Old Faithful Viewing Area — Attraction in West Yellowstone

The periodic geysers in Yellowstone operate through a delicate balance of hydrothermal dynamics, pressure, and heat transfer in a volcanic setting. Meteoric water infiltrates through highly fractured rhyolitic tuff and other porous volcanic rocks, accumulating in subsurface reservoirs. These reservoirs are located above the Yellowstone Caldera’s active magmatic system, which maintains a geothermal gradient significantly higher than continental averages. As water percolates deeper, it is heated well beyond its boiling point due to lithostatic and hydrostatic pressure, creating a metastable, superheated liquid phase.

Eventually, minor perturbations—such as nucleation at rough surfaces or pressure drops caused by degassing—initiate localized boiling. The resulting steam rapidly expands, forcing water upward through narrow, siliceous sinter-lined conduits. This pressure release triggers a positive feedback loop: steam expansion reduces confining pressure, causing deeper water to flash into vapor, amplifying the eruption. The discharge continues until sufficient thermal and hydraulic energy is expended, leading to a pressure drop and collapse of the steam phase.

Post-eruption, the system undergoes a recharge phase involving both hydraulic refilling and conductive heat transfer from surrounding rock. The periodicity of geyser eruptions is governed by variables such as reservoir geometry, conduit constriction, permeability anisotropy, and heat flux—yielding a quasi-cyclic yet sometimes chaotic behavior characteristic of...

Yellowstone National Park is home to many natural wonders, but one stands out as a crowd favorite - Old Faithful!

This legendary geyser has been erupting for centuries, shooting steam and water up to 185 feet in the air. And the best part? It's as reliable as a Swiss clock, erupting every 90 minutes or so!

Did you know that Old Faithful is not the largest geyser in Yellowstone, but it's the most consistent? It's also one of the most studied geysers in the world, with scientists still learning about the underground plumbing that makes it tick!

Visiting Old Faithful is a must-do experience in Yellowstone. Grab a seat on the viewing benches, and get ready for a thrilling show! Don't forget your camera to capture the moment the geyser erupts!

Old Faithful is a reminder of the awe-inspiring power and beauty of nature. Let's cherish and protect this incredible wonder for...

We started this hike at 8pm then ran through the woods in the dark terrified we’d be consumed by a wolf or bear. Would recommend starting on the earlier side or talking loudly throughout as to not startle the wildlife. It was a pleasant if brief time in woods so giving this 3 stars, but it would be 4 if I didn’t have back pain after the...