When you arrive at Norris Geyser Basin, you have a few options. Well, first you have to park and thankfully they have their own parking lot. There are around 140 spaces and the lot filled up fast when we were there. Now that you’ve parked, let’s get into it. This area offers the Norris Geyser Basin Museum, the Porcelain Basin, and the Back Basin for you to enjoy and explore. You’ll come to the museum first. It is a National Historic Landmark in the park. Just the beauty of the construction is worth walking around.
After you leave the museum, you have the option to go left or right. To the right you’ll find the Porcelain Basin area. This is the smaller area of the two and is more wide open. You get some great views and interesting smells. You can hike a short 3/4 mile loop here. This area is known for a variety of colors and with the wide open view, you can see why.
Back at the museum and to the left, you’ll find the Back Basin area. This is where the Steamboat Geyser is located. This famous geyser is the tallest geyser in the world at 300-400 feet, according to the Yellowstone NP website.
The Back Basin is the larger of the areas. It has a 1.5 mile trail with a variety of sites. This area is more wooded than Porcelain. As you travel along the trail, you’ll come to geyser after geyser. Each beautiful in their own way. Some large. Some small. Some smell. Some don’t. Some spring way up into the air. Some bubble just at the surface. It’s truly amazing.
Norris Geyser Basin is a beautiful place and one you don’t want to miss on your trip to Yellowstone National Park.
Consider the Wonder is not affiliated with Yellowstone National Park or the National Park System.
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