Norris Geyser Basin – Yellowstone’s Hottest, Oldest, and Most Active Basin

If Yellowstone is a land of fire and water, Norris Geyser Basin is its most extreme showcase. Known as the hottest and most active geothermal area in the park, Norris is a place of constant change. The ground hisses, steam billows, and geysers erupt unpredictably, creating an otherworldly landscape that feels both beautiful and dangerous.

What Makes Norris Geyser Basin Unique?

Norris is not only Yellowstone’s hottest basin but also its oldest, with hydrothermal activity that dates back at least 115,000 years. Temperatures just below the surface can exceed 459°F (237°C), hotter than anywhere else in the park. The acidity here is also extreme, with some springs rivaling battery acid in strength.

This unique combination of heat and chemistry makes Norris home to unusual thermal features—and to the world’s tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser.

Highlights of Norris Geyser Basin

Norris is divided into two main sections, each with its own personality:

Porcelain Basin

• A surreal, steaming plain covered in milky-blue pools and sizzling vents.
• Features like Crackling Lake and Whirligig Geyser add to the alien feel.
• Boardwalks wind across the barren, colorful terrain with wide open views.

Back Basin

• A forested area with scattered geysers and springs, each with its own quirks.
• Steamboat Geyser: The tallest active geyser in the world, erupting up to 300 feet high (though intervals are highly unpredictable).
• Emerald Spring: A stunning pool with brilliant green-blue waters.
• Cistern Spring: Connected to Steamboat—when Steamboat erupts, Cistern drains.

Best Times to Visit Norris

• Morning: Cooler air makes steam more dramatic.
• Afternoon: Sunlight brings out vibrant colors in the pools.
• All Seasons: Norris changes constantly—features may shift from one visit to the next.

Things to Do at Norris Geyser Basin

• Boardwalk Walks: 2+ miles of boardwalks loop through Porcelain and Back Basin.
• Visit Steamboat Geyser: You might catch a major eruption—or at least a smaller, frequent burst.
• Photography: Steam, colors, and textures make for striking shots.
• Ranger Talks: Often held at the basin, giving insights into its volatile features.

Tips for Visiting Norris

• Stay on Boardwalks: The ground is dangerously thin and unstable.
• Expect Strong Smells: Sulfur is powerful here—prepare for a “rotten egg” scent.
• Bring Water & Sun Protection: Boardwalks are exposed with little shade.
• Check Road Conditions: The area is often cooler and can get snow early or late in the season.
• Be Patient: Steamboat Geyser’s major eruptions are unpredictable, but minor eruptions happen often.

Quick Facts

• Location: Northwestern Yellowstone, near Norris Junction
• Known For: Hottest geothermal basin in the park, tallest active geyser on Earth
• Features: Steamboat Geyser, Emerald Spring, Porcelain Basin
• Trails: Boardwalks through both Porcelain and Back Basin, about 2–3 miles total

Why Norris Geyser Basin Belongs on Your Itinerary

Norris is Yellowstone at its wildest. The ground steams, the air smells of sulfur, and the landscape seems to shift and change before your eyes. Whether you’re hoping to witness the raw power of Steamboat Geyser or simply want to walk through an alien world of boiling water and colorful springs, Norris is unforgettable.

It’s Yellowstone’s most unpredictable and fiery basin—an essential stop for any visitor.