Editor’s Note: Most attractions in Wyoming are temporarily shuttered due to the threat of COVID-19. Please consider adding the below to your calendar on a future date, when it’s safe to gather and celebrate with friends and family once more.
The most famous geyser in the world, Old Faithful, draws thousands of visitors each day to Yellowstone National Park. People stay nearby just for a chance to watch her erupt, and she truly puts on a show once every hour-and-a-half or so! However, if you’re looking for a geyser that’s worth a view without the massive crowds, check out Steamboat Geyser. The Washington Post recently pointed out that it’s one of the most underrated thermal features in the world.
You’ll find Steamboat Geyser tucked away in the back basin area of Norris Geyser Basin.
Flickr / Rennett Stowe
Though Steamboat doesn’t erupt nearly as regularly as Old Faithful, when it does, it’s the tallest and most powerful active geyser in the world!
Flickr / Malcolm Manners
The geyser’s two vents are located about 20 feet apart. The southern vent is certainly an impressive feature, but it’s the northern vent that has the tallest eruptions.
Flickr / James St. John
Steamboat’s major eruptions can shoot scalding water up to 300 feet high! They generally last from between 3 and 40 minutes, but occasionally continue for more than an hour.
Flickr / James St. John
The geyser erupts in two phases - first, the impressive water phase. Then, a steam phase seems to release a ton of vapor into the basin for all to see. The steam phase lasts for up to 48 hours.
Flickr / James St. John
Minor eruptions of 10-20 feet are much more common than the more powerful, record-breaking ones.
Wikimedia Commons
Visitors to the Norris Geyser Basin need to have a little luck to catch the Steamboat eruption. While 2018-2019 was a particularly active period with more than 40 eruptions, Steamboat doesn’t keep a regular schedule and can go dormant for years.
Flickr / Joseph Illingworth
Be sure to check in with the park service’s Geyser Activity website, here so you can plan a trip out to the basin when you’re most likely to see enormous eruptions and enjoy our most famous thermal features.
Flickr / Rennett Stowe
Flickr / Malcolm Manners
Flickr / James St. John
Wikimedia Commons
Flickr / Joseph Illingworth
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Address: Norris Geyser Basin, Wyoming 82190, USA
