Sight Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone
Old Faithful
A sight in Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone, free to visit and worth about an hour. Best time to go: Morning.
Why go
Yellowstone's best-known geyser, erupting about every 60 to 110 minutes; in winter the plume of steam towers over the snow.
It is one of 7 curated places we feature in Yellowstone, alongside 3 outdoor spots, 1 activity and 1 sight. 4 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Old Faithful and Bear Pit Lounge.
- Type
- Sight · Nature
- Neighborhood
- Upper Geyser Basin
- Price
- Free
- Time needed
- 1 hr
- Best time
- Morning
Nearby
Our closest curated picks, including 4 beyond Yellowstone. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.
- 1Old Faithful
Yellowstone's best-known geyser, erupting roughly every 60–110 minutes.
Sight · Yellowstone National Park · 0.0 mi straight-line - 2Bear Pit Lounge
Small bar off the Old Faithful Inn dining room with historic etched-glass panels.
Drinks · Yellowstone National Park · 0.2 mi straight-line - 3Old Faithful Inn
1904 log hotel with a seven-story lobby and stone fireplace, open to all visitors.
Sight · Yellowstone National Park · 0.2 mi straight-line - 4Old 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 · 0.3 mi straight-line - 5Fairy Falls Trail Grand Prismatic Overlook
Short climb to a raised platform above Grand Prismatic Spring for the full color rings.
Activity · Yellowstone National Park · 3.8 mi straight-line - 6Grand Prismatic Spring
The largest hot spring in the United States, in Midway Geyser Basin; in winter its steam drifts over the Firehole River.
Sight · 4.5 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Old Faithful 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
Old Faithful is our only sight pick in Yellowstone; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Yellowstone guide.
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Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Yellow-walled canyon where the 308-foot Lower Falls builds a huge cone of ice in winter.
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Mammoth Hot Springs
Travertine terraces near the North Entrance, steaming and frosted in winter, with boardwalks you can walk on your own.
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Lamar Valley
Wide valley in northeast Yellowstone with bison, elk and the park's best chances of seeing wolves in winter.
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West Yellowstone
Montana gateway town at the West Entrance, where most snowcoach and guided snowmobile tours to Old Faithful begin.
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 Old Faithful itself, we suggest: Morning.
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 Old Faithful, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Coordinates
- 44.46047, -110.82814
- Destination
- Yellowstone, Wyoming
Old Faithful: quick answers
How much time do you need at Old Faithful?
Plan on about an hour at Old Faithful. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Old Faithful?
Our pick: Morning. Insider tip: Rangers post the next predicted eruption at the visitor center and the Snow Lodge.
Is Old Faithful free?
Yes, we list Old Faithful as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.
Which TripsCircle routes include Old Faithful?
Old Faithful appears on Grand Teton, Jackson & Yellowstone, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add Old Faithful 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.
Plan Yellowstone
- Yellowstone travel guide 7 places
- Best time to visit Yellowstone weather by month
- Jackson to Yellowstone 79 mi straight-line
Lists & regions
Also in Yellowstone
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Outdoors
- West Yellowstone Activity
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.