Get the app

Sight Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone

Grand Prismatic Spring

A sight in Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone, free to visit and worth about 45 minutes. Best time to go: Midday.

Open in Google Maps Apple Maps

Why go

The largest hot spring in the United States, in Midway Geyser Basin; in winter its steam drifts over the Firehole River.

It is one of 7 curated places we feature in Yellowstone, alongside 3 outdoor spots, 1 activity and 1 sight. The closest of our other picks is Fairy Falls Trail Grand Prismatic Overlook, 0.7 mi away as the crow flies. At about 45 minutes, it slots neatly between bigger plans.

Type
Sight · Nature
Neighborhood
Midway Geyser Basin
Price
Free
Time needed
45 min
Best time
Midday

Nearby

Our closest curated picks, including 4 beyond Yellowstone. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.

  1. 1
    Fairy Falls Trail Grand Prismatic Overlook

    Short climb to a raised platform above Grand Prismatic Spring for the full color rings.

    Activity · Yellowstone National Park · 0.7 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    Old Faithful

    Yellowstone's best-known geyser, erupting roughly every 60–110 minutes.

    Sight · Yellowstone National Park · 4.5 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Old Faithful

    Yellowstone's best-known geyser, erupting about every 60 to 110 minutes; in winter the plume of steam towers over the snow.

    Sight · 4.5 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Old Faithful Inn

    1904 log hotel with a seven-story lobby and stone fireplace, open to all visitors.

    Sight · Yellowstone National Park · 4.5 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Bear Pit Lounge

    Small bar off the Old Faithful Inn dining room with historic etched-glass panels.

    Drinks · Yellowstone National Park · 4.5 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    Old Faithful Snow Lodge

    The main winter lodging in Yellowstone's interior, a short walk from Old Faithful and reached only by snowcoach or snowmobile.

    Stay · 4.7 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

Grand Prismatic Spring is a stop on our Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More to do in Yellowstone

Grand Prismatic Spring is our only sight pick in Yellowstone; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Yellowstone guide.

When to go

Average daily highs in Yellowstone run from 19°F in December to 72°F in July; December is usually the wettest month. For Grand Prismatic Spring itself, we suggest: Midday.

Modelled monthly averages for Yellowstone from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Yellowstone weather by month.

Getting there

Map links open a live search for Grand Prismatic Spring, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Coordinates
44.52500, -110.83810
Destination
Yellowstone, Wyoming

Grand Prismatic Spring: quick answers

How much time do you need at Grand Prismatic Spring?

Plan on about 45 minutes at Grand Prismatic Spring. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit Grand Prismatic Spring?

Our pick: Midday. Insider tip: Most snowcoach routes between Old Faithful and West Yellowstone stop here.

Is Grand Prismatic Spring free?

Yes, we list Grand Prismatic Spring as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Which TripsCircle routes include Grand Prismatic Spring?

Grand Prismatic Spring appears on Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add Grand Prismatic Spring to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Yellowstone.

Get TripsCircle

Plan Yellowstone

Lists & regions

Also in Yellowstone

Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.