Exploring Norris Geyser Basin

Visitors exploring Norris Geyser Basin with steam rising from geothermal features. — Discover the steaming wonders of Norris Geyser Basin as visitors walk among Yellowstone’s geothermal features.

Norris is split into two distinct areas connected by boardwalks:

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Porcelain Basin

Wide-open, lunar-like terrain with steaming vents and bubbling pools.
Known for its stark beauty and sweeping views.
Features include Whirligig Geyser, Congress Pool, and constantly steaming vents that hiss from the ground.

Back Basin

Wooded, winding trails where geysers erupt among the trees.
Home to Steamboat Geyser, Emerald Spring, and Cistern Spring (which drains when Steamboat erupts).
More intimate and mysterious than the open Porcelain Basin.

Visitors walking on a bridge walkway with steam rising from a Yellowstone geyser below. — Cross the bridge walkway and witness geyser steam rising, showcasing Yellowstone’s geothermal power up close.

Best Times to Visit Norris

Morning: Cooler temperatures make steam plumes more dramatic.
Midday: Colors in the pools shine brightest under sunlight.
Anytime: Norris is volatile and unpredictable—every visit is different.

Things to Do at Norris Geyser Basin

Walk the Boardwalks: About 2–3 miles of trails between the two basins.
Watch Steamboat Geyser: Even minor eruptions are worth seeing.
Photography: Great contrasts between steaming vents, colorful pools, and stark landscapes.
Ranger Programs: Seasonal talks explain Norris’s unique geology and ecology.

Visitors walking along a wooden walkway with steam rising, a hill, and forest in the background. — Stroll along Yellowstone’s wooden walkways as steam rises from geothermal features, set against forested hills.

Tips for Visiting Norris

Stay on Boardwalks: The crust is thin and dangerous—never step off the paths.
Expect Sulfur Smells: The air is strong with “rotten egg” scents.
Bring Water & Sun Protection: Much of the area is exposed.
Allow Time: Norris deserves at least 1–2 hours to explore both basins.
Parking: The lot fills quickly in summer—arrive early or later in the day.

Quick Facts

Location: Northwest Yellowstone, near Norris Junction
Famous For: Steamboat Geyser (tallest active geyser in the world)
Boardwalk Distance: 2–3 miles total
Notable Features: Porcelain Basin, Back Basin, Emerald Spring, Cistern Spring
Elevation: 7,500 feet

Several people standing on a trail looking down at a geyser in Yellowstone. — Visitors observe the power of a Yellowstone geyser from a scenic trail above.

Why Norris Geyser Basin Belongs on Your Itinerary

Norris is Yellowstone at its most untamed—volatile, fiery, and always changing. Whether you’re marveling at the alien landscape of Porcelain Basin or holding your breath waiting for Steamboat to erupt, this is one stop that truly shows the park’s geothermal power.

Norris Geyser Basin is Yellowstone’s wild card—unpredictable, dramatic, and unforgettable. Visit the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Mega Hub