pit Lounge
- (7.27 km) Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli
- Attractions near Grand Prismatic Spring:
- (0.10 km) Midway Geyser Basin
- (0.16 km) Excelsior Geyser Crater
- (3.59 km) Lower Geyser Basin
- (3.78 km) Fountain Paint Pot
- (4.66 km) Biscuit Basin