Imagine waiting patiently for a natural spectacle, feeling the mist on your face, and seeing water shoot high into the air. These erupting water holes are geysers, created thousands of years ago. The most concentrated area of geysers is at Yellowstone National Park, in the Upper Geyser Basin. There, you will find some of the tallest and most active geysers in the country. Let’s look at 10 of the best geysers in America.
Old Faithful
The geyser Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park got its name from its consistent eruptions. Superheated water, reaching 200 degrees Fahrenheit, bursts in predictable intervals, giving onlookers an extraordinary view of one of nature’s spectacular phenomena. Over the years, the time between eruptions has lengthened. Even so, it never fails to amaze park visitors.
Steamboat Geyser
Steamboat Geyser, also at Yellowstone, holds the distinction as the world’s tallest active geyser, with eruptions soaring 300 feet high. Unfortunately, eruptions are unpredictable, and intervals between events could last between a few days and many years. The geyser does have some minor eruptions, enough to satisfy audiences. But if you witness one of its grand shows, you’ll remember it for the rest of your life.
Grand Geyser
If you want something tall and more predictable, you should see the Grand Geyser, which is also at Yellowstone National Park. This geyser’s eruptions reach heights of 150-200 feet, making it the tallest predictable geyser in the world. During its eruption, the Grand Geyser typically experiences a few minor eruptions before the big spectacle. Intervals between shows range from 6 to 15 hours.
Riverside Geyser
Riverside Geyser is located at—yep, you’ve guessed it—Yellowstone National Park. This geyser is known for its fantastic, 20-minute eruptions that arc over the Firehole River. Water runoff spills into the river usually a few hours before the eruption, providing the cue for the show. It’s one of the largest geysers with predictable events, with intervals lasting about 5 hours. With water blasting overhead, the river flowing down below, and a backdrop of forest, you’ll capture truly stunning pictures of a striking display of nature.
Castle Geyser
This geyser is one of the most unique-looking geysers at Yellowstone. Its cone is made out of geyserite, a rock that is formed by the buildup of mineral deposits from the geyser water. The structure sits atop a larger formation of geyserite, which potentially makes Castle Geyser the oldest active geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin, at 200,000 years old. The geyser got its name from the geyserite structure, which looks like a castle turret.
Morning Glory Pool
Morning Glory Pool at Yellowstone was named after the flower for its vibrant blue color. Unfortunately, the color faded after many years of visitors throwing objects into the pool, such as coins, trash, rocks, and logs. These objects clogged the vents and stopped water circulation, which dropped the temperature and allowed bacteria to grow and change the water’s color. Sometimes this hot spring, which isn’t known for its frequent eruptions, is called “Faded Glory.”
Beehive Geyser
Known for its slender and impressively tall eruptions, often reaching 200 feet, the Beehive Geyser usually erupts once or twice a day, and the intervals between eruptions can be irregular. Frequently, a smaller geyser nearby, called Beehive’s Indicator, will erupt beforehand, signaling to Yellowstone Park visitors that the show is about to begin.
Lone Star Geyser
Unlike most of the geysers at Yellowstone, Lone Star Geyser is farther from the main boardwalks and requires a hike to visit. While remote, the geyser is one of the most predictable geysers at the park, erupting about every three hours. It experiences major and minor eruptions, with the major ones lasting longer and reaching heights between 35 and 45 feet. Its remoteness makes it a unique experience for those willing to make the trek.
Crystal Geyser
Surprise! This geyser is in Utah! Unlike traditional geysers, this geyser erupts with cold water and carbon dioxide gas, instead of hot water and steam. Also, unlike other geysers, the Crystal Geyser was created by accident when a company was drilling for oil. After drilling a well, the well was abandoned and partly filled in, creating a path for underground water and carbon dioxide to erupt.
Fly Ranch Geyser
Our last geyser on our tour is Fly Ranch Geyser, located in Nevada. This geyser was also accidentally created when a well was drilled and wasn’t properly sealed. Its red and green hues are caused by the algae that grow in the warm, mineral-rich waters. The property on which the geyser is located is owned by the Burning Man Project. Public access is limited, though tourists can book nature walks on certain days.
