Let's talk numbers.

• There are 900+ active geysers in the WORLD.
• Yellowstone is home to over 500 of those 900+ geysers so over half of the world's geysers.
• On the other hand, the Upper Geyser Basin (UGB) is home to 150 active geysers or a little over 25% of Yellowstone's geysers.
• Geyser Hill, which is in the UGB across the Firehole River from Old Faithful Geyser, holds 50 of the UGB's geysers.

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:

• a vital river, Firehole River
• 5 of 6 predicted Geysers: Old Faithful, Castle, Grand, Daisy, and Riverside Geysers
• the tallest predicted geyser in the world, Grand Geyser
• the historic Old Faithful Inn
• and Beehive Geyser

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:

• The Old Faithful loop, about 3/4 of a mile, has two low-grade hills. You will be walking around Old Faithful. You get a good view of the Beehive Geyser across the Firehole River. See Chinese Spring, East Chinese Spring, and Blue Star Pool. You will also see the lovely runoff areas from Geyser Hill.
• Geyser Hill is 1.3 miles walking from the Visitor Center and back. There you find 50 of the UGB 150 geysers. Home to Beehive Geyser, Lion Group, Doublet Pool, Anemone Geyser and many more. It has some ups and downs, but none that are bad. From my perspective as a senior citizen, the challenging section is the hill down to the river and back up on the other side of the river at Geyser Hill. Take it slow. Don't hesitate to take rest breaks; take the hills at your own speed.
• The back section contains four of the five predictable geysers. At the far end, you will see the Morning Glory Pool. You will walk by Giant Geyser, which is the second tallest and most voluminous geyser in the world.
• Observation Point walk is considered a strenuous walk. It is a 1/2-mile hike to Observation Point from the Old Faithful bridge over the Firehole River. Plan to start up so you have enough time to be up at the Point when Old Faithful erupts. You will also get a great view of the inn and the south part of the basin. You can return the way you came up or continue through the woods, pass Solitary Geyser, and come out on Geyser Hill.

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:

• Be observant and stay back from the animals. No feeding, turning your back on them, harassing them, and backing away if they come your way.
• Carry enough water for everyone in your party and drink it. It gets hotter than you think.
• Be aware that boardwalks and asphalt can get up to 160°F (71°C) if not hotter, especially in July and August.
• Stay on the boardwalks regardless of what is going on. You can fall into 200°F water or break through fragile ground.