Explore Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring, located in Yellowstone National Park, is one of the most colorful, vibrant and magnificent sites that nature has to offer. Grand Prismatic Spring is the third largest spring in the world, scaling larger than a football field at 370 feet in diameter and running deeper than a 10-story building. The incredible colors of Grand Prismatic are caused by minerals and bacteria in the water
Grand Prismatic Spring is in the Midway Geyser Basin geothermal area, halfway between Madison Junction and Old Faithful, along the Firehole River. A walking path stretches around the hot springs to give visitors a detailed look at this geothermal phenomenon.
Grand Prismatic Springs is the largest hot spring in America and third largest in the world. It is formed by hot water that travels 121 feet from a crack in the Earth to reach the surface. The water reaches 160 degrees on the surface, but the superheated water below cools as it reaches the surface, sinks, and is replaced by hotter water from below. This circulation prevents water from reaching the temperature needed to set off an eruption.
The spectacular colors of the spring come from microscopic organisms that live and thrive in Grand Prismatic. The organisms are called thermophiles: “thermo” for heat and “phile” for lover. They are too small to be seen, but trillions grouped together appear as a mass of color. The yellow color is from thermophiles growing in the hottest water. The orange, brown and green colors are thermophiles that grow in cooler waters.
Based on our trip, Grand Prismatic is a hot spot, and we aren’t referring to heat. Parking is a bit of an issue. A lot of cars will wait forever to park in the parking lot, but because parking isn’t limited to just the lot, you can park along the road as far away as needed — and because we don’t mind walking, we welcomed it. The walking path (as you’ll see) is open, clear and spacious. Once you cross the bridge and walk around the bend you’ll see the sky-blue beauty that is Excelsior Geyser. Continuing your stroll up the path and you’ll come to Grand Prismatic. It’s a site to be seen from below, but even more speculator from above (see the challenge). This little adventure is a must do on your trip to Yellowstone and a perfect way to burn off some memorable calories.
Cost of Adventure
- Per vehicle: $35 (for 7 days)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total distance: .5 mile
- Calories burned: 50 – 100 calories
- Challenge burns: 100-200 calories
- Time suggested: 30-45 minutes
- Family friendly: YES
- Park size: 2,219,789 acres
Challenge Yourself
Your challenge at Midway Geyser Basin is to see Grand Prismatic up close and personal. Then, once you’ve completed the half-mile walk, hike to the top of the overlook and see Grand Prismatic from up above. To enter the trail park at Fairy Falls Trail parking lot. From there you’ll hike .5 miles on an open path to the overlook. The view is worth every calorie burned. Hike back and you’ll have completed the 1.6 mile roundtrip challenge.
Find Great Photo Ops
If you came to Grand Prismatic Spring for photo opportunities then you won’t be disappointed. Between the vibrant colors, beautiful landscapes and natural creations you’ll be in a unique position to take some incredible photos. After all, it is the largest hot spring in the country.
Hike to the top
Park at Fairy Falls Trail parking lot to enter the trailhead to Grand Prismatic overlook.
Walk the footpath around Grand Prismatic Spring
Complete the .5 mile stroll around the footpath of Grand Prismatic Spring.
