Pinwheel Geyser in Yellowstone National Park

Pinwheel Geyser

This geyser is best known for the spiraling veins of colorful, temperature sensitive algae.

Plan Around Pinwheel Geyser

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to tripView park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Pinwheel Geyser Details

Located in the northern part of Norris Geyser Basin, this geyser is best known for the spiraling veins of colorful, temperature sensitive algae that make some of the brilliant patterns in the basin. The green colors are the result of acid-loving thermophiles, or bacterium, while the reds are due to iron oxidation. Visible from the overlook near Whirligig Geyser, this geyser has not erupted for many years, but is still worth a visit.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Pinwheel Geyser

Compare nearby parks around Pinwheel Geyser when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

22.6 mi away

Yellowstone

National Park · WY

74.3 mi away

Grand Teton

National Park · WY

304.9 mi away

Glacier

National Park · MT

377.0 mi away

Theodore Roosevelt

National Park · ND

399.1 mi away

Rocky Mountain

National Park · CO

426.0 mi away

Arches

National Park · UT

Nearby Points of Interest Around Pinwheel Geyser

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Pinwheel Geyser while the map context is still fresh.

0.1 mi away

Constant Geyser

This unpredictable geyser erupts anywhere between 5 and 30 feet in the air.

0.1 mi away

Ledge Geyser

The second largest geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin.

0.1 mi away

Porcelain Basin

Pulsating Porcelain Basin is alive with steam and boiling water.

0.2 mi away

Norris Geyser Basin Museum

Flush toilets are available at the museum.

0.2 mi away

Norris Geyser Basin Museum

The museum is housed in a classic "parkitecture" stone and log building.