Prismatic Spring

This is absolutely my most favorite site in Yellowstone National Park. The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United State and the third largest in the world! The Prismatic is filled with extremely hot water that travels 121 feet from a crack in the earth to reach the surface. But there is more than just Prismatic. At the entrance a visitor passes by Excelsior Geysor, which at one time erupted to heights of 300 feet. It has had long periods of dormancy but erupted over two days in 1985. There are two smaller hot springs, Opal and Turquoise. Visitors walk on a boardwalk loop that lets them get up close to the thermal activity. From the boardwalk one can see the spring in parts, brilliant colors and pattern along with colorful steam. The colors change with light changes, wind and clouds. To see Prismatic Springs from above one must use the path that goes to Fairy Falls. This new half mile path was opened in 2017, climbs 105 feet and provides a safe fantastic view of the full Prismatic Spring.

The outer edge of Excelsior Geyser.

I believe this is Opal Spring.

I believe this is Turquoise Spring.

This is Turquoise Spring.

A hot spring on the path to the overlook.

Turquoise Spring.

Thermal Drama at Yellowstone

Several years Tom and I drove through Yellowstone in just one day. I was not impressed. It appeared to be just one huge area filled with steaming ‘blisters’, rotting eggs and danger. When we returned this past spring I was determined to better understand why everyone else loved the first National Park. After 4 full days photographing the park, I get it!! I was joined for two of those days by Diane Kaiser, a wonderful and experienced photo-friend.

The resources to better understand and appreciate Yellowstone are abundant and easily accessible so I will not offer much more here. Rather, enjoy some randomized images of the days spent walking in one of the most amazing places on this planet.

Firehole River Loop

Yellowstone National Park is actually an active supervolcano.

Firehole River Loop

While one does not see volcanic eruptions of a traditional nature, the bubbling geysers and hot springs are an indication of the churning activity below the surface

Porcelain Geyser Basin

Norris Back Geyser Basin

Mammoth Springs Upper Loop

Porcelain Geyser Basin

Mammoth Upper Loop

Porcelain Geyser Basin

Old Faithful

Porcelain Geyser Basin

Norris Back Geyser Basin

Porcelain Geyser Basin

Wooden path in parts of Norris Back Geyser Basin.

Norris Back Geyser Basin

Mammoth Travertine Terraces

Close up of Mammoth Travertine Terraces. Notice water dripping from the icicle features.

Mammoth Upper Loop

Porcelain Geyser Basin

You may be wondering where are the photographs of Prismatic Springs? We took so many interesting photographs in just that one site that I am dedicating one blog to just that incredible photogenic site. Stay tuned.