Trip Planner: USA / Wyoming / Yellowstone National Park / Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park

4.8

#3 of 122 in Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Hot Spring · Nature / Park

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At nearly 113 m (370 ft) across and 37 m (121 ft) deep, Grand Prismatic Spring holds the title of the largest hot spring in America and one of the largest in the world. A premier attraction at Yellowstone National Park, the spring's fame traces back to early explorers and fur trappers who first noted it in the early 1800s. The boiling pool constantly steams and bubbles, with its vivid, rainbow-like appearance--the result of pigmented bacteria. To get a close-up view, walk along the park's boardwalk, which leads to a route close to the water's edge. Stay on the path, as the high temperatures of the pool can be dangerous. Plan to visit Grand Prismatic Spring and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Yellowstone National Park attractions using our Yellowstone National Park travel route app.

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Grand Prismatic Spring reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

3,148 reviews

Google

4.9

By khill72

We visited the boardwalk area in the morning and there was too much fog/steam to see the colors. The parking lot is small for the popularity of this area. Many people parked on the side of the main...

We visited the boardwalk area in the morning and there was too much fog/steam to see the colors. The parking lot is small for the popularity of this area. Many people parked on the side of the main... more »
By drrsfrank

Experiencing nature's magic is a joy in viewing this wonder. Color changing ponds with bands of minerals spreading out create a magical experience watching the earth modify itself.

Experiencing nature's magic is a joy in viewing this wonder. Color changing ponds with bands of minerals spreading out create a magical experience watching the earth modify itself. more »
By Denise1236123

I absolutely loved seeing these beautiful colours. Went with my daughter and we were in awwww! I highly recommend visiting this amazing site!

I absolutely loved seeing these beautiful colours. Went with my daughter and we were in awwww! I highly recommend visiting this amazing site! more »

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Google

By J Simmons

Recommend getting there around 9am, hike to the falls passed the springs. By the time you return the morning mist and the like will have burned off and the view of the spring will be best. The colors are just as the pics show, very vibrant and unique. We even saw a bison and other wildlife which was a bonus.

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By Landon Andrews

Arrive early before the crowds, otherwise you will be hard pressed to get a parking spot! Also be aware however that if you visit during cooler times of the day, steam from the hot springs May obstruct your view of the colorful pools. There are multiple pools and geysers along this single boardwalk, each with unique colors and depth. The entire boardwalk is wheelchair and stroller friendly, however it is a little bumpy! You can also view Grand Prismatic from a hiking trail to the south that winds up the mountain to give you a view from higher up.

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By Pascale S.

During my trip to Yellowstone N.P. in Aug. 2019 the 'Grand Prismatic Spring' was on top of my list of things to see. WOW... not a single picture can reflect the awesome beauty of this nature's marvel!! The amazing variety of natural colours practically silenced me! There were a lot of visitors at the time which didn't bother me. Take into account when visiting this (or any other) spring at YNP : it can get really warm to hot walking around them!! A definite MUST-SEE ❤️

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By Talal Zraik

It is the main feature of Midway Geysers Basin. A big colorful pool that can be partially masked by steam emanating from it in cool weather. There is oneway boardwalk to help you view it. The relatively large parking lot get nevertheless full early in the day, so get there early. There is also aGrand Prismatic Overlook. You do not get to it from the parking lot but rather by taking the Fairy Falls Trail that has its separate parking area south of Midway Basin.

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By Deepti Kalkur

I'm sure it's beautiful in summer. The hike to the top might be worth it. But the hike was closed until after memorial day. Hence the best time to visit is only Summer(on a very warm/hot day). Any other season, or a cool day, u cannot see anything and it's completely covered with steam.

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