Old Faithful — Attraction in West Yellowstone

Timing is everything. We enjoyed Old Faithful and lucked out by getting there just as the geyser sprouted water. We did not run into the crowds as many were doing but viewed it from inside the education center. We stayed to eat at the Old Faithful Inn and ate the buffet that was good. By the time we finished we saw the geyser again although the first time was better. Each instance is different.

It’s still somewhat of a kaotic mess, which is why I gave it 3 stars.

However, I give ZERO to the guide at the education center.

Bill Ryerson, the Yellowstone National Park employee who we encountered at the Old Faithful Geyser Education Center had a change of heart when he saw us later at the Midway Geyser Basin. A change of heart in that he was more personable and willing to interact on a human level.

Initially, at the education center when my wife spoke to him on approach and said hello sir how are you, his response was nothing only to stare her down waiting for a next word. We were inquiring about dining options for which he had little to say. He reached over to turn a placard around that show the various eateries and hours of operation while offering no conversation and only looking at us as though he did not want to be working behind the desk.

We then saw Bill at the Midway Geyser Basin several miles away as he recalled my t-shirt design that he commented on at the education center and smiled to let me know he remembered us when we were at the center.

His demeanor was all too different as though this was not the same person. This person was engaging and more cheerful rather than indifferent and not engaging and rude.

Perhaps he was having a bad day behind the desk. No matter.

His behavior at the education center was unnecessary and I can only assume when he saw us again he realized how unwelcoming he was.

It was still unwarranted and...

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...

As a first-time visitor to Yellowstone National Park, witnessing the legendary Old Faithful geyser was an extraordinary experience that combined awe, wonder, and scientific marvel. Accompanied by my family and our knowledgeable local friend, who served as our expert guide, we gathered in anticipation near the iconic geyser.

As the appointed time approached, a hush fell over the crowd. Suddenly, with a surge of pressure and force, Old Faithful unleashed a magnificent display. A column of scalding water shot high into the sky, reaching impressive heights. The eruption was accompanied by a thunderous roar and a mesmerizing plume of steam that billowed around the geyser.

Our guide shared fascinating scientific details about Old Faithful's eruption patterns. We learned that it erupts approximately every 90 minutes due to the accumulation of water and heat in an underground reservoir. As the pressure builds, the scorching water is propelled upwards through narrow channels, resulting in this awe-inspiring spectacle.

Witnessing the power of nature firsthand left us in awe. The boiling water, heated by geothermal energy deep beneath the Earth's surface, provided a captivating reminder of the geological forces at play. We were immersed in an environment where scientific wonders and the raw beauty of Yellowstone intertwined seamlessly.

The experience at Old Faithful was not just a visual spectacle, but a multi-sensory immersion. The distinct smell of sulfur permeated the air, and the ground rumbled beneath our feet as the geyser erupted. It was an unforgettable encounter, where scientific knowledge and natural beauty converged, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the wonders of Yellowstone and the mysteries...