We visited Old Faithful on April 20, and it was an unforgettable experience despite the chilly spring weather. It was quite cold and windy when we arrived in the early afternoon, and later that day, snow began to fall—reminding us that nature here doesn’t quite follow the calendar. Still, it made the experience feel even more dramatic and raw.

The predicted eruption time was 3:17 PM (±10 minutes), and just as expected, around 3:27 PM, Old Faithful came to life. For about 1 minute and 40 seconds, hot water and steam shot powerfully into the sky. Standing there with the cold wind in our faces and steam rising into the crisp air—it was surreal and worth every second of the wait.

What amazed us even more was how they predicted the timing so well. Old Faithful is one of the most studied geysers in the world. Park rangers predict eruptions by observing the length of the previous one: shorter eruptions often mean shorter wait times (about 60–65 mins), while longer ones push the wait to 90 minutes. It’s incredible how a mix of observation and science allows them to get so close to the mark, even with natural variability.

We also spent time at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, which is a gem. The exhibits were fascinating—explaining how geysers form, the geothermal forces behind them, and the volcanic power that shaped the entire park. It was the perfect warm refuge from the weather and a great way to deepen our understanding.

The rangers were kind, passionate, and full of great information. They made us feel welcome and excited to explore.

Cold winds, erupting geysers, and falling snow—it was a day we’ll never forget. Old Faithful truly lives up to its name and magic. We hope to come back again in another season to see it in a whole new light.