Midway Geyser Basin — Local services in West Yellowstone

As impressive as the geysers are this is a must see spot in Yellowstone as well. Unfortunately the parking area is small and with busses and RV's trying to navigate it too, it doesn't help when people park along the sides of the entrance. Please be mindful of where you leave your car so as not to tie up traffic.

There is a slow climb to the area but it is up a paved/boardwalk path. You can see the boiling water running off into the firehole river. The first area you come to is Excelsior Geyser crater. The deep blue looks inviting until you see the steam and bubbles from the boiling water. It was a weird sensation walking along the boardwalk too because the steam rising is humid and moist then the wind switches and you are being brushed with cool air from the other direction. It was an interesting sensation as you walk along.

Then you turn the corner and there it is...Grand Prismatic Spring! The colors are stunning and even though you are level with the spring you can still see the contrast of colors amidst the steam. There are also animal tracks in the shallow water surrounding the boardwalk.

As we were looking at the springs we noticed an observation area behind that was elevated. You could not access it from the spring itself but we followed the flow of people and found where the trailhead was. That was our next destination. As impressive as it was to be next to the springs I wanted to see it from above! We drove back to the parking lot for Fairy Falls and found the path up to the overlook. It was so much more impressive from above. Definitely worth the 20 min hike to...

Midway Geyser Basin is an incredible spot in Yellowstone National Park, and definitely one of the most visually stunning areas in the park. The main attraction, Grand Prismatic Spring, is absolutely breathtaking. The vibrant colors and massive size of the spring make it feel like something from another planet. The boardwalk loop around the basin lets you get up close to the geysers and springs, and the steam rising through the air adds to the otherworldly vibe.

That said, the parking situation is rough. It gets very crowded, especially mid-morning through early afternoon. We had to circle the lot a few times before finding a space, and a lot of people were doing the same. If you’re not there early or later in the day, be prepared for a bit of a wait or a longer walk from the road.

Even with the parking hassle, it’s absolutely worth it. Once you’re out on the boardwalk, the experience makes up for the inconvenience. You’ll see bubbling springs, steaming vents, and deep turquoise pools, all set in a wide open landscape. It’s also a short and easy walk, so it’s accessible to most visitors.

My tip: arrive early in the morning or after 5 PM to avoid the worst of the crowds. You’ll get better lighting for photos and a quieter experience overall.

Despite the parking issue, Midway Geyser Basin is a must-see. The natural beauty is unreal, and it’s one of the highlights of Yellowstone. Just plan your timing right, and...

When researching what to do in Yellowstone National Park, Midway Geyser Basin consistently show up as one of the most popular destinations for travelers. It is home to the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world.

Midway Geyser Basin is renowned for its vibrant hot springs and geysers. Located between the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins, it spans a relatively small area but boasts some of the park's most spectacular geothermal features.

The basin is particularly known for its striking colors, which range from blue in the center to green, yellow, orange, and red at the edges. These vivid hues are due to microbial mats around the edges of the mineral-rich water. The Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the basin, measures approximately 370 feet (113 meters) in diameter and over 121 feet (37 meters) deep.

Boardwalks around the area allow visitors to explore and view the geysers and hot springs up close without causing damage to the fragile environment.

We spent quite some time enjoying the beautiful colors of this natural basin despite the heat. It was a truly...