Geyser Basins & Thermal Features
Norris Geyser Basin is one of the most thermaly active and diverse geyser basins in Yellowstone. Norris is comprised of two sections, the Back Basin and Porcelain Basin. These two boardwalks lead you across eeire landscapes of hot water and steam. Hundreds of tremors, most of which are too small to be felt by people, happen here every year, constantly changing the characteristics of the geyser basin. New springs and geysers form while others become less active or become dormant altogether.
Steamboat, the largest active geyser in the world resides here in the Back Basin of the Norris area. When Steamboat erupts it can shoot water over 300 ft. into the air (that's as tall as the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River). Although very impressive when it does erupt, Steamboat is far from predictable, with intervals between eruptions lasting up to 50 years. There is also an easy one mile trail that will get you back and forth from Norris Geyser Basin to Norris Campground and the Ranger Museum. With hundreds of hotsprings, geysers and mudpots of all colors, shapes and sizes, you will definitely enjoy a stroll through the Norris Geyser Basin on your trip to Yellowstone.
Pick up a Norris Geyser Basin Trail Guide at any visitor center so you can read about all the different features around Norris Geyser Basin. |
