Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring
4.5
About
Brightly-colored hot spring, the result of algae that live in the water.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,157 reviews
Excellent
2,444
Very good
510
Average
158
Poor
31
Terrible
14
fiamma11
Vienna, VA4,718 contributions
Oct 2022
The beauty of this hot spring is seared into my memory. I have visited on several occasions. Still its beauty is clear in my mind. Simply a must for everyone when in Yellowstone.
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rose P
Alpine, CA356 contributions
Jun 2022
This area is extremely popular and parking can be difficult, also may want to check weather conditions because if there is a lot of steam rising, you may not be able to see this area clearly. Such was the case for us.
Written 14 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas&Tammy
Hammond, LA87 contributions
Oct 2022
It was really cool to see this area. The boardwalk is nice. The colors are awesome. I did not see how to get to the overlook here, though. It could be difficult to photograph, depending on the strong sun, steam, and angle.
Wife & I really enjoyed seeing this!
Wife & I really enjoyed seeing this!
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lorne B
Toronto, Canada523 contributions
Nov 2021
The colours were stuffed that dreams are made of.
Pictures, while incredible - do not do justice.
It was really busy, but the hike out isn't that bad at all.
Pictures, while incredible - do not do justice.
It was really busy, but the hike out isn't that bad at all.
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah G
Harrogate, UK1,417 contributions
Sep 2022
Stunning, the sight I most wanted to see and didn't disappoint. You need to go to the look out above though to get the best view, there is so much steam when you are up close that you can't really see it.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
vaughanm1976
Amarillo, TX605 contributions
Sep 2022
We hiked the trail to the overlook above the Grand Prismatic Spring. It was cloudy so we did not get the best effect of the colors but it was still awesome. The trail is longer than the guide books indicate but it is an easy path and well worth the time and effort.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dianna P
Independence, Missouri768 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Grand prismatic springs is also a long walk but not as long as the morning Glory pool because it's not such a high incline. If I were to choose between the two and I weren't used to walking I would choose grand prismatic spring.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
laurieu2018
Delray Beach, FL12 contributions
Sep 2022
Our most favorite thing in Yellowstone. Make sure you park at Fairy Falls and hike up to the overview, but make sure you do this in the afternoon. We did it both in the morning and again the next day in the afternoon - huge difference! It OK to fight the afternoon crowds for this activity. I had read that tip and decided to forgo the advise. Take it from me heed the afternoon visit advice. Totally worth it!
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LAW64
Tonbridge, UK1,600 contributions
Sep 2022
My favourite view in the park. You might have to queue for the car park as even in mid September this was a busy part of the park. You then walk across a bridge over the river and up to the main springs which are beautiful. It was very hot on a warm day so bring hats and water but be careful not to drop anything as you walk around the board walk. Stunning.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
trouthook69
Belton, TX494 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
One of the most unique sites in the park. The vibrant colors produced by the chemicals and bacteria are mind boggling. Beautiful one way boardwalk around the area which also has other pools and small geysers. A must stop when in park
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
How far is the hike/walk to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook from the parking area? Also it was stated "a small incline", how big is small. Can I make it on crutches?
Bob H
Watsonville, CA764 contributions
Real important to park at the Fairy Falls trail. The trail is relatively flat until you see the sign to the overlook. It does get a little steeper but it is manageable. I am telling you this as I had experience using crutches when I broke my foot in China. I "hiked" many trails including Yellow Mountain which has over 50,000- 60,000 steps. Granted, I was 49 years old and was in good shape.
One person recommended going early but there is one disadvantage. If you go early, you will see only steam due to the combination of cold air and hot water. If you can get to the viewpoint around noontime, you will see the grandeur of the multi-colors around the spring. On the other hand, finding a parking spot will be tough.
Good Luck and have fun!
Hey everyone, we are planing a road trip to Yellowstone for the last week of March, I wanted to know if we can see the Grand Prismatic at that time of the year? TIA
JenniferandAlan
Easton, PA710 contributions
The park should be open barring heavy snowfall. I have only visited in the summer and once in Oct on our honeymoon and as I remember one of the entrances to the park was closed by snow. You have to go up a boardwalk incline in the summer to see the spring. There may be snowmobiles to rent if you need to. The buffalo get there somehow--you can see their droppings. I'd call the visitor center for info. The spring is beautiful. Hope you get to see it.
Hello,
Do you remember the name of the snowmobile tour company that you used? I am only able to find tours to old faithful.
Thank you!
Rodney P
Pagosa Springs, CO75 contributions
The Prismatic Spring is on the way to Old Faithful from West Yellowstone. It is right on the river. They may not be stopping there because it is on the south side of the river from the road, which is on the north side of the river. See if they let you snowshoe to destinations on the way to Old Faithful.
How far is the hike round trip to the upper viewing for grand prismatic? This is one of the top places I'd like to visit on our trip. We plan to get there very early in the am but are novice hikers with a 4yr old. Any suggestions are appreciated!!!
kaylee m
Arkansas44 contributions
There is a short uphill part of the trail but people of all ages were hiking the trail. It is not long at all, less than I mike I would guess. There are a couple of geysers along the way too so it feels like a short trip. For sure go to the top the view is amazing! but yes if it is cold (morning time) there will be fog and not much of a view. I went around 12!
Hi, planning to visit on 23 May next week. According to weather report there will be snow; will the roads or trails be closed?
Shali
San Diego, CA153 contributions
Yes it will definitely be snow that time of the year . Best thing you could do is to call the park and ask for information about the roads. Yes most of the hiking trails will be close specially the prismatic area . hope this info help.
Try to contact them through their FB page they respond soon
Alex C
Haines City, FL17 contributions
Looking for late September air tours of Yellowstone , especially to see Grand Prismatic. Any suggestions?
CDH075
Atlanta32 contributions
Hello, September can be very unpredictable (weather) so hopefully you will luck out and get a clear day to enjoy the Grand Prismatic Spring! We visited in mid September and one day it was clear and warm (high 60's) and the next day there was snow and some roads in the park were closed. If you get to the Springs early in the morning you may have to deal with the mist and unless you are elevated you will not see much of the Spring. However, if you are taking an air tour as you suggest, on a clear day you will get the best views. It is truly a beautiful site if you can enjoy all of the colors. Good luck!
Robert P
Hobart, Australia4 contributions
I can't find anybody that runs tours to see the Grand Prismatic Spring in winter time. Can anyone help me? - looking to travel on 13 or 14 March 2019
jesse o
Jackson, WY6,609 contributions
Oversnow machine travel ends for the season the next day, I believe, 15 March.
What you need is a snowmobile tour to Old Faithful from the south or the west gate that will agree to let you walk in the Midway Geyser Basin trail alone or with one of their guides while the rest of the tour visits fountain paint pots, 3 km closer to west yellowstone. The overlook from the fairy falls trailhead would be a longer ski in or a snowshoe hike. My experience is that enough people walk on the snow covered boardwalk that you’ll not need snowshoes unless it has stormed recently.
The reason you don’t hear about it in the winter is the temperature difference is so great you generally see just a big gray cloud of vapor. If it’s a clear blue sky day, you’ll see a huge pale blue cloud. The broad mineral terraces and bacteria mats are fascinating at any time. But the amazingly colorful photos you see are taken in the summertime when the air is much warmer.
If no snowmobile or snowcoach tour company will help you, then you need to be staying two nights at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. From there a Xanterra snow coach may be chartered to drop you off and you can ski back or you may rent skis and ski in 10 km from old faithful, 1 km around the loop then return 10 km on your own.
Best wishes.
Sharry6668
Beaver, PA38 contributions
Is the high view an easy hike? Could someone old using a walker get to the higher view?
Shali
San Diego, CA153 contributions
this part is not handicap accessible.. so it will be hard for them to go. The uphill is about 1/2 mile but little hard for young and older people ! Hope this helps
Tasmanianatlarge
Hobart, Australia11 contributions
I am getting contradictory advice about whether it is possible to visit The Grand Prismatic Spring in Winter - most say it is not possible but there are a few reviews saying they have done tours there. Anybody know any tours that go to Grand Prismatic Spring in March?
Elizabeth H
28 contributions
We went over Christmas in a Snow vehicle, but some of the drivers don't go that far up past Old Faithful.
Grand Prismatic Spring (Yellowstone National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Prismatic Spring
- We recommend booking Grand Prismatic Spring tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 42 Grand Prismatic Spring tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Grand Prismatic Spring:
- Yellowstone Lower Loop Full-Day Tour (From ₹ 24,727.09)
- Private Yellowstone Tour: ICONIC Sites, Wildlife, Family Friendly Hikes + lunch (From ₹ 1,86,073.44)
- 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration (From ₹ 53,754.55)
- VIP Private Boutique Tour of Yellowstone's Lower Loop - West Yellowstone, MT (From ₹ 28,944.76)
- Lower Loop Van Tour from West Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful (From ₹ 24,148.20)
- Restaurants near Grand Prismatic Spring:
- (7.58 km) Old Faithful General Store
- (7.28 km) Bear Pit Lounge
- (7.60 km) Obsidian Dining Room
- (7.27 km) Old Faithful Inn Bear Paw Deli
- (7.29 km) Old Faithful Inn Dining Room
- Attractions near Grand Prismatic Spring:
- (0.05 km) Yellowstone National Park
- (0.10 km) Midway Geyser Basin
- (0.16 km) Excelsior Geyser Crater
- (3.59 km) Lower Geyser Basin
- (3.45 km) Firehole Lake Drive