Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is one truly fascinating geothermal area and a 100-percent must-visit. Steaming geysers, bubbling hot springs, and ever-changing landscape – Norris has it all!

It is unique even by Yellowstone standards. Norris is the hottest, most acidic, and oldest thermal basin in the park, with numerous natural marvels right around almost every corner, in places where you least expect them.

Let us now dig deeper into what makes Norris Geyser Basin so special and why millions of visitors flock here every year.

What Makes Norris Geyser Basin Special?

Norris Geyser Basin stands out because of its extreme geothermal activity, even by Yellowstone standards. It is a place where the earth is alive and always active: constantly hissing, bubbling, and erupting.

Below, we will list just a few Norris-specific features that make it stand out:

• Hottest Temperatures in Yellowstone: The highest surface temperature ever recorded in Yellowstone was 280°F (138°C) at Norris. It is even hotter underground, with temperatures of 464°F (240°C) at 1,086 feet deep;
• Oldest Geothermal Features: Geothermal activity at Norris has been ongoing for more than 115,000 years, predating the last Ice Age. Some scientists believe the basin may have been active for 150,000 years.
• Most Acidic Waters: Norris is home to the world's largest acidic geyser, Echinus Geyser. It has a pH of 3-4, similar to vinegar!
• Most Dynamic Basin: Norris is constantly evolving. Geysers and springs change rapidly, sometimes in just a few hours. Some features vanish, while new ones suddenly appear.

If you're looking for a place showcasing Yellowstone's supervolcano's raw power, Norris Geyser Basin would be hands down our ultimate choice.

Top Things to See at Norris Geyser Basin

Norris is divided into two main areas: Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. Each basin offers its own unique share of sights and experiences. Let us name just a few.

Porcelain Basin

Porcelain Basin is a dazzling, open area that looks positively otherworldly.

Its ground is white from silica deposits, with pools shimmering in various shades of green, blue, and yellow. It is loud, too -- hissing vents and roaring steams are all over the place!

Here is a by no means exhaustive list of the must-see features of Porcelain Basin.

Porcelain Springs: Sometimes full of water and some other times completely dry; these are dynamic and constantly changing springs. The colors of the water shift with the light, too, creating a unique picture every time you look at them.

Hurricane Vent: This vent roars as it blasts steam, creating a deafening sound we can only compare to a jet engine when you stand close enough (unrelated recommendation – Do not do that!)

Whirligig Geyser: This geyser swirls and churns, spilling water into a runoff channel that glows orange and green from minerals and algae.

Crackling Lake: As its name suggests, this hot pool makes crackling sounds as gas bubbles pop and burst at the surface.

Walking through Porcelain Basin feels like exploring a sci-fi movie set.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk on another planet?

This might be the closest you'll get!

Back Basin

Back Basin is tucked into the woods and has a more secluded and mysterious vibe. It is home to Norris's biggest superstars, including the world's tallest geyser.

Here are the top highlights of Back Basin.

Steamboat Geyser: The crown jewel of Norris, Steamboat holds the record as the tallest active geyser in the world. Some eruptions can shoot water over 300 feet (91 meters) into the air.

Major eruptions are relatively rare and pretty unpredictable. Smaller eruptions, however, vary in height and intensity and occur quite frequently.

Fun Fact: In 2018, Steamboat erupted 32 times. It is the most ever recorded in one year!

Echinus Geyser: The world's largest acidic geyser, Echinus erupts with reddish-orange water, which is as acidic as vinegar. It used to erupt regularly, but now its activity is unpredictable.

Emerald Spring: This vibrant green pool gets its color from blue water reflecting the yellow sulfur lining on its walls.

Cistern Spring: This spring has an underground connection to Steamboat Geyser. When the Steamboat erupts, the Cistern drains completely, revealing its intricate basin to those lucky enough to observe that.

Minute Geyser: Once erupting every 60 seconds, this geyser's activity was reduced after early visitors clogged its vent with rocks. This is a sad reminder of why we must protect Yellowstone's fragile ecosystems.

The Back Basin trail is unpredictable (in a good way) and is filled with surprises. One moment, you hear a quiet bubbling spring; the next, you see a geyser blasting into the sky. No step along the Back Basin trail is the same.

What will you discover?

 

Fun Facts Galore

If you love numbers and trivia, here are some interesting facts about Norris Geyser Basin:

World Records: Steamboat Geyser's eruptions can reach over 300 feet, three times taller than Old Faithful.

Volcanic Power: Norris is located over a fault line and the Yellowstone Caldera, which is why it's so active. Earthquakes often trigger changes in geysers and springs here.

Unpredictable Geysers: Norris has more than 70 geysers, but few are predictable.

Colorful Chemistry: The stunning colors of Norris's pools come from heat-loving microorganisms called thermophiles, as well as minerals like sulfur and iron.

Seasonal Disturbances: Every summer, Norris experiences so-called "seasonal disturbances," where springs boil harder, pools change color, and new features form. Scientists believe this happens due to the mixing of water and gas that occurs underground.

Tips for Visiting Norris Geyser Basin

To make the most of your visit to Norris Geyser Basin, we would like to share a couple of tips with you.

Allocate two to three hours: The boardwalk trails cover about 2.25 miles (3.6 km). Take your time to explore both Porcelain and Back Basins.

Stay on the boardwalk: The ground at Norris is fragile and dangerous. Falling through could result in severe burns (or worse).

Bring water and sun protection: The geothermal heat adds several degrees to the air temperature – it will feel hotter inside the basin area than outside.

Visit early or late: Norris can get crowded in the middle of the day. Mornings and evenings are quieter and cooler.

Stop by the museum: The Norris Museum near the entrance to the basin area has excellent exhibits on the geology and history of the basin.