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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Tours to Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring reviews
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We visited the boardwalk area in the morning and there was too much fog/steam to see the colors. The parking lot is small for the popularity of this area. Many people parked on the side of the main...
We visited the boardwalk area in the morning and there was too much fog/steam to see the colors. The parking lot is small for the popularity of this area. Many people parked on the side of the main... more »
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Experiencing nature's magic is a joy in viewing this wonder. Color changing ponds with bands of minerals spreading out create a magical experience watching the earth modify itself.
Experiencing nature's magic is a joy in viewing this wonder. Color changing ponds with bands of minerals spreading out create a magical experience watching the earth modify itself. more »
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Recommend getting there around 9am, hike to the falls passed the springs. By the time you return the morning mist and the like will have burned off and the view of the spring will be best. The colors are just as the pics show, very vibrant and unique. We even saw a bison and other wildlife which was a bonus.
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Arrive early before the crowds, otherwise you will be hard pressed to get a parking spot! Also be aware however that if you visit during cooler times of the day, steam from the hot springs May obstruct your view of the colorful pools. There are multiple pools and geysers along this single boardwalk, each with unique colors and depth. The entire boardwalk is wheelchair and stroller friendly, however it is a little bumpy! You can also view Grand Prismatic from a hiking trail to the south that winds up the mountain to give you a view from higher up.
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