Grand Geyser
Grand is the most spectacular, because its eruptions consistently reach a height of over 180 feet.
Plan Around Grand Geyser
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Grand Geyser Details
It is really difficult to select a favorite geyser, but to many geyser enthusiasts, Grand is the most spectacular, because its eruptions consistently reach a height of over 180 feet. Many of Yellowstone's tall geysers cannot be predicted. We do post predictions on Grand, but we have to give it a window of plus or minus two hours. The intervals between eruptions typically vary anywhere from around 7 to 12 hours. Grand is a good example of a fountain geyser, where the constriction is actually below a pool of water, and the eruptions occur in a series of bursts and surges. It is almost like watching watery fireworks. A cone geyser, on the other hand, has a constriction near the surface, like Old Faithful, so its eruptions resemble water spewing out of a large hose nozzle. Grand has been a famous geyser ever since it was first documented and named by the Washburn, Langford, Doane Expedition of 1870; however, we can tell that the geyser has not always been active. Note the tall, white, silicified trees standing on the hill behind Grand. The trees were killed over the years as the hot water from Grand's eruptions consistently coated the trees. As we saw earlier, the trees absorb the mineral silica, thus the white color. But how did these trees grow here in the first place? Obviously, Grand had to be dormant for many decades for the trees to grow to that height. As the size of the audience indicates, Grand is a popular attraction. To view an eruption of Grand is truly one of Yellowstone's greatest spectacles. Source: National Park Service, Exploring the Upper Geyser Basin, Orville Bach
Difficulty
Low
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N/A
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Nearby Parks Around Grand Geyser
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Grand Geyser
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Grand Geyser while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Scalloped Spring
The water level has obviously dropped over the years, most likely due from an earthquake.
0.1 mi away
Belgian Pool
In 1929, a gentleman from Belgium was visiting here, and fell into this pool.
0.1 mi away
Sawmill
This feature is a geyser, not merely a hot spring, due to the biscuit like mineral deposits.
0.1 mi away
Skeleton Trees
Over many years, thermal waters have flowed, not only killing the trees, but preserving them.
0.1 mi away
South Scalloped Spring
Named for the ornate mineral formations along the edge of the pool.
