Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world. Its major eruptions shoot water more than 300 feet (91 meters). It’s located in the Norris Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park.
Steamboat’s minor and major eruptions are entirely unpredictable. Eruptions have occurred with intervals ranging from just a few days to over 50 years. Steamboat Geyser had long periods of dormancy, including a 50-year gap between eruptions from 1911 to 1961. Some scientists believe this rejuvenation was a direct result of thermal energy shifts caused by the 1959 earthquake. In recent years, it has seen more frequent activity. Since 2018, Steamboat Geyser has been particularly active, with dozens of major eruptions occurring each year.
Major eruptions can last anywhere from 3 to 40 minutes. Once the water supply is exhausted, the geyser continues with a powerful steam phase lasting for several hours or even days.
The geyser experiences both major and minor eruptions. Minor eruptions are more frequent but much smaller in scale.
Visitors can view Steamboat Geyser from a boardwalk that safely leads through the Norris Geyser Basin. The Norris Geyser Basin is easily accessible from the Grand Loop Road, a main thoroughfare in Yellowstone National Park.
Due to the unpredictable nature of the geyser and the potential for scalding water, visitors are advised to stay on designated trails and boardwalks. And follow all park regulations.
Visiting Steamboat Geyser offers a rare opportunity to see one of nature’s most powerful and awe-inspiring phenomena.
