Introduction:
What? :
Norris Geyser Basin is one of Yellowstone's main locations to see up close the power and beauty of geyser thermal activities., Norris Geyser Basin is known as the hottest and most changeable thermal area in the park. Countless steam vents, bubbling pools, hot water flows and landscapes painted in colors.
If you only have time for one other major thermal area outside of Old Faithful, I do recommend visiting the Norris area.
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Where? :
Norris Geyser Basin is located along the Grand Loop Road at Norris Junction in the western part of Yellowstone National Park.
It sits roughly halfway between Mammoth Hot Springs and Canyon Village.
Distance and driving time from other park central locations:
30 miles north (1 hr drive) of Old Faithful.
28 miles east from (50 min drive) West Yellowstone.
12 miles west (25 min drive) of Canyon Village.
19 miles south (30 min drive) of Mammoth Hot Springs.
When? :
The park is open year round, but the journey to get here and the surrounding scenery change dramatically between summer and winter.
For most people, late May to September is the ideal time to visit here.
My personal recommendations are to visit Yellowstone National Park during the month of September.
The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.
Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.
Summer:
This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)
All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive right to any destination within the park.
It is very crowded here during the summer months. Traffic jams, slow drive and challenges with finding parking spots.
Days are usually warm (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
All hotels, lodges and campgrounds are open, high price and reservation need many months in advance.
Fall:
Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.
Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.
Winter:
Winter (Mid-December to Mid-March) transforms the park into a quiet, magical, snow-covered land.
The geyser's steam plumes are enormous.
Crowds are minimal.
Most interior park roads are closed to regular cars. You must travel into the park by a guided snowcoach or on a permitted snowmobile tour.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone in the winter, you will need to book a tour from one of the gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs (which is accessible by private vehicle year-round via the North Entrance).
The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.
You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.
Only the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and its cabins are open for overnight stays.
Spring:
Spring is a very short season in Yellowstone, practically in May and early June.
Some roads start to get open during end of April
Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.
Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
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Tips and inputs:
Due note 1:
It is an extremely popular stop, especially during the summer high season. Although there is a large parking lot expect a full and busy parking area. Overflow parking on the main road is often used.
Try to arrive early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or late in the afternoon/early evening to avoid the peak crowds and the heat of the midday sun. The cooler morning and evening temperatures also create more dramatic steam effects.
My recommendation is to come here late in the afternoon, 2 hours before sunset. You will have a lot less people on the boardwalk and it will be easy to find a parking spot.
Due note 2:
There are not so many facilities here.
A small Norris Geyser Basin Museum and Information Station: Built in the 1930s, offers exhibits on the geothermal features and history of the area. It also houses a small bookstore.
There are no restaurants, cafeterias, or overnight lodging options at Norris Geyser Basin.
Bring your own snacks, light food and water.
Due note 3:
Modern restroom facilities are located near the main parking area. There are no facilities once you are out on the boardwalk trails.
Due note 4:
Stay on the Boardwalk and formal trails: This is the most crucial rule in any thermal area. The ground around the features is extremely fragile, often only a thin crust over boiling, acidic water. Stepping off the boardwalk can result in severe, even fatal, burns.
Due note 5:
Bring with you water, snacks or light food.
Due note 6:
Dress in Layers: Yellowstone's weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cool temperatures. The walk and trails are exposed to the sun so bring a hat, use sunscreen and use sunglasses.
Due note 7:
In Norris basin you can clearly smell the distinctive "rotten egg" of hydrogen sulfide gas, which is a common part of the thermal activity.
My thoughts:
I came here late in the afternoon and the area was not crowded at all.
I really enjoy my time here, walking and seeing all the pools and springs.
Steamboat Geyser did not erupt but it was still very active.
After my visit here I drive to the nearby Gibbon Meadows Area, and watch bison and the sunset.
The visit:
Norris Geyser Basin is a relatively large area of geyser and thermal activity and the only way to explore it is by walking along the designated trails and raised wooden boardwalks.
The basin is divided into two distinct areas, Porcelain Basin and Back Basin.
Plan to spend about two to three hours to fully explore both loops.
1. Porcelain Basin:
This area is visually stunning, characterized by a large open treeless landscape of white or pale yellow ground. The white color is due to the high silica concentration in the water.
It features numerous hot springs, colorful runoff channels, and fumaroles (steam vents).
From the high area of the boardwalk, right near the small visitor center, there is a panoramic view of the entire basin. Keep an eye out for geysers activity and a variety of colorful pools.
2. Back Basin:
The Back Basin features trails that wind through a mixed forested and open area, with individual geysers and hot springs scattered all over the area.
This basin is home to the world's tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser (can exceed 300 feet). Its major eruptions are unpredictable and often separated by years; it is relatively active and the constant steam and smaller eruption from its vent. You will also see many beautiful springs and pools.
Visit recommendation:
My recommendation is to do the Full Norris Loop walk, tackling the entire circuit which combines both basins.
This will be an easy 3 miles hike with some descent and ascent.
From the museum start with viewing the Porcelain Basin area and then turn right on the boardwalk going down.
The boardwalk crosses Porcelain Basin to its far side and makes a loop back to the direction of the visitor center. Here, turn right, the trail crosses a forested area and reach another boardwalk entering the Back Basin area.
Walk on the boardwalk and turn right (straight) on the junction and to the longer far loop.
If you take left you will cut the loop and arrive directly to the Steamboat Geyser area.
I do recommend doing the longer loop, you will see many hot pools with different shapes and colors.
The Green Dragon Spring, Chinus Geyser and Cistern Spring are the most impressive of them in my view.
Now you will climb to the Steamboat Geyser small viewing platform, there is a sign with the date of the last large eruption.
The geyser vent is active with a lot of steam and some small water spitting. All the area is covered with white calcium rocks.
From here the trail crosses the forest, passes near Emerald Spring with its turquoise color, turn right and soon after you will reach back to the small visitor center.
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