Norris Geyser Basin

May 31, 2024

Norris Geyser Basin’s located near the park’s west entrance, it’s renowned for its acidic hot springs, fumaroles, and geysers. The basin’s divided into two main sections: the Back Basin and the Porcelain Basin.

Norris ranks as Yellowstone National Park’s hottest, oldest and most dynamic thermal area. Making it one of the most extreme environments on the face of the Earth. The highest temperature yet recorded in any geothermal area in Yellowstone’s measured in a scientific drill hole at Norris: 459°F just 1,087 feet below the surface! Most of its thermal features have temperatures above the boiling point 199°F at this elevation

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Norris Geyser Basin is the most acidic geothermal area. The features in the basin change daily due to frequent seismic activity and water fluctuations. Some hot springs here have temperatures exceeding the boiling point and highly acidic pH levels. Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world, can erupt to heights of 300-400 feet (91-122 meters). Its major eruptions are unpredictable, occurring years or even decades apart, though it sometimes enters periods of increased activity with more frequent eruptions.

Norris Geyser Basin stands out not just for its extreme temperatures but also for its vibrant colors, created by a mix of minerals and life forms. The high silica concentration in the hot water gives many features a distinctive milky blue hue, unlike other geothermal areas. Reddish-orange tones are prominent, resulting from toxic iron oxides and arsenic compounds, while cyanobacteria add to the orange coloring. In contrast, the natural springs in Norris often appear emerald green due to the interplay of blue refracted light and yellow sulfur deposits lining the pools.

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Two Main Sections of Basin

The Porcelain Basin of Norris’s characterized by a stark, barren landscape with numerous hot springs and fumaroles. The ground is white due to the presence of siliceous sinter, which gives the basin its name. A 3/4-mile bare ground and boardwalk trail provides access to this area.

The Back Basin is more wooded and features a variety of geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. Notable geysers here include Echinus Geyser and the minute but consistent Constant Geyser. A 1.5-mile trail of boardwalks and bare ground encircles this part of the basin.

The Norris Geyser Basin Museum

The Norris Geyser Basin Museum is a National Historic Landmark. Located near the main parking area for Norris Geyser Basin.

The museum features exhibits that explain the geothermal activity of Norris Geyser Basin and Yellowstone National Park. Interactive displays help visitors understand the science behind geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles.

The museum building’s historically significant, having been constructed in the 1930s as one of the oldest visitor centers in Yellowstone. Designed in the rustic style emblematic of the National Park Service architecture of that era, its distinctive stone-and-log construction set the standard for “parkitecture,” a design approach that has influenced park buildings across the country.

The museum offers resources such as maps, guides, and informational brochures to help visitors explore Norris Geyser Basin and other areas of Yellowstone safely and responsibly.

Essential to be well-prepared

You can explore Norris Geyser Basin via a network of boardwalks and trails. The paths provide access to many of the basin’s geothermal features while protecting the delicate environment.

Due to the unpredictable some nature of the geysers and the fragile environment, it’s important for visitors to stay on designated paths and follow all park regulations.

The basin can be visited year-round, but accessibility may vary depending on the weather. In winter, snow cover may limit access to some areas, but it can also offer a unique and less crowded experience.

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