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Norris Geyser Basin is one of the largest thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park. It is the most powerful, oldest, and hottest thermal basin. It is a totally different experience when you stroll through this thermal area because of the smell, sound, and color. The Norris Geyser Basin is the home for the Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. The total 2.9 mile boardwalk loop is mostly flat and good for all skill levels.

These photos are from our two day trip to Yellowstone National park in late August 2012.

Best Things To Do

• Porcelain Basin Trail: This less than a mile loop boardwalk takes you to various hot springs with different colors, distinct odors, and divergent sounds. Porcelain Basin is a barren area, but its rainbow colored pungent odored hot springs and hissing steams are amazing. Try to visit early in the morning to have the best lighting and more elbow room. The peekaboo between the morning sunlight and stream make the hike truly magical. Stay on boardwalks and marked trails in thermal areas. Use only open and designated trails and avoid going too close to hot springs, steam vents, and cracks in thermal area

• Back Basin Trail: This is a 2 mile loop boardwalk in Norris Geyser Basin that takes you to numerous hot springs and geysers. Unlike the Porcelain Basin, the Back Basin is heavily wooded area. This trail features the world’s largest active geyser Steamboat Geyser and you have to be very lucky to see Steamboat at full strength. The deep blue color Emerald spring is very close to Norris Geyser Basin Museum as well

• Norris museum: Visit Norris museum to witness exhibits of the origins of the geothermal features found at the Norris Geyser Basin

Other Nearby Attractions

• Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin
• Midway Geyser Basin
• West Thumb Basin and the South
• Canyon Village and Grand Canyon
• Monmouth Hot Spring and the North