The Midway Geyser Basin at Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) may be small compared to the other thermal area in the park, but the effect is bigger because of the the most photographed, powerful thermal hot spring, the Grand Prismatic spring. The spectacular Grand Prismatic spring is the largest hot spring in the United States, and the third largest in the world. Its rainbow colored waters are what really make it so special. The cerulean hue in the center of the pool is pretty astonishing and the bright red, yellow and orange surrounding the edges make it even more spectacular. Expect a crowd and try to visit around 10 am during the cooler months to avoid fog in the morning.
These photos are from our two day trip to Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service) in late August 2012.
View of Lower Geyser Basin from Grand Loop Road 
Lone Bison 
Lower Geyser Basin from Grand Loop Road 
Grand Loop Road from West Entrance 
View of Lower Geyser Basin from Grand Loop Road 
Steam from the Midway Geyser Basin 
Runoff from Excelsior Geyser to Firehole River at Midway Geyser Basin 
Hot springs steaming, Midway Geyser Basin 
Runoff from Excelsior Geyser to Firehole River at Midway Geyser Basin 
Midway Geyser Basin 
Grand Prismatic Spring 
Grand Prismatic Spring 
Steam above Grand Prismatic Spring 
Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin 
Steam above Grand Prismatic Spring 
Turquoise Pool 
Excelsior Geyser 
A small geyser erupting with white steam and water spray
Best Things To Do
Midway Geyser Basin Trail: This short 0.8 mile loop boardwalk leads to two of the largest geothermal features in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Prismatic Spring & Excelsior Geyser. The trail begins from the Grand Prismatic Spring parking lot, then leads along the Firehole River to the bridge where you will get excellent views of the runoff from the Excelsior Geyser. If you go clockwise on the loop, the boardwalk takes you first to the Excelsior Geyser, then the spectacular Grand Prismatic Spring, next the Opal Pool, and finally, the Turquoise Pool.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Norris Geyser Basin – National Park Service
- West Thumb Basin and the South – National Park Service
- Canyon Village and Grand Canyon – National Park Service
- Monmouth Hot Spring and the North – National Park Service
- Old Faithful and Upper geyser Basin – National Park Service
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