The Upper Geyser Basin
Let's talk numbers.
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![]() Punch Bowl Spring is located between Daisy Geyser and Black Sand Basin. |
![]() The Upper Geyser Basin is also home to a variety of animals. Plus, many animals pass through the area all the time. The Least Chipmunk is often seen on the trails and around the boardwalks. They are a lot of fun to watch, but remember, it is illegal to feed any of the animals. So, pick up after yourselves and pick up after the children. Make sure kids of all ages keep their fingers away from them. |
The Upper Geyser basin includes the most significant area where Old Faithful holds court, Black Sand Basin, and Biscuit Basin. In the one square mile that comprises the Upper Geyser Basin, you are treated to things that will make you shake your head in awe. That square mile holds those 150 geysers and:
Physically, the UGB is 2 miles long by a 1/2 mile wide. |
The UGB sets at about 7,365 feet elevation. Why is this important? Well, first off, it is just neat to know. But it has several other ramifications. Many flat landers will find they quickly become short of breath. The risk of altitude sickness is real. Sunburns can sneak up on you because of the thinner atmosphere. The Old Faithful area has three miles of boardwalk trails. You can add another 2.1 miles if you take the more strenuous Old Faithful Observation Point trail. The trails can be broken up depending on your time, health status, and children. They are:
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![]() Giant Geyser erupting September 17, 2018. Giant would erupt 17 more times between this eruption and March 10, 2019. It then went silent until November 23, 2023. There have been no further eruptions of Giant. I am hoping it will become more active during the summer of 2024. This is the second tallest geyser in the world. It is incredible to experience. |
![]() Typically, in the last several years, 4-5 bull bison have been hanging out in the Upper Geyser Basin. This bull cuts through the Old Faithful area between the boardwalk and the Visitor Center. When this happens, which is frequent, 1-4 rangers could be out there to maintain the safety of the animals and visitors. Always listen to the rangers and obey their commands. They want everyone to go home after a safe, fun, and educational vacation. Bison are not like cows; they are not domestic. They can turn and charge on a dime and give you 9.5 cents in change. |
Many people arrive at the Old Faithful viewing area just minutes after an eruption. So what can you do? You could walk up to Geyser Hill, and you will be able to see Old Faithful from almost everywhere while on the Hill. There is an exhibit hall and bookstore in the Visitor Center. You should absolutely visit the Old Faithful Inn. It is a jaw-dropping experience. Food is available in all buildings but the Visitor Center and the Heritage Center. As you walk around, do several things to keep you and your family safe:
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To read about the
- Firehole River, check out this page.
- Grand Geyser, check out this page.
- Old Faithful, Inn check out this page.
![North Goggle geyser](../Site/images/ugb/northgogglegeyser.jpg)
On September 15, 2018, Ear Spring erupted at 4:49 pm on Geyser Hill for the first time since January 28, 1957. Because all the features on Geyser Hill are interconnected underground, anything unusual can cause things to happen on the Hill. One thing that did happen is North Goggle started erupting every 20 minutes. This is one image I got with a flash at 8:37 pm.