At nearly 113 m (370 ft) across and 37 m (121 ft) deep, Grand Prismatic Spring holds the title of the largest hot spring in America and one of the largest in the world. A premier attraction at Yellowstone National Park, the spring's fame traces back to early explorers and fur trappers who first noted it in the early 1800s. The boiling pool constantly steams and bubbles, with its vivid, rainbow-like appearance--the result of pigmented bacteria. To get a close-up view, walk along the park's boardwalk, which leads to a route close to the water's edge. Stay on the path, as the high temperatures of the pool can be dangerous. Plan to visit Grand Prismatic Spring and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Yellowstone National Park attractions using our Yellowstone National Park travel route app.
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Grand Prismatic Spring reviews
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Somehow in my previous 3 trips, I had never been here. On this trip, we hiked the lower trail next to the spring and realized that was not the best view. We could see people on a trail up above... more »
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This is the granddaddy of the springs. The rainbow colored giant spring was beautiful to behold. So much that we came back for a second look on the last day of the trip, and encountered a... more »
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Amazing place! One of the world’s largest and deepest hot springs. Beautiful!
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There is a hike to a top overlook that is highly recommend. Wonderful colors. Amazing.
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